UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 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): March 5, 2014
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Delaware | 000-26489 | 48-1090909 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300, San Diego, California |
92108 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(877) 445-4581
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
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):
¨ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Item 1.01. | Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
On March 5, 2014, Encore Capital Group, Inc. (the Company) offered $140.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the Firm Notes) in a private placement. On March 6, 2014, the initial purchasers of the Firm Notes exercised their option to purchase an additional $21.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Companys 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the Additional Notes and, together with the Firm Notes, the Notes). The Notes are the Companys senior unsecured obligations, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Midland Credit Management, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the Guarantor). The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated March 11, 2014 (the Indenture), among the Company, the Guarantor and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee. The Indenture includes customary terms and covenants, including certain events of default after which the Notes may be due and payable immediately.
The Notes will mature on March 15, 2021, unless earlier repurchased or converted. The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 2.875% per year payable semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2014. The Notes will be convertible at the option of the noteholders prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding September 15, 2020 only upon satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods, and on or after September 15, 2020, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately prior to maturity regardless of these conditions. The Company may satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of the Companys common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Companys common stock, at the Companys election. The conversion rate for the Notes will initially be 16.8386 shares per $1,000 principal amount, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $59.39 per share of common stock. The initial conversion price of the Notes represents a premium of approximately 25% to the $47.51 per share closing price of the Companys common stock on March 5, 2014.
A copy of the Indenture (including the form of the Note) is attached as an exhibit to this report and is incorporated herein by reference (and this description is qualified in its entirety by reference to such document).
In connection with the pricing of the Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the Base Capped Call Transactions) with one or more of the initial purchasers (or their affiliates) and one or more other financial institutions (the Option Counterparties). On March 6, 2014, in connection with the initial purchasers exercise of their option to purchase the Additional Notes, the Company entered into additional privately negotiated capped call transactions (the Additional Capped Call Transactions and, together with the Base Capped Call Transactions, the Capped Call Transactions). The Capped Call Transactions cover, collectively, the number of shares of the Companys common stock underlying the Notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the Notes. The cost of the Capped Call Transactions was approximately $19.5 million.
The Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution and/or offset the cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount upon conversion of the Notes in the event that the market price of the Companys common stock is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions (which initially corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the Capped Call Transactions), with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap based on the cap price of the Capped Call Transactions. The cap price of the capped call transactions will initially be $83.1425 per share, which represents a premium of approximately 75% over the last reported sale price of the Companys common stock on March 5, 2014, and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transactions.
The Capped Call Transactions are separate transactions, in each case, entered into by the Company with the Option Counterparties, and are not part of the terms of the Notes and will not affect any holders rights under the Notes. Holders of the Notes will not have any rights with respect to the Capped Call Transactions.
The foregoing description of the Capped Call Transactions is qualified in its entirety by the copies of the confirmations for the Base Capped Call Transactions and the Additional Capped Call Transactions, which are attached as exhibits to this report and incorporated herein by reference.
The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes were approximately $155.7 million, after deducting the initial purchasers discounts and the estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company used approximately $19.5 million of the net proceeds from this offering to pay the cost of the Capped Call Transactions and intends to use the remainder of the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including working capital.
Item 2.03. | Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. |
The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 3.02. | Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities. |
The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company offered and sold the Notes to the initial purchasers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and for resale by the initial purchasers to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Company relied on these exemptions from registration based in part on representations made by the initial purchasers in the Purchase Agreement.
To the extent that any shares of common stock are issued upon conversion of the Notes, they will be issued in transactions anticipated to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act by virtue of Section 3(a)(9) thereof, because no commission or other remuneration is expected to be paid in connection with conversion of the Notes and any resulting issuance of shares of common stock.
Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
4.1 | Indenture, dated as of March 11, 2014, by and between Encore Capital Group, Inc., Midland Credit Management, Inc., as guarantor, and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee | |
10.1 | Letter Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Citibank, N.A. and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction | |
10.2 | Letter Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Credit Suisse International and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction | |
10.3 | Letter Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction | |
10.4 | Letter Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Société Générale and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction | |
10.5 | Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2014, between Citibank, N.A. and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Additional Capped Call Transaction | |
10.6 | Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2014, between Credit Suisse International and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Additional Capped Call Transaction | |
10.7 | Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2014, between Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Additional Capped Call Transaction | |
10.8 | Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2014, between Société Générale and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Additional Capped Call Transaction |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
Date: March 11, 2014 |
||
/s/ Paul Grinberg | ||
Paul Grinberg | ||
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number |
Description | |
4.1 | Indenture, dated as of March 11, 2014, by and between Encore Capital Group, Inc., Midland Credit Management, Inc., as guarantor, and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee | |
10.1 | Letter Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Citibank, N.A. and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction | |
10.2 | Letter Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Credit Suisse International and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction | |
10.3 | Letter Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction | |
10.4 | Letter Agreement, dated March 5, 2014, between Société Générale and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction | |
10.5 | Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2014, between Citibank, N.A. and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Additional Capped Call Transaction | |
10.6 | Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2014, between Credit Suisse International and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Additional Capped Call Transaction | |
10.7 | Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2014, between Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Additional Capped Call Transaction | |
10.8 | Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2014, between Société Générale and Encore Capital Group, Inc., regarding the Additional Capped Call Transaction |
Exhibit 4.1
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Issuer)
MIDLAND CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC.
(Guarantor)
and
UNION BANK, N.A.,
as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of March 11, 2014
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | ||||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
DEFINITIONS | ||||||
Section 1.01 |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
Section 1.02 |
References to Interest and the Guarantee | 12 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF NOTES | ||||||
Section 2.01 |
Designation and Amount | 12 | ||||
Section 2.02 |
Form of Notes | 12 | ||||
Section 2.03 |
Date and Denomination of Notes; Payments of Interest and Defaulted Amounts | 13 | ||||
Section 2.04 |
Execution, Authentication and Delivery of Notes | 14 | ||||
Section 2.05 |
Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Notes; Restrictions on Transfer; Depositary | 15 | ||||
Section 2.06 |
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes | 21 | ||||
Section 2.07 |
Temporary Notes | 22 | ||||
Section 2.08 |
Cancellation of Notes Paid, Converted, Etc. | 22 | ||||
Section 2.09 |
CUSIP Numbers | 23 | ||||
Section 2.10 |
Additional Notes; Repurchases | 23 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE | ||||||
Section 3.01 |
Satisfaction and Discharge | 23 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | ||||||
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY | ||||||
Section 4.01 |
Payment of Principal and Interest | 24 | ||||
Section 4.02 |
Maintenance of Office or Agency | 24 | ||||
Section 4.03 |
Appointments to Fill Vacancies in Trustees Office | 25 | ||||
Section 4.04 |
Provisions as to Paying Agent | 25 | ||||
Section 4.05 |
Existence | 26 | ||||
Section 4.06 |
Rule 144A Information Requirement and Annual Reports | 26 | ||||
Section 4.07 |
Stay, Extension and Usury Laws | 28 | ||||
Section 4.08 |
Compliance Certificate; Statements as to Defaults | 28 | ||||
ARTICLE V | ||||||
LISTS OF HOLDERS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE | ||||||
Section 5.01 |
Lists of Holders | 29 | ||||
Section 5.02 |
Preservation and Disclosure of Lists | 29 |
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ARTICLE VI | ||||||
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES | ||||||
Section 6.01 |
Events of Default | 29 | ||||
Section 6.02 |
Acceleration; Rescission and Annulment | 31 | ||||
Section 6.03 |
Additional Interest in Lieu of Reporting Default | 31 | ||||
Section 6.04 |
Payments of Notes on Default; Suit Therefor | 32 | ||||
Section 6.05 |
Application of Monies Collected by Trustee | 34 | ||||
Section 6.06 |
Proceedings by Holders | 34 | ||||
Section 6.07 |
Proceedings by Trustee | 35 | ||||
Section 6.08 |
Remedies Cumulative and Continuing | 36 | ||||
Section 6.09 |
Direction of Proceedings and Waiver of Defaults by Majority of Holders | 36 | ||||
Section 6.10 |
Notice of Defaults | 36 | ||||
Section 6.11 |
Undertaking to Pay Costs | 37 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | ||||||
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE | ||||||
Section 7.01 |
Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee | 37 | ||||
Section 7.02 |
Reliance on Documents, Opinions, Etc. | 39 | ||||
Section 7.03 |
No Responsibility for Recitals, Etc. | 40 | ||||
Section 7.04 |
Trustee, Paying Agents, Conversion Agents, Bid Solicitation Agent or Note Registrar May Own Notes | 40 | ||||
Section 7.05 |
Monies and Shares of Common Stock to Be Held in Trust | 40 | ||||
Section 7.06 |
Compensation and Expenses of Trustee | 41 | ||||
Section 7.07 |
Eligibility of Trustee | 41 | ||||
Section 7.08 |
Resignation or Removal of Trustee | 42 | ||||
Section 7.09 |
Acceptance by Successor Trustee | 43 | ||||
Section 7.10 |
Succession by Merger, Etc. | 43 | ||||
Section 7.11 |
Trustees Application for Instructions from the Company | 44 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
CONCERNING THE HOLDERS | ||||||
Section 8.01 |
Action by Holders | 44 | ||||
Section 8.02 |
Proof of Execution by Holders | 45 | ||||
Section 8.03 |
Who Are Deemed Absolute Owners | 45 | ||||
Section 8.04 |
Company-Owned Notes Disregarded | 46 | ||||
Section 8.05 |
Revocation of Consents; Future Holders Bound | 46 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||||
HOLDERS MEETINGS | ||||||
Section 9.01 |
Purpose of Meetings | 46 | ||||
Section 9.02 |
Call of Meetings by Trustee | 47 | ||||
Section 9.03 |
Call of Meetings by Company or Holders | 47 | ||||
Section 9.04 |
Qualifications for Voting | 47 |
ii
Section 9.05 |
Regulations | 47 | ||||
Section 9.06 |
Voting | 48 | ||||
Section 9.07 |
No Delay of Rights by Meeting | 48 | ||||
ARTICLE X | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES | ||||||
Section 10.01 |
Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders | 49 | ||||
Section 10.02 |
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders | 50 | ||||
Section 10.03 |
Effect of Supplemental Indentures | 51 | ||||
Section 10.04 |
Notation on Notes | 51 | ||||
Section 10.05 |
Evidence of Compliance of Supplemental Indenture to Be Furnished Trustee | 51 | ||||
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, CONVEYANCE AND LEASE | ||||||
Section 11.01 |
Company May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms | 51 | ||||
Section 11.02 |
Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms | 52 | ||||
Section 11.03 |
Successor Corporation or Guarantor to Be Substituted | 52 | ||||
Section 11.04 |
Evidence to Be Given to Trustee | 53 | ||||
ARTICLE XII | ||||||
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR STOCKHOLDERS | ||||||
Section 12.01 |
Indenture and Notes Solely Corporate Obligations | 53 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII | ||||||
CONVERSION OF NOTES | ||||||
Section 13.01 |
Conversion Privilege | 54 | ||||
Section 13.02 |
Conversion Procedure; Settlement Upon Conversion | 56 | ||||
Section 13.03 |
Increased Conversion Rate Applicable to Certain Notes Surrendered in Connection with Make-Whole Fundamental Changes | 60 | ||||
Section 13.04 |
Adjustment of Conversion Rate | 62 | ||||
Section 13.05 |
Adjustments of Prices | 70 | ||||
Section 13.06 |
Shares to Be Fully Paid | 70 | ||||
Section 13.07 |
Effect of Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of the Common Stock | 70 | ||||
Section 13.08 |
Certain Covenants | 72 | ||||
Section 13.09 |
Responsibility of Trustee | 72 | ||||
Section 13.10 |
Stockholder Rights Plans | 73 | ||||
Section 13.11 |
Limit of Issuance of Common Stock Upon Conversion. | 73 | ||||
Section 13.12 |
Withholding Taxes for Adjustments in Conversation Rate | 73 |
iii
ARTICLE XIV | ||||||
REPURCHASE OF NOTES AT OPTION OF HOLDERS | ||||||
Section 14.01 |
Repurchase at Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change | 73 | ||||
Section 14.02 |
Withdrawal of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice | 76 | ||||
Section 14.03 |
Deposit of Fundamental Change Repurchase Price | 76 | ||||
Section 14.04 |
Covenant to Comply with Applicable Laws Upon Repurchase of Notes | 77 | ||||
ARTICLE XV | ||||||
GUARANTEE | ||||||
Section 15.01 |
Guarantee | 77 | ||||
Section 15.02 |
Limitation on Liability | 78 | ||||
Section 15.03 |
Successors and Assigns | 78 | ||||
Section 15.04 |
No Waiver | 79 | ||||
Section 15.05 |
Release of Guarantor | 79 | ||||
ARTICLE XVI | ||||||
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS | ||||||
Section 16.01 |
Provisions Binding on Companys Successors | 79 | ||||
Section 16.02 |
Official Acts by Successor Corporation | 79 | ||||
Section 16.03 |
Addresses for Notices, Etc. | 79 | ||||
Section 16.04 |
Governing Law | 80 | ||||
Section 16.05 |
Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent; Certificates and Opinions of Counsel to Trustee | 80 | ||||
Section 16.06 |
Legal Holidays | 81 | ||||
Section 16.07 |
No Security Interest Created | 81 | ||||
Section 16.08 |
Benefits of Indenture | 81 | ||||
Section 16.09 |
Table of Contents, Headings, Etc. | 81 | ||||
Section 16.10 |
Authenticating Agent | 81 | ||||
Section 16.11 |
Execution in Counterparts | 82 | ||||
Section 16.12 |
Severability | 83 | ||||
Section 16.13 |
Force Majeure | 83 | ||||
Section 16.14 |
Calculations | 83 | ||||
Section 16.15 |
USA PATRIOT Act | 83 |
EXHIBIT
Exhibit A |
Form of Note | A-1 | ||||
Exhibit B |
Form of Free Transferability Certificate | B-1 |
iv
INDENTURE, dated as of March 11, 2014, among ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation, as issuer (the Company, as more fully set forth in Section 1.01), MIDLAND CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC., as guarantor (the Guarantor, as more fully set forth in Section 1.01), and UNION BANK, N.A., a national banking association, as trustee (the Trustee, as more fully set forth in Section 1.01).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly authorized the issuance of the Companys 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the Notes), initially in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $161,000,000, and the Guarantor has duly authorized the Guarantee thereof and each of them has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
That in order to declare the terms and conditions upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated, issued and delivered, and in consideration of the premises and of the purchase and acceptance of the Notes by the Holders thereof, the Company covenants and agrees with the Trustee for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the Notes (except as otherwise provided below), as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Definitions. The terms defined in this Section 1.01 (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section 1.01. The words herein, hereof, hereunder, and words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision. The terms defined in this Article include the plural as well as the singular.
Additional Interest means all amounts, if any, payable pursuant to Section 4.06(d), Section 4.06(e) and Section 6.03, as applicable.
Additional Shares shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.03.
Affiliate of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, control, when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Averaging Period shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.04(e).
Bid Solicitation Agent means the Company or the Person appointed by the Company to solicit bids for the Trading Price of the Notes in accordance with Section 13.01(b)(i). The Company shall initially act as the Bid Solicitation Agent.
Board of Directors means the board of directors of the Company or a committee of such board duly authorized to act for it hereunder.
Board Resolution means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
Business Day means, with respect to any Note, any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is authorized or required by law or executive order to close or be closed.
Capital Stock means, for any entity, any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) stock issued by that entity.
Cash Settlement shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.02(a).
close of business means 5:00 p.m. (New York City time).
Combination Settlement shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.02(a).
Commission means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Common Equity of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person that is generally entitled (a) to vote in the election of directors of such Person or (b) if such Person is not a corporation, to vote or otherwise participate in the selection of the governing body, partners, managers or others that will control the management or policies of such Person.
Common Stock means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share, at the date of this Indenture.
Company shall have the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture, and subject to the provisions of Article XI, shall include its successors and assigns.
Company Order means a written order of the Company, signed by (a) the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Executive or Senior Vice President, or any Vice President (whether or not designated by a number or numbers or word or words added before or after the title Vice President) and (b) any such other Officer designated in clause (a) of this definition or the Companys Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer or Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.
Conversion Agent shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.02.
Conversion Date shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.02(c).
2
Conversion Obligation shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.01(a).
Conversion Price means as of any date, $1,000 divided by the Conversion Rate as of such date.
Conversion Rate shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.01(a).
Corporate Trust Office means the designated office of the Trustee at which at any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date hereof is located at 120 South San Pedro Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Attention: Administrator for Encore Capital Group, Inc., or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the designated corporate trust office of any successor trustee (or such other address as such successor trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).
Custodian means the Trustee, as custodian for DTC, with respect to the Global Notes, or any successor entity thereto.
Daily Conversion Value means, for each of the 50 consecutive Trading Days during the Observation Period, 2% of the product of (a) the Conversion Rate on such Trading Day and (b) the Daily VWAP on such Trading Day.
Daily Measurement Value means, the Specified Dollar Amount divided by 50.
Daily Settlement Amount means, for each of the 50 consecutive Trading Days during the Observation Period:
(a) the Daily Measurement Value; and
(b) the Daily Conversion Value; and
(c) to the extent the Daily Conversion Value on such Trading Day exceeds the Daily Measurement Value, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to (1) the difference between the Daily Conversion Value and the Daily Measurement Value, divided by (2) the Daily VWAP for such Trading Day.
Daily VWAP means, for each of the 50 consecutive Trading Days during the applicable Observation Period, the per share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such Trading Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one share of the Common Stock on such Trading Day determined, using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by the Company). The Daily VWAP shall be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours.
3
Default means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time, or both, would be, an Event of Default.
Defaulted Amounts means any amounts on any Note (including, without limitation, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, principal and interest) that are payable but are not punctually paid or duly provided for.
Depositary means, with respect to each Global Note, the Person specified in Section 2.05(c) as the Depositary with respect to such Notes, until a successor shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter, Depositary shall mean or include such successor.
Distributed Property shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.04(c).
DTC means The Depository Trust Company.
Effective Date shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.03(c); provided that, solely for purposes of Section 13.04, Effective Date means the first date on which shares of Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, reflecting the relevant share split or share combination, as applicable.
Event of Default shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.01.
Ex-Dividend Date means the first date on which shares of the Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive the issuance, dividend or distribution in question, from the Company or, if applicable, from the seller of Common Stock on such exchange or market (in the form of due bills or otherwise) as determined by such exchange or market.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Form of Assignment and Transfer means the Form of Assignment and Transfer in substantially the form attached as Attachment 3 to the Form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Form of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice means the Form of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice in substantially the form attached as Attachment 2 to the form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Form of Notice of Conversion means the Form of Notice of Conversion in substantially the form attached as Attachment 1 to the form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A.
4
Fundamental Change shall be deemed to have occurred at the time after the Notes are originally issued if any of the following occurs:
(a) a person or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than the Company, its Subsidiaries and the employee benefit plans of the Company and its Subsidiaries, files a Schedule TO or any schedule, form or report under the Exchange Act disclosing that such person or group has become the beneficial owner, as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of the Companys Common Equity representing more than 50% of the voting power of the Companys Common Equity;
(b) the consummation of (A) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of the Common Stock (other than changes resulting from a subdivision or combination) as a result of which the Common Stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets; (B) any share exchange, consolidation or merger of the Company pursuant to which the Common Stock will be converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a merger of the Company solely for the purpose of changing the Companys jurisdiction of incorporation, that results in a reclassification, conversion or exchange of outstanding shares of the Common Stock solely into shares of common stock of the surviving entity; or (C) any sale, lease or other transfer in one transaction or a series of transactions of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than one of the Companys Subsidiaries; provided, however, that a transaction described in clause (B) in which the holders of all classes of the Companys Common Equity immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of all classes of Common Equity of the continuing or surviving corporation or transferee or the parent thereof immediately after such transaction in substantially the same proportions as such ownership immediately prior to such transaction shall not be a fundamental change pursuant to this clause (b) (this proviso, the Majority Ownership Exception); or
(c) the Common Stock (or other common stock or ordinary shares underlying the Notes) ceases to be listed or quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or any of their respective successors);
provided, however, that a transaction or transactions described in clauses (a) or (b) above shall not constitute a Fundamental Change if at least 90% of the consideration received or to be received by the common stockholders of the Company, excluding cash payments for fractional shares and cash payments made in respect of dissenters appraisal rights, in connection with such transaction or transactions consists of shares of common stock or ordinary shares that are listed or quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or any of their respective successors) or will be so listed or quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with such transaction or transactions, and, as a result therefrom, the Notes become convertible into such consideration, excluding cash payments for fractional shares pursuant to Section 13.07 (this proviso, the Listed Stock Exception).
Fundamental Change Company Notice shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.01(c).
Fundamental Change Repurchase Date shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.01.
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Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.01(b)(i).
Fundamental Change Repurchase Price shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.01.
Global Note shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(b).
Guarantee means the guarantee of the Notes by the Guarantor, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
Guaranteed Obligations has the meaning specified in Section 15.01.
Guarantor means the Person named as the Guarantor in the first paragraph of this Indenture and, subject to Article XI, shall include its successor and assigns; provided that the obligations of such Guarantor under the Guarantee and this Indenture shall be subject to release and discharge in accordance with Article III or Section 15.05 of this Indenture.
Holder, as applied to any Note, or other similar terms (but excluding the term beneficial holder, beneficial owner or owner of a beneficial interest or terms of similar import), means any Person in whose name at the time a particular Note is registered on the Note Register.
Indenture means this instrument as originally executed or, if amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented.
Initial Purchasers means Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., RBS Securities Inc., SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., UBS Securities LLC, JMP Securities LLC, Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
Interest Payment Date means each March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2014.
Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported in composite transactions for the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is traded. If the Common Stock is not listed for trading on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange on the relevant date, the Last Reported Sale Price shall be the last quoted bid price for the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization. If the Common Stock is not so quoted, the Last Reported Sale Price shall be the average of the mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for the Common Stock on the relevant date from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for this purpose.
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Listed Stock Exception shall have the meaning specified in the definition of Fundamental Change in this Section 1.01.
Majority Ownership Exception shall have the meaning specified in the definition of Fundamental Change in this Section 1.01.
Make-Whole Fundamental Change means any transaction or event that constitutes a Fundamental Change (as defined above and determined after giving effect to any exceptions to or exclusions from such definition, but without regard to the Majority Ownership Exception).
Market Disruption Event means:
(i) for purposes of determining whether the Notes will be convertible pursuant to Section 13.01(b)(i), the occurrence or existence during the one half-hour period ending on the scheduled close of trading on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed for trading of any material suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the stock exchange or otherwise) in the Common Stock or in any options contracts or future contracts relating to the Common Stock; and
(ii) for purposes of determining any Observation Period only, (x) a failure by the primary U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading to open for trading during its regular trading session or (y) the occurrence or existence prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on any Scheduled Trading Day for the Common Stock for more than one half-hour period in the aggregate during regular trading hours of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the relevant stock exchange or otherwise) in the Common Stock or in any options, contracts or future contracts relating to the Common Stock.
Maturity Date means March 15, 2021.
Measurement Period shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.01(b)(i).
Merger Event shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.07(a).
Note or Notes shall have the meaning specified in the first paragraph of the recitals of this Indenture.
Note Register shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(a).
Note Registrar shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(a).
Notice of Conversion shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.02(b).
Observation Period, with respect to any Note surrendered for conversion, means: (i) if the relevant Conversion Date occurs prior to September 15, 2020, the 50 consecutive Trading-Day period beginning on, and including, the second Trading Day after such Conversion Date; and (ii) if the relevant Conversion Date occurs on or after September 15, 2020, the 50 consecutive Trading Days beginning on, and including, the 52nd Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date.
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Offering Memorandum means (a) with respect to the Original Notes, the Original Offering Memorandum and (b) with respect to any additional Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.10, the offering memorandum, prospectus or similar offering document relating to the offering and sale of such additional Notes.
Officer means, with respect to the Company or the Guarantor, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, any Executive or Senior Vice President or any Vice President (whether or not designated by a number or numbers or word or words added before or after the title Vice President).
Officers Certificate, when used with respect to the Company, means a certificate that is delivered to the Trustee and that is signed by an Officer of the Company. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 16.05 if and to the extent required by the provisions of such Section. The Officer giving an Officers Certificate pursuant to Section 4.08 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.
open of business means 9:00 a.m. (New York City time).
Opinion of Counsel means an opinion in writing signed by legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel to the Company that is delivered to the Trustee, which opinion may contain customary exceptions and qualifications as to the matters set forth therein. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in Section 16.05 if and to the extent required by the provisions of such Section 16.05.
Original Notes means the $161,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes covered by the Original Offering Memorandum.
Original Offering Memorandum means the preliminary offering memorandum dated March 5, 2014, as supplemented by the pricing term sheet dated March 5, 2014, relating to the offering and sale of the Notes.
outstanding, when used with reference to Notes, shall, subject to the provisions of Section 8.04, mean, as of any particular time, all Notes authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except:
(a) Notes theretofore canceled by the Trustee or accepted by the Trustee for cancellation;
(b) Notes, or portions thereof, that have become due and payable and in respect of which monies in the necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any Paying Agent (other than the Company) or shall have been set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent);
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(c) Notes that have been paid pursuant to Section 2.06 or Notes in lieu of which, or in substitution for which, other Notes shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.06 unless proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that any such Notes are held by protected purchasers in due course;
(d) Notes converted pursuant to Article XIII and required to be cancelled pursuant to Section 2.08; and
(e) Notes repurchased pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Section 2.10.
Paying Agent shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.02.
Person means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, a joint venture, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or a government or an agency or a political subdivision thereof.
Physical Notes means permanent certificated Notes in registered form issued in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and multiples thereof.
Physical Settlement shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.02(a).
Predecessor Note of any particular Note means every previous Note evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Note; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Note authenticated and delivered under Section 2.06 in lieu of or in exchange for a mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Note that it replaces.
Purchase Agreement means that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2014 among the Company and the Initial Purchasers relating to the issuance and sale of the Original Notes.
Reference Property shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.07(a).
Regular Record Date, with respect to any Interest Payment Date, means the March 1 or September 1 (whether or not such day is a Business Day) immediately preceding the applicable March 15 or September 15 Interest Payment Date, respectively.
Resale Restriction Termination Date, (i) with respect to the Notes, shall have the meaning specified in the legend set forth in Section 2.05(c), and (ii) with respect to the Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Notes, shall have the meaning specified in the legend set forth in Section 2.05(d).
Responsible Officer means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, any assistant vice president, any trust officer or assistant trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such persons knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
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Restricted Securities shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(c).
Rule 144 means Rule 144 as promulgated under the Securities Act.
Rule 144A means Rule 144A as promulgated under the Securities Act.
Scheduled Trading Day means a day that is scheduled to be a Trading Day on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading. If the Common Stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, Scheduled Trading Day means a Business Day.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Settlement Amount has the meaning specified in Section 13.02(a)(ii).
Settlement Method means, with respect to any conversion of Notes, Physical Settlement, Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement, as elected (or deemed to have been elected) by the Company.
Settlement Notice has the meaning specified in Section 13.02(a)(i).
Shelf Registration Statement means a registration statement of the Company filed with the Commission on either (i) Form S-3 (or any successor form or other appropriate form under the Securities Act) or (ii) if the Company is not permitted to file a registration statement on Form S-3, an evergreen registration statement on Form S-1 (or any successor form or other appropriate form under the Securities Act), in each case for an offering to be made on a continuous or delayed basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act covering Notes and any Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof.
Significant Subsidiary means a Subsidiary of the Company that meets the definition of significant subsidiary in Article 1, Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act; provided that, for purposes of Section 6.01(i) and Section 6.01(j), in the case of a Subsidiary of the Company that meets the criteria of clause (3) of the definition thereof but not clause (1) or (2) thereof, such Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be a Significant Subsidiary unless the Subsidiarys income from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle exclusive of amounts attributable to any non-controlling interests for the last completed fiscal year prior to the date of such determination exceeds $10,000,000.
Specified Dollar Amount means the maximum cash amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes being converted to be received upon conversion as specified in the Settlement Notice.
Spin-Off shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.04(c).
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Stock Price shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.03(c).
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, general partners or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) such Person; (ii) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person; or (iii) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.
Successor Company shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.01(a).
Successor Guarantor shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.02(a).
Trading Day means a day on which (i) trading in the Common Stock (or other security for which a closing sale price must be determined) generally occurs on The NASDAQ Global Select Market or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock (or such other security) is then listed or, if the Common Stock (or such other security) is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock (or such other security) is then listed or admitted for trading, (ii) there is no Market Disruption Event and (iii) a Last Reported Sale Price for the Common Stock (or closing price for such other security) is available on such securities exchange or market; provided that if the Common Stock (or such other security) is not so listed or traded, Trading Day means a Business Day; and provided, further, that for purposes of determining amounts due upon any conversion for which Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement is applicable only, Trading Day means a day on which (x) there is no Market Disruption Event and (y) trading in the Common Stock generally occurs on The NASDAQ Global Select Market or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted for trading, except that if the Common Stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, Trading Day means a Business Day.
Trading Price of the Notes on any date of determination means the average of the secondary market bid quotations obtained by the Bid Solicitation Agent for $5,000,000 principal amount of Notes at approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such determination date from three independent nationally recognized securities dealers the Company selects for this purpose; provided that if three such bids cannot reasonably be obtained by the Bid Solicitation Agent but two such bids are obtained, then the average of such two bids shall be used, and if only one such bid can reasonably be obtained by the Bid Solicitation Agent, that one bid shall be used. If the Bid Solicitation Agent cannot reasonably obtain at least one bid for $5,000,000 principal amount of Notes from a nationally recognized securities dealer on any determination date, then the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes on such determination date shall be deemed to be less than 98% of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock and the applicable Conversion Rate.
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transfer shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(c).
Trust Indenture Act means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as it was in force at the date of execution of this Indenture; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after the date hereof, the term Trust Indenture Act shall mean, to the extent required by such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as so amended.
Trustee means the Person named as the Trustee in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter, Trustee shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder.
unit of Reference Property shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.07(a).
Valuation Period shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.04(c).
Section 1.02 References to Interest and the Guarantee. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to interest on, or in respect of, any Note in this Indenture shall be deemed to include Additional Interest if, in such context, Additional Interest is, was or would be payable pursuant to any of Section 4.06(d), Section 4.06(e) and Section 6.03. Unless the context otherwise requires, any express mention of Additional Interest in any provision hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Interest in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to this Indenture shall be deemed to include the Guarantee contained herein to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations relate to such reference.
ARTICLE II
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF NOTES
Section 2.01 Designation and Amount. The Notes shall be designated as the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021. The aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is initially limited to $161,000,000, subject to Section 2.10 and except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration or transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of other Notes pursuant to Section 2.05, Section 2.06, Section 2.07, Section 10.04, Section 13.02 and Section 14.03.
Section 2.02 Form of Notes. The Notes and the Trustees certificate of authentication to be borne by such Notes shall be substantially in the respective forms set forth in Exhibit A, the terms and provisions of which shall constitute, and are hereby expressly incorporated in and made a part of this Indenture. To the extent applicable, the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby.
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Any Global Note may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture as may be required by the Custodian or the Depositary, or as may be required to comply with any applicable law or any regulation thereunder or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Notes may be listed or traded or designated for issuance or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Notes are subject.
Any of the Notes may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such notations, legends or endorsements as the Officers executing the same may approve (execution thereof to be conclusive evidence of such approval) and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Notes may be listed or designated for issuance, or to conform to usage or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Notes are subject.
Each Global Note shall represent such principal amount of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be increased or reduced to reflect repurchases, cancellations, conversions, transfers or exchanges permitted hereby. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in such manner and upon written instructions given by the Holder of such Notes in accordance with this Indenture. Payment of principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, a Global Note shall be made to the Holder of such Note on the date of payment, unless a record date or other means of determining Holders eligible to receive payment is provided for herein.
Section 2.03 Date and Denomination of Notes; Payments of Interest and Defaulted Amounts. (a) The Notes shall be issuable in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and integral multiples thereof. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication and shall bear interest from the date specified on the face of the form of Note attached as Exhibit A hereto. Accrued interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months and, for partial months, on the basis of actual days elapsed over a 30-day month.
(b) The Person in whose name any Note (or its Predecessor Note) is registered on the Note Register at the close of business on any Regular Record Date with respect to any Interest Payment Date shall be entitled to receive the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date. Interest shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company maintained by the Company for such purposes in Los Angeles, California, which shall initially be the Corporate Trust Office, or any other office so designated by the Trustee. The Company shall pay, or cause the Paying Agent to pay, interest (i) on any Physical Notes (A) to Holders holding Physical Notes having an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 or less, by check mailed to the Holders of these Notes at their address as it appears in the Note Register and (B) to Holders holding Physical Notes having an aggregate principal amount of more than $5,000,000, either by check mailed to such Holders or, upon application by such a Holder to the Note Registrar not later than the relevant
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Regular Record Date, by wire transfer in immediately available funds to that Holders account within the United States, which application shall remain in effect until the Holder notifies, in writing, the Note Registrar to the contrary or (ii) on any Global Note by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account of the Depositary or its nominee.
(c) Any Defaulted Amounts shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant payment date but shall accrue interest per annum at the rate borne by the Notes, subject to the enforceability thereof under applicable law, from, and including, such relevant payment date, and such Defaulted Amounts together with such interest thereon shall be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (i) or (ii) below:
(i) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Amounts to the Persons in whose names the Notes (or their respective Predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Amounts, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of the Defaulted Amounts proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment (which shall be not less than 25 days after the receipt by the Trustee of such notice, unless the Trustee shall consent in writing to an earlier date), and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Amounts or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Amounts as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Company shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Amounts which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment, and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of such special record date and the Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Amounts and the special record date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder at its address as it appears in the Note Register, not less than 10 days prior to such special record date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Amounts and the special record date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Amounts shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Notes (or their respective Predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on such special record date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (ii) of this Section 2.03(c).
(ii) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Amounts in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Notes may be listed or designated for issuance, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange or automated quotation system, if, after written notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Section 2.04 Execution, Authentication and Delivery of Notes. The Notes shall be signed in the name and on behalf of the Company by the manual or facsimile signature of its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary or any of its Executive or Senior Vice Presidents.
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At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Notes executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Notes, and the Trustee in accordance with such Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Notes, without any further action by the Company hereunder.
Only such Notes as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form set forth on the form of Note attached as Exhibit A hereto, executed manually by an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee as provided by Section 16.10), shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the Trustee (or such an authenticating agent) upon any Note executed by the Company shall be conclusive evidence that the Note so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the Holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
In case any Officer of the Company who shall have signed any of the Notes shall cease to be such Officer before the Notes so signed shall have been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, or disposed of by the Company, such Notes nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the Person who signed such Notes had not ceased to be such Officer of the Company; and any Note may be signed on behalf of the Company by such Persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Note, shall be the Officers of the Company, although at the date of the execution of this Indenture any such person was not such an Officer.
Section 2.05 Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Notes; Restrictions on Transfer; Depositary. (a) The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office a register (the register maintained in such office or in any other office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 4.02, the Note Register) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Notes and of transfers of Notes. Such register shall be in written form or in any form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable period of time. The Trustee is hereby initially appointed the Note Registrar for the purpose of registering Notes and transfers of Notes as herein provided. The Company may appoint one or more co-Note Registrars in accordance with Section 4.02.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note to the Note Registrar or any co-Note Registrar, and satisfaction of the requirements for such transfer set forth in this Section 2.05, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and bearing such restrictive legends as may be required by this Indenture.
Notes may be exchanged for other Notes of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at any such office or agency maintained by the Company pursuant to Section 4.02. Whenever any Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Notes that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive, bearing registration numbers not contemporaneously outstanding.
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All Notes presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange, repurchase or conversion shall (if so required by the Company, the Trustee, the Note Registrar or any co-Note Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and duly executed, by the Holder thereof or its attorney-in-fact duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be imposed by the Company, the Trustee, the Note Registrar, any co-Note Registrar or any Paying Agent for any exchange or registration of transfer of Notes, but the Company or the Trustee may require a Holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax or other similar governmental charge required by law or permitted pursuant to Section 13.02(d) or Section 13.02(e).
None of the Company, the Trustee, the Note Registrar or any co-Note Registrar shall be required to exchange or register a transfer of (i) any Notes surrendered for conversion or, if a portion of any Note is surrendered for conversion, such portion thereof surrendered for conversion or (ii) any Notes, or a portion of any Note, surrendered for repurchase (and not withdrawn) in accordance with Article XIV.
All Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes in accordance with this Indenture shall be the valid and binding obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(b) So long as the Notes are eligible for book-entry settlement with the Depositary, unless otherwise required by law, subject to the fourth paragraph from the end of Section 2.05(c) all Notes shall be represented by one or more Notes in global form (each, a Global Note) registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in a Global Note that does not involve the issuance of a Physical Note shall be effected through the Depositary (but not the Trustee or the Custodian) in accordance with this Indenture (including the restrictions on transfer set forth herein) and the procedures of the Depositary therefor.
(c) Every Note that bears or is required under this Section 2.05(c) to bear the legend set forth in this Section 2.05(c) (together with any Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Notes and required to bear the legend set forth in Section 2.05(d), collectively, the Restricted Securities) shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 2.05(c) (including those contained in the legend set forth below), unless such restrictions on transfer shall be eliminated or otherwise waived by written consent of the Company with written notice to the Trustee as provided below. The Holder of each such Restricted Security, by such Holders acceptance thereof, agrees to be bound by all such restrictions on transfer. As used in this Section 2.05(c) and Section 2.05(d), the term transfer encompasses any sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition whatsoever of any Restricted Security.
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Until the Resale Restriction Termination Date, any certificate evidencing a Note (and all securities issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof, other than Common Stock, if any, issued upon conversion thereof which shall bear the legend set forth in Section 2.05(d), if applicable) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (unless such Notes have been transferred pursuant to a registration statement that has become or been declared effective under the Securities Act and that continues to be effective at the time of such transfer, or sold pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 or any similar provision then in force under the Securities Act, or unless otherwise agreed by the Company in writing, with notice thereof to the Trustee):
THE SALE OF THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), AND, ACCORDINGLY, PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE (AS DEFINED BELOW), THIS NOTE AND ANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE (AND ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN OR THEREIN) MAY NOT BE OFFERED, RESOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT:
(A) | TO THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES; |
(B) | PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT; |
(C) | TO A PERSON THAT YOU REASONABLY BELIEVE TO BE A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT; OR |
(D) | UNDER ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (INCLUDING, IF AVAILABLE, THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT). |
THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE MEANS THE DATE: (A) THAT IS AT LEAST ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST ORIGINAL ISSUANCE DATE OF THE NOTES (INCLUDING ANY ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXERCISE OF THE INITIAL PURCHASERS OPTION TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL NOTES); AND (B) ON WHICH THE COMPANY HAS INSTRUCTED THE TRUSTEE THAT THIS LEGEND WILL NO LONGER APPLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
PRIOR TO ANY TRANSFER PURSUANT TO THE FOREGOING CLAUSES (C) AND (D), THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS (WITH RESPECT TO CLAUSE (D) ONLY) OR OTHER INFORMATION AS THEY MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE AND RELY UPON TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
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DURING THE PERIOD ENDING ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST DATE OF ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THE NOTES, NO AFFILIATE (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144) WILL BE PERMITTED TO RESELL ANY OF THE NOTES THAT CONSTITUTE RESTRICTED SECURITIES UNDER RULE 144 THAT HAVE BEEN REACQUIRED BY ANY OF THEM.
No transfer of any Note prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date will be registered by the Note Registrar unless the applicable box on the Form of Assignment and Transfer has been checked.
Any Note (or security issued in exchange or substitution therefor) as to which such restrictions on transfer shall have expired in accordance with their terms may, upon surrender of such Note for exchange to the Note Registrar in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.05, be exchanged for a new Note or Notes, of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, which shall not bear the restrictive legend required by this Section 2.05(c) and shall not be assigned a restricted CUSIP number. The Company shall be entitled to instruct the Custodian in writing to so surrender any Global Note as to which such restrictions on transfer shall have expired in accordance with their terms for exchange, and, upon such instruction, the Custodian shall so surrender such Global Note for exchange; and any new Global Note so exchanged therefor shall not bear the restrictive legend specified in this Section 2.05(c) and shall not be assigned a restricted CUSIP number. After complying with the applicable procedures of the Depositary, the Company shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing upon the occurrence of the Resale Restriction Termination Date. Such notice shall be in the form of the Free Transferability Certificate attached hereto as Exhibit B. Upon such notice, the legend set forth above shall be deemed removed from the Note and the unrestricted CUSIP number on the Note shall be deemed the new CUSIP number with no further action required by the Company, the Trustee, or, if applicable, the Depositary. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee and the Holders in writing after a registration statement, if any, with respect to the Notes or any Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Notes has been declared effective under the Securities Act.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture (other than the provisions set forth in this Section 2.05(c)), a Global Note may not be transferred as a whole or in part except (i) 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 and (ii) for transfers of portions of a Global Note in certificated form made upon request of a member of, or a participant in, the Depositary (for itself or on behalf of a beneficial owner) by written notice given to the Trustee by or on behalf of the Depositary in accordance with customary procedures of the Depositary and in compliance with this Section 2.05(c).
The Depositary shall be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act. The Company initially appoints DTC to act as Depositary with respect to each Global Note. Initially, each Global Note shall be issued to the Depositary, registered in the name of Cede & Co., as the nominee of the Depositary, and deposited with the Trustee as custodian for Cede & Co.
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If (i) the Depositary notifies the Company at any time that the Depositary is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days, (ii) the Depositary ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days, (iii) an Event of Default with respect to the Notes has occurred and is continuing and a beneficial owner of any Note requests that its beneficial interest therein be issued as a Physical Note or (iv) the Company and a beneficial owner of any Note so agree, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officers Certificate and a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of Notes, shall authenticate and deliver (x) in the case of clause (iii) or (iv), a Physical Note to such beneficial owner in a principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Note corresponding such beneficial owners beneficial interest and (y) in the case of clause (i) or (ii), Physical Notes to each beneficial owner of the related Global Notes (or a portion thereof) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of such Global Notes in exchange for such Global Notes, and upon delivery of the Global Notes to the Trustee such Global Notes shall be canceled.
Physical Notes issued in exchange for all or a part of the Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. Upon execution and authentication, the Trustee shall deliver such Physical Notes to the Persons in whose names such Physical Notes are so registered.
At such time as all interests in a Global Note have been converted, canceled, repurchased or transferred, such Global Note shall be, upon receipt thereof, canceled by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any interest in a Global Note is exchanged for Physical Notes, converted, canceled, repurchased or transferred to a transferee who receives Physical Notes therefor or any Physical Note is exchanged or transferred for part of such Global Note, the principal amount of such Global Note shall, in accordance with the Trustees customary procedures, be appropriately reduced or increased, as the case may be, and an endorsement shall be made on the Schedule of Exchanges of such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, to reflect such reduction or increase.
The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Depositary participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.
Neither the Trustee nor any agent of the Trustee shall have any responsibility or liability for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary.
Neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Note or maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
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The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Notes under this Section if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders.
(d) Until the Resale Restriction Termination Date, any stock certificate representing Common Stock issued upon conversion of such Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (unless the Note or such Common Stock has been transferred pursuant to a registration statement that has become or been declared effective under the Securities Act and that continues to be effective at the time of such transfer, or pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 or any similar provision then in force under the Securities Act, or such Common Stock has been issued upon conversion of Notes that have been transferred pursuant to a registration statement that has become or been declared effective under the Securities Act and that continues to be effective at the time of such transfer, or pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 or any similar provision then in force under the Securities Act, or unless otherwise agreed by the Company with written notice thereof to the Trustee and any transfer agent for the Common Stock):
THE SALE OF THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), AND ACCORDINGLY, PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE (AS DEFINED BELOW), THIS SECURITY (AND ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN) MAY NOT BE OFFERED, RESOLD, OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT:
(A) | TO THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES; |
(B) | PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT; OR |
(C) | UNDER ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (INCLUDING, IF AVAILABLE, THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT). |
THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE MEANS THE DATE: (A) THAT IS AT LEAST ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST ORIGINAL ISSUANCE DATE OF THE COMPANYS 2.875% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES DUE 2021 (INCLUDING THE LAST DATE OF ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXERCISE OF THE INITIAL PURCHASERS OPTION TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL NOTES); AND (B) ON WHICH THE COMPANY HAS INSTRUCTED THE TRUSTEE THAT THIS LEGEND WILL NO LONGER APPLY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE FOR THE NOTES.
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PRIOR TO ANY TRANSFER PURSUANT TO THE FOREGOING CLAUSE (C), THE COMPANY AND THE TRANSFER AGENT RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS THEY MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE AND RELY UPON TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
DURING THE PERIOD ENDING ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST DATE OF ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THE NOTES, NO AFFILIATE (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144) WILL BE PERMITTED TO RESELL ANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUED UPON CONVERSION OF THE NOTES THAT CONSTITUTE RESTRICTED SECURITIES UNDER RULE 144 THAT HAVE BEEN REACQUIRED BY ANY OF THEM.
Any such Common Stock as to which such restrictions on transfer shall have expired in accordance with their terms may, upon surrender of the certificates representing such shares of Common Stock for exchange in accordance with the procedures of the transfer agent for the Common Stock, be exchanged for a new certificate or certificates for a like aggregate number of shares of Common Stock, which shall not bear the restrictive legend required by this Section 2.05(d).
(e) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its controlled affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) to, resell any of the Notes or any shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of any Note that constitute restricted securities under Rule 144 that have been reacquired by any of them.
Section 2.06 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes. In case any Note shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company in its discretion may execute, and upon its written request in a Company Order, the Trustee or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver a new Note, bearing a registration number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the mutilated Note, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Note so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted Note shall furnish to the Company, to the Trustee and, if applicable, to such authenticating agent such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless from any loss, liability, cost or expense caused by or connected with such substitution, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to the Company, to the Trustee and, if applicable, to such authenticating agent evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Note and of the ownership thereof.
The Trustee or such authenticating agent may authenticate any such substituted Note and deliver the same upon the receipt of such security or indemnity as the Trustee, the Company and, if applicable, such authenticating agent may require. No service charge shall be imposed by the Company, the Trustee, the Note Registrar or any co-Note Registrar for any exchange or registration of transfer of any substitute Note, but, upon the issuance of any substitute Note, the Company or the Trustee may require the payment by the Holder of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any
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other expenses connected therewith. In case any Note that has matured or is about to mature or has been surrendered for required repurchase or is about to be converted in accordance with Article XIII shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, in its sole discretion, instead of issuing a substitute Note, pay or authorize the payment of or convert or authorize the conversion of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Note), as the case may be, if the applicant for such payment or conversion shall furnish to the Company, to the Trustee and, if applicable, to such authenticating agent such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless for any loss, liability, cost or expense caused by or connected with such substitution, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee and, if applicable, any Paying Agent or Conversion Agent of the destruction, loss or theft of such Note and of the ownership thereof.
Every substitute Note issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.06 by virtue of the fact that any Note is destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be found at any time, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of (but shall be subject to all the limitations set forth in) this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Notes duly issued hereunder. To the extent permitted by law, all Notes shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment or conversion or repurchase of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment or conversion of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
Section 2.07 Temporary Notes. Pending the preparation of Physical Notes, the Company may execute and the Trustee or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee shall, upon written request of the Company in a Company Order, authenticate and deliver temporary Notes (printed or lithographed). Temporary Notes shall be issuable in any authorized denomination, and substantially in the form of the Physical Notes but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Notes, all as may be determined by the Company. Every such temporary Note shall be executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee or such authenticating agent upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with the same effect, as the Physical Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Trustee or such authenticating agent Physical Notes (other than any Global Note) and thereupon any or all temporary Notes (other than any Global Note) may be surrendered in exchange therefor, at each office or agency maintained by the Company pursuant to Section 4.02 and the Trustee or such authenticating agent shall authenticate and deliver in exchange for such temporary Notes an equal aggregate principal amount of Physical Notes. Such exchange shall be made by the Company at its own expense and without any charge therefor. Until so exchanged, the temporary Notes shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits and subject to the same limitations under this Indenture as Physical Notes authenticated and delivered hereunder.
Section 2.08 Cancellation of Notes Paid, Converted, Etc. The Company shall cause all Notes surrendered for the purpose of payment, repurchase, registration of transfer or exchange or conversion, if surrendered to the Company or the Companys agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates, to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. All Notes delivered to the Trustee shall be
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canceled promptly by it, and no Notes shall be authenticated in exchange thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. The Trustee shall dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its customary procedures and, after such disposition, at the written request of the Company shall deliver a certificate of such disposition or cancellation to the Company. If the Company shall acquire any of the Notes, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption, repurchase or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Notes unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.09 CUSIP Numbers. The Company in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use CUSIP numbers in all notices issued to Holders as a convenience to such Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or on such notice and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the CUSIP numbers.
Section 2.10 Additional Notes; Repurchases. The Company may, without the consent of the Holders and notwithstanding Section 2.01, reopen this Indenture and issue additional Notes hereunder with the same terms and with the same CUSIP number as the Notes initially issued hereunder in an unlimited aggregate principal amount; provided that if any such additional Notes are not fungible with the Notes initially issued hereunder for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such additional Notes shall have one or more separate CUSIP numbers. Prior to the issuance of any such additional Notes, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a Company Order, an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, such Officers Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to cover such matters required by Section 16.05, and such Opinion of Counsel to include a customary legal opinion as to the enforceability under New York law of such additional Notes, which opinion may contain customary exceptions and qualifications. In addition, the Company may, to the extent permitted by law, and directly or indirectly (regardless of whether such Notes are surrendered to the Company), repurchase Notes in the open market or otherwise, whether by the Company or its Subsidiaries or through a private or public tender or exchange offer or through counterparties to private agreements, including by cash-settled swaps or other derivatives. The Company shall cause any Notes so repurchased (other than Notes repurchased pursuant to cash-settled swaps or other derivatives) to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation in accordance with Section 2.08.
ARTICLE III
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
Section 3.01 Satisfaction and Discharge. This Indenture shall, upon request of the Company contained in an Officers Certificate cease to be of further effect, and the Trustee, at the expense and written request of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when (a) (i) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (x) Notes which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.06 and (y) Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section
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4.04(d)) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (ii) the Company has deposited with the Trustee or delivered to Holders, as applicable, after the Notes have become due and payable, whether at the Maturity Date, any Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, upon conversion or otherwise, cash or cash and/or shares of Common Stock (solely to satisfy the Companys Conversion Obligation, as applicable), sufficient to pay all of the outstanding Notes and all other sums due and payable under this Indenture by the Company; and (b) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with. Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company and the Guarantor to the Trustee under Section 7.06 shall survive.
If the Company discharges its obligations under the Indenture pursuant to this Section 3.01, the Guarantor will be released from its obligations under the Notes, the Guarantee and this Indenture.
ARTICLE IV
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
Section 4.01 Payment of Principal and Interest. The Company covenants and agrees that it will cause to be paid the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, each of the Notes at the places, at the respective times and in the manner provided herein and in the Notes.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, the Company may, to the extent it is required to do so by law, deduct or withhold income or other similar taxes imposed by the United States of America from principal, premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) payments hereunder.
Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Company will maintain an office in Los Angeles, California, or any other office located in the United States of America so designated by the Trustee, where the Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange or for presentation for payment or repurchase (Paying Agent) or for conversion (Conversion Agent) 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 shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office or the office or agency of the Trustee in Los Angeles, California, or any other office located in the United States of America so designated by the Trustee as a place where Notes may be presented for payment or for registration of transfer.
The Company may also from time to time designate as co-Note Registrars one or more other offices or agencies located in the United States of America where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office in Los Angeles, California, or any other office
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located in the United States of America so designated by the Trustee as a place 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 terms Paying Agent and Conversion Agent include any such additional or other offices or agencies, as applicable.
The Company hereby initially designates the Trustee as the Paying Agent, Note Registrar, Custodian and Conversion Agent and the Corporate Trust Office and the office of the Trustee in Los Angeles, California, or any other office located in the United States of America so designated by the Trustee, each shall be considered as one such office or agency of the Company for each of the aforesaid purposes.
Section 4.03 Appointments to Fill Vacancies in Trustees Office. The Company, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.08, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder.
Section 4.04 Provisions as to Paying Agent. (a) If the Company shall appoint a Paying Agent other than the Trustee, the Company will cause such Paying Agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 4.04:
(i) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes;
(ii) that it will give the Trustee prompt written notice of any failure by the Company to make any payment of the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes when the same shall be due and payable; and
(iii) that at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon request of the Trustee, it will forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust.
The Company shall, on or before each due date of the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, or accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes, deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) or accrued and unpaid interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any failure to take such action; provided that if such deposit is made on the due date, such deposit must be received by the Paying Agent by 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such date.
(b) If the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent, it will, on or before each due date of the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes a sum sufficient to pay such principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) and accrued and unpaid interest so becoming due and will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any failure to take such action and of any failure by the Company to make any payment of the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, or accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes when the same shall become due and payable.
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(c) Anything in this Section 4.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, or for any other reason, pay, cause to be paid or deliver to the Trustee all sums or amounts held in trust by the Company or any Paying Agent hereunder as required by this Section 4.04, such sums or amounts to be held by the Trustee upon the trusts herein contained and upon such payment or delivery by the Company or any Paying Agent to the Trustee, the Company or such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability but only with respect to such sums or amounts.
(d) Any money and shares of Common Stock deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on and the consideration due upon conversion of, any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable), interest or consideration due upon conversion has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on request of the Company contained in an Officers Certificate, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money and shares of Common Stock, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.
Section 4.05 Existence. Subject to Article XI, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence.
Section 4.06 Rule 144A Information Requirement and Annual Reports. (a) At any time the Company is not subject to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall, so long as any of the Notes (or any shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof) shall, at such time, constitute restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, upon written request, provide to the Trustee, any Holder, beneficial owner or prospective purchaser of such Notes or shares of Common Stock, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act to facilitate the resale of such Notes pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
(b) The Company shall file with the Trustee within 15 days after the same are required to be filed with the Commission (taking into account any applicable grace periods provided thereunder), copies of any documents or reports that the Company is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding any such information, documents or reports, or portions thereof, subject to confidential treatment and any correspondence with the Commission). Any such document or report that the Company files with the Commission via the Commissions EDGAR system shall be deemed to be filed with the Trustee for purposes of this Section 4.06(b) at the time such documents are filed via the EDGAR system, it being understood that the Trustee shall not be responsible for determining whether such filings have been made.
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(c) Delivery of the reports and documents described in subsection (b) above 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 conclusively rely on an Officers Certificate).
(d) If, at any time during the six-month period beginning on, and including, the date that is six months after the last date of original issuance of the Notes offered pursuant to the applicable Offering Memorandum, the Company fails to timely file any document or report that it is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as applicable (after giving effect to all applicable grace periods thereunder and other than reports on Form 8-K), or such Notes are not otherwise freely tradable by Holders other than the Companys Affiliates (as a result of restrictions pursuant to U.S. securities law or the terms of this Indenture or such Notes), the Company shall pay Additional Interest on such Notes. Such Additional Interest shall accrue on such Notes at the rate of 0.50% per annum of the principal amount of such Notes outstanding for each day during such period for which the Companys failure to file has occurred and is continuing. As used in this Section 4.06(d), documents or reports that the Company is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act do not include documents or reports that the Company furnishes to the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(e) If, and for so long as, the restrictive legend on the Notes offered pursuant to the applicable Offering Memorandum specified in Section 2.05(c) has not been removed (or deemed removed pursuant to this Indenture), such Notes are assigned a restricted CUSIP number or such Notes are not otherwise freely tradable by Holders other than the Companys Affiliates (without restrictions pursuant to U.S. securities law or the terms of this Indenture or the Notes) as of the 380th day after the last date of original issuance of such Notes, the Company shall pay Additional Interest on such Notes at a rate equal to 0.50% per annum of the principal amount of such Notes outstanding until the restrictive legend on such Notes has been removed in accordance with Section 2.05(c), such Notes are assigned an unrestricted CUSIP number and such Notes are freely tradable by Holders other than the Companys Affiliates (without restrictions pursuant to U.S. securities law or the terms of this Indenture or such Notes).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Additional Interest will accrue or be payable under Section 4.06(e) on any date on which (i) (w) the Company has filed a Shelf Registration Statement for the resale of the Notes and any shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such Notes with respect to which such Additional Interest would otherwise be payable, (x) such Shelf Registration Statement is effective and usable by Holders identified therein as selling security Holders for the resale of such Notes and any shares of Common Stock issued upon exchange of such Notes, (y) the Holders may register the resale of such Notes held by them under such Shelf Registration Statement on terms customary for the resale of convertible or exchangeable securities offered in reliance on Rule 144A, and (z) such Notes and/or shares of Common Stock sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement become freely tradable as a result of such sale; or (ii) after the Company has complied with the requirements set forth in clause (i) above for a period of one year, no further Additional Interest shall be payable under Section 4.06(e).
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(g) Additional Interest will be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date following accrual in the same manner as regular interest on the Notes.
(h) The Additional Interest that is payable in accordance with Section 4.06(d) or Section 4.06(e) shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any Additional Interest that may be payable as a result of the Companys election pursuant to Section 6.03. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Additional Interest accrue under the terms of this Indenture (aggregating any Additional Interest payable pursuant to Section 4.06(d) or Section 4.06(e) with any Additional Interest payable pursuant to Section 6.03) at a rate per year in excess of 0.50%, regardless of the number of events or circumstances giving rise to the requirement to pay such Additional Interest.
(i) If Additional Interest is payable by the Company pursuant to Section 4.06(d) or Section 4.06(e), the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers Certificate to that effect stating (i) the amount of such Additional Interest that is payable and (ii) the date on which such Additional Interest is payable. Unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives at the Corporate Trust Office such a certificate, the Trustee may assume without inquiry that no such Additional Interest is payable. If the Company has paid Additional Interest directly to the Persons entitled to it, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers Certificate setting forth the particulars of such payment.
(j) For the avoidance of doubt, in the event additional Notes are issued under this Indenture pursuant to Section 2.10, for purposes of determining whether Additional Interest shall be payable pursuant to Section 4.06(d) or Section 4.06(e) with respect to any Notes issued under this Indenture, all Notes that do not have the same CUSIP number or were not offered by the same Offering Memorandum shall be considered separately.
Section 4.07 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall 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 or other law that would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the principal of or interest on the Notes as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent 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 had been enacted.
Section 4.08 Compliance Certificate; Statements as to Defaults. The Company shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (beginning with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2014) an Officers Certificate stating whether or not the signers thereof have knowledge of any failure by the Company to comply with all conditions and covenants then required to be performed under this Indenture and, if so, specifying each such failure and the nature thereof.
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In addition, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as possible, and in any event within 30 days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Default, an Officers Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Default, its status and the action that the Company is taking or proposing to take in respect thereof.
ARTICLE V
LISTS OF HOLDERS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
Section 5.01 Lists of Holders. For so long as there are any Physical Notes, the Company covenants and agrees that it will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee, semi-annually, not more than 15 days after each March 1 and September 1 in each year beginning with September 1, 2014, and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after receipt by the Company of any such request (or such lesser time as the Trustee may reasonably request in order to enable it to timely provide any notice to be provided by it hereunder), a list in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a date not more than 15 days (or such other date as the Trustee may reasonably request in order to so provide any such notices) prior to the time such information is furnished, except that no such list need be furnished so long as the Trustee is acting as Note Registrar.
Section 5.02 Preservation and Disclosure of Lists. The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 or maintained by the Trustee in its capacity as Note Registrar, if so acting. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01 Events of Default. The following events shall be Events of Default with respect to the Notes:
(a) default, by the Company or the Guarantor, in any payment of interest on any Note when due and payable, and the default continues for a period of 30 days;
(b) default, by the Company or the Guarantor, in the payment of principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of any Note when due and payable on the Maturity Date, upon any required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
(c) failure by the Company to comply with its obligation to convert the Notes in accordance with this Indenture upon exercise of a Holders conversion right, and such failure continues for a period of five Business Days;
(d) failure by the Company to issue a Fundamental Change Company Notice in accordance with Section 14.01(c) or notice of a specified corporate event in accordance with Section 13.01(b)(ii) or Section 13.01(b)(iii), in each case when due;
(e) failure by the Company to comply with its obligations under Article XI;
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(f) failure by the Company for 60 days after written notice from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding has been received by the Company to comply with any of its other agreements contained in the Notes or this Indenture;
(g) default (x) by the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company in the payment when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any indebtedness for money borrowed in the aggregate principal amount then outstanding of $10,000,000 or more, or (y) resulting in the acceleration of the Companys or the Companys Subsidiaries indebtedness for money borrowed having an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 or more so that it becomes due and payable before the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, if such default is not cured or waived, or such acceleration is not rescinded, as the case may be, within 30 days after written notice to the Company from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of Notes then outstanding in accordance with this Indenture;
(h) a final judgment for the payment of $10,000,000 or more (excluding any amounts covered by insurance) rendered against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company, which judgment is not discharged or stayed within 60 days after (i) the date on which the right to appeal thereof has expired if no such appeal has commenced, or (ii) the date on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished;
(i) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary shall commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Company or any such Significant Subsidiary or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of the Company or any such Significant Subsidiary or any substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;
(j) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Company or such Significant Subsidiary or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of the Company or such Significant Subsidiary or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 30 consecutive days; or
(k) except as permitted by this Indenture, the Guarantee shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect, or the Guarantor, or any person acting on its behalf, shall deny or disaffirm its obligation under the Guarantee.
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Section 6.02 Acceleration; Rescission and Annulment. In case one or more Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body), then, and in each and every such case (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(j) with respect to the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries), unless the principal of all of the Notes shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04, by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), may declare 100% of the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all the Notes to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall automatically be immediately due and payable, anything contained in this Indenture or in the Notes to the contrary notwithstanding. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(j) with respect to the Company occurs and is continuing, 100% of the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, all Notes shall become and shall automatically be immediately due and payable.
The immediately preceding paragraph, however, is subject to the conditions that if, at any time after the principal of the Notes shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the monies due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor shall pay or shall deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay installments of accrued and unpaid interest upon all Notes and the principal of any and all Notes that shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest on overdue installments of accrued and unpaid interest to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, and on such principal at the rate borne by the Notes) and amounts due to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.06, and if (1) rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (2) any and all existing Events of Default under this Indenture, other than the nonpayment of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on Notes that shall have become due solely by such acceleration, shall have been cured or waived pursuant to Section 6.09, then and in every such case (except as provided in the immediately succeeding sentence) the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, by written notice to the Company and to the Trustee, may waive all Defaults or Events of Default with respect to the Notes and rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences and 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 or rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent Default or Event of Default, or shall impair any right consequent thereon. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no such waiver or rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any Default or Event of Default resulting from (i) the nonpayment of the principal of, or accrued and unpaid interest on, any Notes or (ii) a failure to pay or deliver, as the case may be, the consideration due upon conversion of the Notes.
Section 6.03 Additional Interest in Lieu of Reporting Default. Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture or in the Notes to the contrary, to the extent the Company elects, the sole remedy for Event of Default relating to the Companys failure to comply with its obligations as set forth in Section 4.06(b) shall after the occurrence of such an Event of Default consist exclusively of the right to receive Additional Interest on the Notes at a rate equal to 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding for each day during the 365-day period on which such Event of Default is continuing beginning on, and including, the calendar day on
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which such an Event of Default first occurs to, but excluding, the 365th day following such Event of Default (or, if earlier, the date on which such Event of Default is cured or waived as provided for in this Indenture). Additional Interest payable pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, any Additional Interest payable pursuant to Section 4.06(d) or Section 4.06(e). If the Company so elects, such Additional Interest shall be payable in the same manner and on the same dates as regular interest on the Notes. On the 366th day after such Event of Default (if the Event of Default relating to the Companys failure to comply with its obligations as set forth in Section 4.06(b) is not cured or waived prior to such 366th day), the Notes will be subject to acceleration as provided in Section 6.02. In the event the Company does not elect to pay Additional Interest following an Event of Default in accordance with this Section 6.03, or the Company elects to pay such Additional Interest but neither the Company nor the Guarantor, if applicable, pays such Additional Interest when due, the Notes shall be immediately subject to acceleration as provided in Section 6.02.
In order to elect to pay Additional Interest as the sole remedy during the first 365 days after the occurrence of any Event of Default described in the immediately preceding paragraph, the Company must notify in writing all Holders of the Notes, the Trustee and the Paying Agent of such election prior to the beginning of such 365-day period. Upon the failure to timely give such notice, the Notes shall be immediately subject to acceleration as provided in Section 6.02.
In no event shall Additional Interest accrue under the terms of this Indenture (aggregating any Additional Interest payable pursuant to this Section 6.03 with any Additional Interest payable pursuant to Section 4.06(d) or Section 4.06(e)) at a rate per year in excess of 0.50%, regardless of the number of events or circumstances giving rise to the requirement to pay such Additional Interest.
The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder to determine Additional Interest pursuant to this Section 6.03 or Section 4.06, or with respect to the nature, extent or calculation of the amount of Additional Interest owed, or with respect to the method employed in such calculation of Additional Interest.
Section 6.04 Payments of Notes on Default; Suit Therefor. If an Event of Default described in clause (a) or (b) of Section 6.01 shall have occurred, the Company shall, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on the Notes for principal and interest, if any, with interest on any overdue principal and interest, if any, at the rate borne by the Notes at such time, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover any amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.06. If the Company shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon the Notes and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Notes, wherever situated.
In the event there shall be pending proceedings for the bankruptcy or for the reorganization of the Company or any other obligor on the Notes under Title 11 of the United States Code, or any other applicable law, or in case a receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy
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or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been appointed for or taken possession of the Company or such other obligor, the property of the Company or such other obligor, or in the event of any other judicial proceedings relative to the Company or such other obligor upon the Notes, or to the creditors or property of the Company or such other obligor, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of the Notes shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.04, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise, to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, in respect of the Notes, and, in case of any judicial proceedings, to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents and to take such other actions as it may deem 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 of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceedings relative to the Company or any other obligor on the Notes, its or their creditors, or its or their property, and to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute the same after the deduction of any amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.06; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, custodian or similar official is hereby authorized by each of the Holders to make such payments to the Trustee, as administrative expenses, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for reasonable compensation, expenses, advances and disbursements, including agents and counsel fees, and including any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.06, incurred by it up to the date of such distribution. To the extent that such payment of reasonable compensation, expenses, advances and disbursements out of the estate in any such proceedings 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, monies, securities and other property that the Holders of the Notes may be entitled to receive in such proceedings, 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 such Holder or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Notes, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes, or the production thereof at any trial or other proceeding relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes.
In any proceedings brought by the Trustee (and in any proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Trustee shall be a party), the Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders of the Notes, and it shall not be necessary to make any Holders of the Notes parties to any such proceedings.
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In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of any waiver pursuant to Section 6.09 or any rescission and annulment pursuant to Section 6.02 or for any other reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case the Company, the Holders, and the Trustee shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored respectively to their several positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Company, the Holders, and the Trustee shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
Section 6.05 Application of Monies Collected by Trustee. Any monies collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article VI with respect to the Notes shall be applied in the order following, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee for the distribution of such monies, upon presentation of the several Notes, and stamping thereon the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof, if fully paid:
First, to the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.06;
Second, in case the principal of the outstanding Notes shall not have become due and be unpaid, to the payment of interest on, and any cash due upon conversion of, the Notes in default in the order of the date due of the payments of such interest and cash due upon conversion, as the case may be, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon such overdue payments at the rate borne by the Notes at such time, such payments to be made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto;
Third, in case the principal of the outstanding Notes shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, and be unpaid to the payment of the whole amount (including, if applicable, the payment of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price and any cash due upon conversion) then owing and unpaid upon the Notes for principal and interest, if any, with interest on the overdue principal and, to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee, upon overdue installments of interest at the rate borne by the Notes at such time, and in case such monies shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amounts so due and unpaid upon the Notes, then to the payment of such principal (including, if applicable, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price and the cash due upon conversion) and interest without preference or priority of principal over interest, or of interest over principal or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Note over any other Note, ratably to the aggregate of such principal (including, if applicable, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price and any cash due upon conversion) and accrued and unpaid interest; and
Fourth, to the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company.
Section 6.06 Proceedings by Holders. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal (including, if applicable, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price) or interest when due, or the right to receive payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion, no Holder of any Note shall have any right by virtue of or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator, custodian or other similar official, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
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(a) such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof, as herein provided;
(b) Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to pursue such remedy hereunder;
(c) such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee such security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense to be incurred therein or thereby;
(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of the request and offer of security or indemnity, had not complied with such request; and
(e) no direction that, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee by the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding within such 60-day period pursuant to Section 6.09,
it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the taker and Holder of every Note with every other taker and Holder and the Trustee that no one or more Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holder, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder, or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders (except as otherwise provided herein) (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders). For the protection and enforcement of this Section 6.06, each and every Holder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture and any provision of any Note, the right of any Holder to receive payment or delivery, as the case may be, of (x) the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, (y) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, and (z) the consideration due upon conversion of, such Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in such Note or in this Indenture, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment or delivery, as the case may be, on or after such respective dates against the Company shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
Section 6.07 Proceedings by Trustee. In case of an Event of Default the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as are necessary to protect and enforce any of such rights, either by suit in equity or by action at law or by proceeding in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
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Section 6.08 Remedies Cumulative and Continuing. Except as provided in the last paragraph of Section 2.06, all powers and remedies given by this Article VI to the Trustee or to the Holders shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any thereof or of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the Holders of the Notes, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture, and no delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any of the Notes to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Default or Event of Default shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Default or Event of Default or any acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.06, every power and remedy given by this Article VI or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders.
Section 6.09 Direction of Proceedings and Waiver of Defaults by Majority of Holders. The Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04 shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Notes; provided, however, that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. The Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that it determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04 may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any past Default or Event of Default hereunder and its consequences except (i) a default in the payment of accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, or the principal (including any Fundamental Change Repurchase Price) of, the Notes when due that has not been cured pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.01, (ii) a failure by the Company to pay or deliver, as the case may be, the consideration due upon conversion of the Notes or (iii) a default in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article X cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected. Upon any such waiver the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon. Whenever any Default or Event of Default hereunder shall have been waived as permitted by this Section 6.09, said Default or Event of Default shall for all purposes of the Notes and this Indenture be deemed to have been cured and to be not continuing; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 6.10 Notice of Defaults. The Trustee shall, within 90 days after it receives written notice of the occurrence and continuance of a Default, send to all Holders as the names and addresses of such Holders appear upon the Note Register, notice of all such Defaults, unless such Defaults shall have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice; provided that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable), or accrued and unpaid interest on, any of the Notes or a Default in the payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders.
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Section 6.11 Undertaking to Pay Costs. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Note by its acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may, in its discretion, require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided that the provisions of this Section 6.11 (to the extent permitted by law) shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on any Note (including, but not limited to, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price with respect to the Notes being repurchased as provided in this Indenture) on or after the due date expressed or provided for in such Note or to any suit for the enforcement of the right to convert any Note in accordance with the provisions of Article XIII.
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
Section 7.01 Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee. The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing or waiver of all Events of Default that may have occurred, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. In case an Event of Default has occurred that has not been cured or waived the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such persons own affairs; provided that if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(a) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default that may have occurred:
(i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
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(ii) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but, in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provisions hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of any mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein);
(b) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(c) the Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any action it takes, suffers 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;
(d) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding determined as provided in Section 8.04 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture;
(e) whether or not therein provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of, or affording protection to, the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section;
(f) the Trustee shall not be liable in respect of any payment (as to the correctness of amount, entitlement to receive or any other matters relating to payment) or notice effected by the Company or any Paying Agent or any records maintained by any co-Note Registrar with respect to the Notes;
(g) if any party fails to deliver a notice relating to an event the fact of which, pursuant to this Indenture, requires notice to be sent to the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely on its failure to receive such notice as reason to act as if no such event occurred, unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee had actual knowledge of such event;
(h) in the absence of written investment direction from the Company, all cash received by the Trustee shall be placed in a non-interest bearing trust account, and in no event shall the Trustee be liable for the selection of investments or for investment losses, fees, taxes or other costs incurred with respect thereto or for losses incurred as a result of the liquidation of any such investment prior to its maturity date or the failure of the party directing such investments prior to its maturity date or the failure of the party directing such investment to provide timely written investment direction, and the Trustee shall have no obligation to invest or reinvest any amounts held hereunder in the absence of such written investment direction from the Company; and
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(i) in the event that the Trustee is also acting as Custodian, Note Registrar, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent, Bid Solicitation Agent or transfer agent hereunder, the rights and protections afforded to the Trustee pursuant to this Article VII, including, without limitation, the right to be indemnified, shall also be afforded to such Custodian, Note Registrar, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent, Bid Solicitation Agent or transfer agent.
None of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers.
Section 7.02 Reliance on Documents, Opinions, Etc. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:
(a) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, note, coupon or other paper or document believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(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;
(c) any request, direction, order or demand of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers Certificate (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and any Board Resolution may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company;
(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and require an Opinion of Counsel and any advice of such counsel or Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection or reliance on in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel;
(e) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney at the expense of the Company and shall incur no liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation;
(f) the Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder;
(g) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder;
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(h) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture (i.e., an incumbency certificate);
(i) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents, custodians, nominees or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent, custodian, nominee or attorney appointed by it with due care hereunder;
(j) the permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated herein shall not be construed as duties; and
(k) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, lost profits), even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes, unless either (1) a Responsible Officer shall have actual knowledge of such Default or Event of Default or (2) written notice of such Default or Event of Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.
Section 7.03 No Responsibility for Recitals, Etc. The recitals contained herein and in the Notes (except in the Trustees certificate of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Notes. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of any Notes or the proceeds of any Notes authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture.
Section 7.04 Trustee, Paying Agents, Conversion Agents, Bid Solicitation Agent or Note Registrar May Own Notes. The Trustee, any Paying Agent (if other than the Company), any Conversion Agent, Bid Solicitation Agent (if other than the Company) or Note Registrar, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent, Bid Solicitation Agent or Note Registrar.
Section 7.05 Monies and Shares of Common Stock to Be Held in Trust. All monies and any shares of Common Stock received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received. Money and any shares
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of Common Stock held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds or property except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money or shares of any Common Stock received by it hereunder except as may be agreed from time to time in writing by the Company and the Trustee.
Section 7.06 Compensation and Expenses of Trustee. The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, such compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder in any capacity (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) as mutually agreed to in writing between the Trustee and the Company, and the Company will pay or reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances reasonably incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture in any capacity thereunder (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel and of all Persons not regularly in its employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as shall have been caused by its gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Company and the Guarantor, jointly and severally, also covenant to indemnify the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee in any capacity under this Indenture and any other document or transaction entered into in connection herewith and their agents and any authenticating agent for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, claim (whether asserted by the Company, any Holder or any other Person), damage, liability or expense incurred without gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, its officers, directors, agents or employees, or such agent or authenticating agent, as the case may be, and arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or in any other capacity hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending themselves against any claim of liability in the premises. The obligations of the Company and the Guarantor under this Section 7.06 to compensate or indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall be secured by a senior claim to which the Notes are hereby made subordinate on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except, subject to the effect of Section 6.05, funds held in trust herewith for the benefit of the Holders of particular Notes. The Trustees right to receive payment of any amounts due under this Section 7.06 shall not be subordinate to any other liability or indebtedness of the Company. The obligations of the Company and the Guarantor under this Section 7.06 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee. Neither the Company nor the Guarantor need pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The indemnification provided in this Section 7.06 shall extend to the officers, directors, agents and employees of the Trustee.
Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee and its agents and any authenticating agent incur expenses or render services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(j) occurs, the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws.
Section 7.07 Eligibility of Trustee. There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If such Person publishes reports of
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condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of any supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
Section 7.08 Resignation or Removal of Trustee. (a) The Trustee may at any time resign by giving written notice of such resignation to the Company and by mailing notice thereof to the Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Note Register. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of resignation to the Holders, the resigning Trustee may, at the expense of the Company, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee, or any Holder who has been a bona fide holder of a Note or Notes for at least six months may, subject to the provisions of Section 6.11, on behalf of himself or herself and all others similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor trustee.
(b) In case at any time any of the following shall occur:
(i) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.07 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or
(ii) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,
then, in either case, the Company may by a Board Resolution remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor trustee, or, subject to the provisions of Section 6.11, any Holder who has been a bona fide holder of a Note or Notes for at least six months may, on behalf of himself or herself and all others similarly situated, at the expense of the Company, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of removal to the Holders, the Trustee being removed may, at the expense of the Company, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the Notes.
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(c) The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding, as determined in accordance with Section 8.04, may at any time remove the Trustee and nominate a successor trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing not less than 30 days prior to the effective date of such removal. If within ten days after notice to the Company of such nomination the Company objects thereto, the Trustee so removed or any Holder, upon the terms and conditions and otherwise as in Section 7.08 provided, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for an appointment of a successor trustee.
(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor trustee pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section 7.08 shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 7.09.
Section 7.09 Acceptance by Successor Trustee. Any successor trustee appointed as provided in Section 7.08 shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to its predecessor trustee an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the predecessor trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as Trustee herein; but, nevertheless, on the written request of the Company or of the successor trustee, the trustee ceasing to act shall, upon payment of any amounts then due it pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.06, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all the rights and powers of the trustee so ceasing to act. Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments in writing for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee all such rights and powers. Any trustee ceasing to act shall, nevertheless, retain a senior claim to which the Notes are hereby made subordinate on all money or property held or collected by such trustee as such, except for funds held in trust for the benefit of Holders of particular Notes, to secure any amounts then due it pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.06.
No successor trustee shall accept appointment as provided in this Section 7.09 unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be eligible under the provisions of Section 7.07.
Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided in this Section 7.09, each of the Company and the successor trustee, at the written direction and at the expense of the Company shall mail or cause to be mailed notice of the succession of such trustee hereunder to the Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Note Register. If the Company fails to mail such notice within ten days after acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be mailed at the expense of the Company.
The Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability for the action or inaction of a successor trustee.
Section 7.10 Succession by Merger, Etc. Any corporation or other entity into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation or other entity resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation or other entity succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate
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trust business of the Trustee (including the administration of this Indenture), shall be the successor to the Trustee hereunder without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto; provided that in the case of any corporation or other entity succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee such corporation or other entity shall be eligible under the provisions of Section 7.07.
In case at the time such successor to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture, any of the Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee or authenticating agent appointed by such predecessor trustee, and deliver such Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee or an authenticating agent appointed by such successor trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor trustee hereunder or in the name of the successor trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have; provided, however, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee or to authenticate Notes in the name of any predecessor trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.
Section 7.11 Trustees Application for Instructions from the Company. Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the Company (other than with regard to any action proposed to be taken or omitted to be taken by the Trustee that affects the rights of the Holders of the Notes under this Indenture) may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Trustee in accordance with a proposal included in such application on or after the date specified in such application (which date shall not be less than three Business Days after the date any officer that the Company has indicated to the Trustee should receive such application actually receives such application, unless any such officer shall have consented in writing to any earlier date), unless, prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in the case of any omission), the Trustee shall have received written instructions in accordance with this Indenture in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE HOLDERS
Section 8.01 Action by Holders. Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the Holders of a specified percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action, the Holders of such specified percentage have joined therein may be evidenced by (a) any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by Holders in person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing, or (b) by the record of the Holders voting in favor thereof at any meeting of Holders duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Article IX, or (c) by a combination of such instrument or instruments and any such record of such a meeting of Holders. Whenever the Company or the Trustee solicits the taking of any action by the Holders
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of the Notes, the Company or the Trustee may, but shall not be required to, fix in advance of such solicitation, a date as the record date for determining Holders entitled to take such action. The record date if one is selected shall be not more than fifteen days prior to the date of commencement of solicitation of such action.
Section 8.02 Proof of Execution by Holders. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, Section 7.02 and Section 9.05, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Holder or its agent or proxy shall be sufficient if made in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee or in such manner as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee. The holding of Notes shall be proved by the Note Register or by a certificate of the Note Registrar. The record of any Holders meeting shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 9.06.
Section 8.03 Who Are Deemed Absolute Owners. The Company, the Trustee, any authenticating agent, any Paying Agent, any Conversion Agent and any Note Registrar may deem the Person in whose name a Note shall be registered upon the Note Register to be, and may treat it as, the absolute owner of such Note (whether or not such Note shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon made by any Person other than the Company or any Note Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of and (subject to Section 2.03) accrued and unpaid interest on such Note, for conversion of such Note and for all other purposes under this Indenture; and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any Paying Agent nor any Conversion Agent nor any Note Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. The sole registered holder of a Global Note shall be the Depositary or its nominee. All such payments or deliveries so made to any Holder for the time being, or upon its order, shall be valid, and, to the extent of the sums or shares of Common Stock so paid or delivered, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for monies payable or shares deliverable upon any such Note. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or the Notes following an Event of Default, any owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Note may directly enforce against the Company, without the consent, solicitation, proxy, authorization or any other action of the Depositary or any other Person, such owners right to exchange such beneficial interest for a Note in certificated form in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
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Section 8.04 Company-Owned Notes Disregarded. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, consent, waiver or other action under this Indenture, Notes that are owned by the Company, by any Subsidiary thereof or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company or any Subsidiary thereof shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding for the purpose of any such determination; provided that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in conclusively relying on any such direction, consent, waiver or other action only Notes that a Responsible Officer actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as outstanding for the purposes of this Section 8.04 if the pledgee shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgees right to so act with respect to such Notes and that the pledgee is not the Company, a Subsidiary thereof or a Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company or a Subsidiary thereof. In the case of a dispute as to such right, any decision or indecision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection to the Trustee. The Company shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officers Certificate listing and identifying all Notes, if any, known by the Company to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above described Persons; and, subject to Section 7.01, the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officers Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Notes not listed therein are outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.
Section 8.05 Revocation of Consents; Future Holders Bound. At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 8.01, of the taking of any action by the Holders of the percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any Holder of a Note that is shown by the evidence to be included in the Notes the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Note. Except as aforesaid, any such action taken by the Holder of any Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Note and of any Notes issued in exchange or substitution therefor or upon registration of transfer thereof, irrespective of whether any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Note or any Note issued in exchange or substitution therefor or upon registration of transfer thereof.
ARTICLE IX
HOLDERS MEETINGS
Section 9.01 Purpose of Meetings. A meeting of Holders may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX for any of the following purposes:
(a) to give any notice to the Company or to the Trustee or to give any directions to the Trustee permitted under this Indenture, or to consent to the waiving of any Default or Event of Default hereunder (in each case, as permitted under this Indenture) and its consequences, or to take any other action authorized to be taken by Holders pursuant to any of the provisions of Article VI;
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(b) to remove the Trustee and nominate a successor trustee pursuant to the provisions of Article VII;
(c) to consent to the execution of an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.02; or
(d) to take any other action authorized to be taken by or on behalf of the Holders of any specified aggregate principal amount of the Notes under any other provision of this Indenture or under applicable law.
Section 9.02 Call of Meetings by Trustee. The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders to take any action specified in Section 9.01, to be held at such time and at such place as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of the Holders, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting and the establishment of any record date pursuant to Section 8.01, shall be mailed to Holders of such Notes at their addresses as they shall appear on the Note Register. Such notice shall also be mailed to the Company. Such notices shall be mailed not less than 20 nor more than 90 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
Any meeting of Holders shall be valid without notice if the Holders of all Notes then outstanding are present in person or by proxy or if notice is waived before or after the meeting by the Holders of all Notes then outstanding, and if the Company and the Trustee are either present by duly authorized representatives or have, before or after the meeting, waived notice.
Section 9.03 Call of Meetings by Company or Holders. In case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the Holders of at least 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of Holders, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have mailed the notice of such meeting within 20 days after receipt of such request, then the Company or such Holders may determine the time and the place for such meeting and may call such meeting to take any action authorized in Section 9.01, by mailing notice thereof as provided in Section 9.02.
Section 9.04 Qualifications for Voting. To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders a Person shall (a) be a Holder of one or more Notes on the record date pertaining to such meeting or (b) be a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy by a Holder of one or more Notes on the record date pertaining to such meeting. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel and any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.
Section 9.05 Regulations. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders, in regard to proof of the holding of Notes and of the appointment of proxies, and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall think fit.
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The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Company or by Holders as provided in Section 9.03, in which case the Company or the Holders calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the meeting and entitled to vote at the meeting.
Subject to the provisions of Section 8.04, at any meeting of Holders each Holder or proxyholder shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes held or represented by him or her; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Note challenged as not outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting to be not outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote other than by virtue of Notes held by it or instruments in writing as aforesaid duly designating it as the proxy to vote on behalf of other Holders. Any meeting of Holders duly called pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.02 or Section 9.03 may be adjourned from time to time by the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Notes represented at the meeting, whether or not constituting a quorum, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.
Section 9.06 Voting. The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders shall be by written ballot on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders or of their representatives by proxy and the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record in duplicate of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more Persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was mailed as provided in Section 9.02. The record shall show the aggregate principal amount of the Notes voting in favor of or against any resolution. The record shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one of the duplicates shall be delivered to the Company and the other to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting.
Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
Section 9.07 No Delay of Rights by Meeting. Nothing contained in this Article IX shall be deemed or construed to authorize or permit, by reason of any call of a meeting of Holders or any rights expressly or impliedly conferred hereunder to make such call, any hindrance or delay in the exercise of any right or rights conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders under any of the provisions of this Indenture or of the Notes. Nothing contained in this Article IX shall be deemed or construed to limit any Holders actions pursuant to the applicable procedures of the Depositary so long as the Notes are issued in global form.
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ARTICLE X
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
Section 10.01 Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders. The Company, and the Guarantor, when authorized by the resolutions of the Board of Directors and the Trustee, at the Companys expense, may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for one or more of the following purposes:
(a) to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency in this Indenture (including the Guarantee);
(b) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Company or Successor Guarantor of the obligations of the Company or the Guarantor under this Indenture pursuant to Article XI;
(c) to add guarantees with respect to the Notes;
(d) to secure the Notes;
(e) to add to the covenants for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company;
(f) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder;
(g) to increase the Conversion Rate as provided in this Indenture;
(h) to irrevocably elect a Settlement Method or a Specified Dollar Amount;
(i) to conform this Indenture to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect;
(j) to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee pursuant to Section 7.09 or to facilitate the administration of the trusts by more than one trustee; or
(k) to conform the provisions of this Indenture (including the Guarantee), or the Notes, to the Description of Notes in the Original Offering Memorandum, to the extent such provision in the Description of Notes was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, or the Guarantee, as evidenced by an Officers Certificate.
Upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to, but may in its discretion, enter into any supplemental indenture that affects the Trustees own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section 10.01 may be executed by the Company and the Trustee without the consent of the Holders of any of the Notes at the time outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 10.02.
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Section 10.02 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders. With the consent (evidenced as provided in Article VIII) of the Holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding (determined in accordance with Article VIII and including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a repurchase of, or tender or exchange offer for, Notes), the Company, when authorized by the resolutions of the Board of Directors and the Trustee, at the Companys expense, may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders; provided, however, that, without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected, no such supplemental indenture shall:
(a) reduce the amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment;
(b) reduce the rate of or extend the stated time for payment of interest (other than Additional Interest) on any Note;
(c) reduce the principal of or extend the Maturity Date of any Note;
(d) make any change that adversely affects the conversion rights of any Notes;
(e) reduce the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price of any Note or amend or modify in any manner adverse to the Holders the Companys obligation to make such payments, whether through an amendment or waiver of provisions in the covenants, definitions or otherwise;
(f) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Note;
(g) change the ranking of the Notes;
(h) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) and interest on such Holders Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holders Note;
(i) make any change in this Article X that requires each Holders consent or in the waiver provisions in Section 6.01 or Section 6.09; or
(j) other than in accordance with this Indenture, eliminate or modify the Guarantee.
Upon the written request of the Company, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Holders as aforesaid and subject to Section 10.05, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustees own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture.
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Holders do not need, under this Section 10.02, to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture. It shall be sufficient if such Holders approve the substance thereof. After any such supplemental indenture becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders a notice briefly describing such supplemental indenture. However, the failure to give such notice to all the Holders, or any defect in the notice, will not impair or affect the validity of the supplemental indenture.
Section 10.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article X, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitation of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Company and the Holders shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.
Section 10.04 Notation on Notes. Notes authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article X may, at the Companys expense, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company or the Trustee shall so determine, new Notes so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may, at the Companys expense, be prepared and executed by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee (or an authenticating agent duly appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 16.10) and delivered in exchange for the Notes then outstanding, upon surrender of such Notes then outstanding.
Section 10.05 Evidence of Compliance of Supplemental Indenture to Be Furnished Trustee. In addition to the documents required by Section 16.05, the Trustee shall receive and shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant hereto complies with the requirements of this Article X, is permitted or authorized by this Indenture, such Opinion of Counsel to include a customary legal opinion as to the enforceability under New York law of such supplemental indenture, which opinion may contain customary exceptions and qualifications.
ARTICLE XI
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, CONVEYANCE AND LEASE
Section 11.01 Company May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms. Subject to the provisions of Section 11.03, the Company shall not consolidate with, merge with or into, or sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to another Person, as the case may be, unless:
(a) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the Successor Company), if not the Company, shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and the Successor Company (if not the Company) shall expressly assume all of the obligations of the Company under the Notes and this Indenture; and
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(b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under this Indenture; and
(c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee the Officers Certificate and Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 11.04.
For purposes of this Section 11.01, the sale, conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Company substantially as an entirety to another Person, which properties and assets, if held by the Company instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the sale, conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety to another Person.
Section 11.02 Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms. Subject to the provisions of Section 11.03, the Guarantor shall not consolidate with, merge with or into, or sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to another Person, as the case may be, unless:
(a) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the Successor Guarantor), if not the Guarantor, shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and the Successor Guarantor (if not the Guarantor) shall expressly assume all of the obligations of the Guarantor under the Notes and this Indenture; and
(b) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and
(c) the Guarantor has delivered to the Trustee the Officers Certificate and Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 11.04.
The foregoing limitations in this Section 11.02 shall not be applicable to any consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease in respect of the Guarantor, so long as such event or events are in connection with, or occurring contemporaneously with, a release of a Guarantor that complies with the requirements of Section 15.05.
The foregoing limitations in this Section 11.02 shall not apply to any consolidation with, merger with or sale, conveyance, transfer or lease of assets to the Company that complies with the requirements set forth in Section 11.01.
Section 11.03 Successor Corporation or Guarantor to Be Substituted. In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease and upon the assumption by the Successor Company or Successor Guarantor, as the case may be, of the due and punctual payment of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on all of the Notes, the due and punctual delivery or payment, as the case may be, of any consideration due upon conversion of the Notes and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this
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Indenture to be performed by the Company, such Successor Company or Successor Guarantor (if not the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be) shall succeed to, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, under this Indenture, and the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, will be discharged from the obligations of the Company or the Guarantor under the Notes, the Guarantee and this Indenture, as applicable, except in the case of any such lease.
Such Successor Company thereupon may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company any or all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such Successor Company instead of the Company and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver, or cause to be authenticated and delivered, any Notes that previously shall have been signed and delivered by the Officers of the Company to the Trustee for authentication, and any Notes that such Successor Company thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All the Notes so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture (including the Guarantee, as applicable) as the Notes theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Notes had been issued at the date of the execution hereof. In the event of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance or transfer (but not in the case of a lease), upon compliance with this Article XI the Person named as the Company in the first paragraph of this Indenture (or any successor that shall thereafter have become such in the manner prescribed in this Article XI) may be dissolved, wound up and liquidated at any time thereafter and, except in the case of a lease, such Person shall be released from its liabilities as obligor and maker of the Notes and from its obligations under this Indenture and the Notes.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Notes thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
Section 11.04 Evidence to Be Given to Trustee. No consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease pursuant to this Article XI shall be effective unless the Trustee shall receive an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease and any such assumption and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture, complies with the provisions of this Article XI.
ARTICLE XII
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR STOCKHOLDERS
Section 12.01 Indenture and Notes Solely Corporate Obligations. None of the Companys or the Guarantors past, present or future directors, officers, employees or stockholders, as such, will have any liability for any of the obligations under the Notes or this Indenture or for any claim based on, or in respect or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Note and the Guarantee, each Holder waives and releases all such liability. This waiver and release is part of the consideration for the issue of the Notes and the Guarantee.
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ARTICLE XIII
CONVERSION OF NOTES
Section 13.01 Conversion Privilege. (a) Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of this Article XIII, each Holder of a Note shall have the right, at such Holders option, to convert all or any portion (if the portion to be converted is $1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof) of such Note (i) subject to satisfaction of the conditions described in Section 13.01(b), at any time prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding September 15, 2020, under the circumstances and during the periods set forth in Section 13.01(b), and (ii) irrespective of the conditions described in Section 13.01(b), on or after September 15, 2020, and prior to the close of business on the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, in each case, at an initial conversion rate of 16.8386 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13.04, the Conversion Rate) per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (subject to the settlement provisions of Section 13.02, the Conversion Obligation).
(b) (i) Prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding September 15, 2020, the Notes may be surrendered for conversion during the five Business-Day period immediately after any ten consecutive Trading-Day period (the Measurement Period) in which the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, as determined following a request by a Holder of Notes in accordance with this subsection (b)(i), for each Trading Day of the Measurement Period was less than 98% of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock and the Conversion Rate on each such Trading Day. The Trading Prices shall be determined by the Bid Solicitation Agent pursuant to this subsection (b)(i) and the definition of Trading Price set forth in this Indenture. The Company shall provide written notice to the Bid Solicitation Agent (if other than the Company) of the three independent nationally recognized securities dealers selected by the Company pursuant to the definition of Trading Price, along with appropriate contact information for each. The Bid Solicitation Agent (if other than the Company) shall have no obligation to determine the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes unless the Company has requested such determination, and the Company shall have no obligation to make such request (or, if the Company is acting as Bid Solicitation Agent, the Company shall have no obligation to determine the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes) unless a Holder of at least $5,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes provides the Company with reasonable evidence that the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes would be less than 98% of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock and the Conversion Rate, at which time the Company shall instruct the Bid Solicitation Agent (if other than the Company) to determine, or if the Company is acting as Bid Solicitation Agent, the Company shall determine, the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes beginning on the next Trading Day and on each successive Trading Day until the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes is greater than or equal to 98% of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock and the Conversion Rate. If (x) the Company is not acting as Bid Solicitation Agent, and the Company does not instruct the Bid Solicitation Agent to determine the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes when obligated as provided in the preceding sentence, or if the Company instructs the Bid Solicitation Agent to obtain bids and the Bid Solicitation Agent fails to make such determination, or (y) the Company is acting as Bid Solicitation Agent and the Company fails to make such determination when obligated as provided in the preceding sentence, then, in either case, the Trading Price per $1,000 principal
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amount of Notes shall be deemed to be less than 98% of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock and the Conversion Rate on each Trading Day of such failure. If the Trading Price condition set forth above has been met, the Company shall so notify the Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) in writing. If, at any time after the Trading Price condition set forth above has been met, the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes is greater than or equal to 98% of the product of the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock and the applicable Conversion Rate, the Company shall so notify the Holders of the Notes, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) in writing.
(ii) If, prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding September 15, 2020, the Company elects to:
(A) issue to all or substantially all holders of its Common Stock any rights, options or warrants entitling them, for a period of not more than 45 calendar days after the announcement date of such issuance, to subscribe for or purchase shares of its Common Stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock for the 10 consecutive Trading-Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance; or
(B) distribute to all or substantially all holders of its Common Stock the Companys assets, debt securities or rights to purchase securities of the Company, which distribution has a per share value, as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors, exceeding 10% of the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day preceding the date of announcement for such distribution,
then, in either case, the Company shall notify all Holders of the Notes, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) in writing at least 55 Scheduled Trading Days prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such issuance or distribution. Once the Company has given such notice, the Notes may be surrendered for conversion at any time until the earlier of (1) the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such issuance or distribution and (2) the Companys announcement that such issuance or distribution will not take place, even if the Notes are not otherwise convertible at such time. For purposes of this Section 13.01(b)(ii)(A) and Section 13.04(b), in determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Common Stock at less than such average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock for the 10 consecutive Trading-Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement for such issuance, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of Common Stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Company for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board of Directors.
(iii) If a transaction or event that (x) constitutes a Fundamental Change occurs, (y) constitutes a Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs or (z) if the Company is a party to a consolidation, merger, binding share exchange, or transfer or lease of all or
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substantially all of the Companys assets, pursuant to which the Common Stock would be converted into cash, securities or other assets not set forth in (x) and (y) above, in each case prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding September 15, 2020, regardless of whether a Holder has the right to require the Company to repurchase the Notes pursuant to Section 14.01, then the Notes may be surrendered for conversion at any time from or after the effective date of the transaction or event until the earlier of (A) 35 Trading Days after the actual effective date of such transaction or event (or, if later, the date on which the Company provides notice of such transaction or event) or, if such transaction or event also constitutes a Fundamental Change, until the related Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, and (B) the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date. The Company shall notify Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) in writing no later than five Business Days following the date the Company publicly announces such transaction or event.
(iv) Prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding September 15, 2020, the Notes may be surrendered for conversion during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on June 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock for at least 20 Trading Days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of 30 consecutive Trading Days ending on the last Trading Day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than 130% of the Conversion Price on each applicable Trading Day. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent shall have any duty to monitor such sale price.
Section 13.02 Conversion Procedure; Settlement Upon Conversion.
(a) Except as provided in Section 13.03(b) and Section 13.07(a), upon conversion of any Note, the Company shall pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash (Cash Settlement), shares of Common Stock, together with cash, if applicable, in lieu of delivering any fractional share of Common Stock in accordance with subsection (j) of this Section 13.02 (Physical Settlement) or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, together with cash, if applicable, in lieu of delivering any fractional share of Common Stock in accordance with subsection (j) of this Section 13.02 (Combination Settlement), at the Companys election, as the case may be, as described below.
(i) All conversions occurring on or after September 15, 2020, shall be settled using the same Settlement Method. Prior to September 15, 2020, the Company shall use the same Settlement Method for all conversions occurring on the same Conversion Date, but the Company shall not have any obligation to use the same Settlement Method with respect to conversions that occur on different Conversion Dates. If the Company elects a Settlement Method, the Company shall inform converting Holders in writing, through the Trustee upon its receipt of a written instruction from the Company to send such notification, of the Settlement Method it has selected (the Settlement Notice) no later than the close of business on the Trading Day immediately following the related Conversion Date (or, in the case of any conversions occurring on or after September 15, 2020, no later than the close of business on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately
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preceding September 15, 2020. If the Company does not so elect a Settlement Method prior to the deadline set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, the Company shall no longer have the right to elect Cash Settlement or Physical Settlement and the Company shall be deemed to have elected Combination Settlement in respect to its Conversion Obligation, and the Specified Dollar Amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes will be equal to $1,000. If the Company elects Combination Settlement, but does not concurrently notify converting holders of the Specified Dollar Amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, such Specified Dollar Amount will be deemed to be $1,000.
(ii) The cash, shares of Common Stock or combination of cash and shares of Common Stock in respect of any conversion of Notes (the Settlement Amount) shall be computed as follows:
(A) If the Company elects Physical Settlement, the Company will deliver to converting holdings in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of notes being converted a number of shares of the Companys Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate;
(B) If the Company elects Cash Settlement, the Company will pay to converting holders in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of notes being converted cash in an amount equal to the sum of the Daily Conversion Values for each of the 50 consecutive Trading Days in the relevant Observation Period; and
(C) If the Company elects (or is deemed to have elected) Combination Settlement, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, to converting holders in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of Notes being converted a Settlement Amount equal to the sum of the Daily Settlement Amounts for each of the 50 consecutive Trading Days in the relevant Observation Period.
(iii) The Daily Settlement Amounts (if applicable) and the Daily Conversion Values (if applicable) shall be determined by the Company promptly following the last day of the applicable Observation Period. Promptly after such determination of the Daily Settlement Amounts or the Daily Conversion Values, as the case may be, and the amount of cash payable in lieu of any fractional share, the Company shall notify the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) in writing of the Daily Settlement Amounts or the Daily Conversion Values, as the case may be, and the amount of cash payable in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock. The Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) shall have no responsibility for any such determination.
(b) Subject to Section 13.02(e), before any Holder of a Note shall be entitled to convert a Note as set forth above, such Holder shall (i) in the case of a Global Note, comply with the procedures of the Depositary in effect at that time and, if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next Interest Payment Date to which such Holder is not entitled as set forth in Section 13.02(h) and, if required, pay all transfer and similar taxes, if any as provided in Sections 13.02(d) or (e), and (ii) in the case of a Physical Note (1) complete, manually sign and deliver an irrevocable notice to the Conversion Agent as set forth in the Form of Notice of Conversion (or a facsimile thereof) (a Notice of Conversion) at the office of the Conversion Agent and state in
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writing therein the principal amount of Notes to be converted and the name or names (with addresses) in which such Holder wishes the certificate or certificates for any shares of Common Stock to be delivered upon settlement of the Conversion Obligation to be registered, (2) surrender such Notes, duly endorsed to the Company or in blank (and accompanied by appropriate endorsement and transfer documents), at the office of the Conversion Agent, (3) if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, (4) if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes and (5) if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next Interest Payment Date to which such Holder is not entitled as set forth in Section 13.02(h). The Trustee (and, if different, the Conversion Agent) shall notify the Company of any conversion pursuant to this Article XIII on the Conversion Date for such conversion. No Notice of Conversion with respect to any Notes may be surrendered by a Holder thereof if such Holder has also delivered a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice to the Company in respect of such Notes and not validly withdrawn such Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice in accordance with Section 14.02. Nothing herein shall preclude any withholding of tax required by law.
If more than one Note shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same Holder, the Conversion Obligation with respect to such Notes shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (or specified portions thereof to the extent permitted thereby) so surrendered.
(c) A Note shall be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to the close of business on the date (the Conversion Date) that the Holder has complied with the requirements set forth in subsection (b) above. The Company shall pay or deliver, as the case may be, the consideration due in respect of the Conversion Obligation on the third Business Day immediately following the relevant Conversion Date, if the Company elects Physical Settlement, or on the third Business Day immediately following the last Trading Day of the Observation Period, in the case of any other Settlement Method; provided that, for any Conversion Date on or after September 15, 2020 for which Physical Settlement is applicable, settlement will occur on the Maturity Date. If any shares of Common Stock are due to converting Holders, the Company shall issue or cause to be issued, and deliver to the Conversion Agent or to such Holder, or such Holders nominee or nominees, certificates or a book-entry transfer through the Depositary for the full number of shares of Common Stock to which such Holder shall be entitled in satisfaction of the Companys Conversion Obligation.
(d) In case any Note shall be surrendered for partial conversion, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or upon the written order of the Holder of the Note so surrendered a new Note or Notes in authorized denominations in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unconverted portion of the surrendered Note, without payment of any service charge by the converting Holder but with payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge required by law or that may be imposed in connection therewith as a result of the name of the Holder of the new Notes issued upon such conversion being different from the name of the Holder of the old Notes surrendered for such conversion.
(e) If a Holder submits a Note for conversion, the Company shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of any shares of Common Stock upon conversion, unless the tax is due because the Holder requests such shares to be issued
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in a name other than the Holders name, in which case the Holder shall pay that tax. The Conversion Agent may refuse to deliver the certificates representing the shares of Common Stock being issued in a name other than the Holders name until the Trustee receives a sum sufficient to pay any tax that is due by such Holder in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence.
(f) Except as provided in Section 13.04, no adjustment shall be made for dividends on any shares issued upon the conversion of any Note as provided in this Article XIII.
(g) Upon the conversion of an interest in a Global Note, the Trustee, or the Custodian at the direction of the Trustee, shall make a notation on such Global Note as to the reduction in the principal amount represented thereby. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of any conversion of Notes effected through any Conversion Agent other than the Trustee.
(h) Upon conversion, a Holder shall not receive any separate cash payment for accrued and unpaid interest, if any, except as set forth below. The Companys settlement of the Conversion Obligation shall be deemed to satisfy in full its obligation to pay the principal amount of the Note and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the relevant Conversion Date. As a result, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, such Conversion Date shall be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. Upon a conversion of Notes into a combination of cash and shares of the Companys Common Stock, accrued and unpaid interest will be deemed to be paid first out of the cash paid upon such conversion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Notes are converted after the close of business on a Regular Record Date, Holders of such Notes as of the close of business on such Regular Record Date will receive the full amount of interest payable on such Notes on the corresponding Interest Payment Date notwithstanding the conversion. Notes surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any Regular Record Date to the open of business on the immediately following Interest Payment Date must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of interest payable on the Notes so converted; provided that no such payment shall be required (1) for conversions following the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the Maturity Date; (2) if the Company has specified a Fundamental Change Repurchase Date that is after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the Business Day immediately following the corresponding Interest Payment Date; or (3) to the extent of any Defaulted Amounts, if any Defaulted Amounts exists at the time of conversion with respect to such Note. Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, all Holders of Notes on the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the Maturity Date and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date described in (1) and (2) of this paragraph will receive the full interest payment due on the Maturity Date or other applicable Interest Payment Date, regardless of whether their Notes have been converted following such Regular Record Date.
(i) The Person in whose name the certificate for any shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion is registered shall be treated as a stockholder of record as of the close of business on the relevant Conversion Date (if the Company elects to satisfy the related Conversion Obligation by Physical Settlement) or the last Trading Day of the relevant Observation Period (if the Company elects (or is deemed to have elected) to satisfy the related Conversion Obligation by Combination Settlement), as the case may be, subject to Sections 13.04(c) and 13.04(e). Upon a conversion of Notes, such Person shall no longer be a Holder of such Notes surrendered for conversion.
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(j) The Company shall not issue any fractional share of Common Stock upon conversion of the Notes and shall instead pay cash in lieu of any fractional share of Common Stock issuable upon conversion based on, in the case of Combination Settlement, the Daily VWAP on the Last Trading Day of the applicable Observation Period, or, in the case of Physical Settlement, based on the daily VWAP on the relevant Conversion Date. For each Note surrendered for conversion, if the Company has elected (or is deemed to have elected) Combination Settlement, the full number of shares that shall be issued upon conversion thereof, shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate Daily Settlement Amounts for the applicable Observation Period, and any fractional shares remaining after such computation shall be paid in cash.
Section 13.03 Increased Conversion Rate Applicable to Certain Notes Surrendered in Connection with Make-Whole Fundamental Changes. (a) If a Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs prior to the Maturity Date and a Holder elects to convert its Notes in connection with such Make-Whole Fundamental Change, the Company shall, under the circumstances described below, increase the Conversion Rate for the Notes so surrendered for conversion by a number of additional shares of Common Stock (the Additional Shares), as described below. A conversion of Notes shall be deemed for these purposes to be in connection with such Make-Whole Fundamental Change if the applicable Conversion Date occurs during the period from, and including, the Effective Date of the Make-Whole Fundamental Change up to, and including, the Business Day immediately prior to the related Fundamental Change Repurchase Date (or, in the case of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change that would have been a Fundamental Change but for the Majority Ownership Exception, the 35th Trading Day immediately following the Effective Date of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change).
(b) Upon surrender of Notes for conversion in connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change pursuant to Section 13.01(b)(iii), the Company shall, at its option, satisfy the related Conversion Obligation by Physical Settlement, Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement in accordance with satisfy the related Conversion Obligation in accordance with Section 13.02 based on the Conversion Rate as increased to reflect the Additional Shares pursuant to the table below; provided, however, that if, at the effective time of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change described in clause (b) of the definition of Fundamental Change, the Reference Property following such Make-Whole Fundamental Change is composed entirely of cash, for any conversion of Notes following the Effective Date of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change, the Conversion Obligation shall be calculated based solely on the Stock Price for the transaction and shall be deemed to be an amount of cash per $1,000 principal amount of converted Notes equal to the Conversion Rate (including any adjustment for Additional Shares), multiplied by such Stock Price. In such event, the Conversion Obligation will be determined and shall be paid to Holders in cash on the third Business Day following the Conversion Date. The Company shall notify the Holders of Notes of the Effective Date of any Make-Whole Fundamental Change no later than five Business Days after such Effective Date.
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(c) The number of Additional Shares, if any, by which the Conversion Rate shall be increased shall be determined by reference to the table below, based on the date on which the Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs or becomes effective (the Effective Date) and the price (the Stock Price) paid (or deemed to be paid) per share of the Common Stock in the Make-Whole Fundamental Change. If the holders of the Common Stock receive in exchange for their Common Stock only cash in a Make-Whole Fundamental Change described in clause (b) of the definition of Fundamental Change, the Stock Price shall be the cash amount paid per share. Otherwise, the Stock Price shall be the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the five Trading-Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the Effective Date of the Make-Whole Fundamental Change. The Board of Directors shall make appropriate adjustments to the Stock Price, in its good faith determination, to account for any adjustment to the Conversion Rate that becomes effective, or any event requiring an adjustment to the Conversion Rate where the Ex-Dividend Date of the event occurs, during such five consecutive Trading-Day period.
(d) The Stock Prices set forth in the column headings of the table below shall be adjusted as of any date on which the Conversion Rate of the Notes is otherwise adjusted. The adjusted Stock Prices shall equal the Stock Prices applicable immediately prior to such adjustment, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Conversion Rate immediately prior to such adjustment giving rise to the Stock Price adjustment and the denominator of which is the Conversion Rate as so adjusted. The number of Additional Shares set forth in the table below shall be adjusted in the same manner and at the same time as the Conversion Rate as set forth in Section 13.04.
(e) The following table sets forth the number of Additional Shares to be received per $1,000 principal amount of Notes pursuant to this Section 13.03 for each Stock Price and Effective Date set forth below:
Stock Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effective Date |
$47.51 | $51.00 | $55.00 | $59.39 | $65.00 | $75.00 | $90.00 | $110.00 | $150.00 | $200.00 | $250.00 | $300.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 11, 2014 |
4.2096 | 3.9358 | 3.4517 | 3.0265 | 2.6027 | 2.0650 | 1.5595 | 1.1610 | 0.7418 | 0.4787 | 0.3278 | 0.2308 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 15, 2015 |
4.2096 | 3.8964 | 3.3774 | 2.9262 | 2.4828 | 1.9340 | 1.4352 | 1.0570 | 0.6731 | 0.4361 | 0.3002 | 0.2123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 15, 2016 |
4.2096 | 3.8384 | 3.2760 | 2.7948 | 2.3302 | 1.7700 | 1.2829 | 0.9321 | 0.5917 | 0.3856 | 0.2670 | 0.1898 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 15, 2017 |
4.2096 | 3.7695 | 3.1529 | 2.6333 | 2.1418 | 1.5697 | 1.1005 | 0.7854 | 0.4976 | 0.3267 | 0.2278 | 0.1629 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 15, 2018 |
4.2096 | 3.6528 | 2.9716 | 2.4071 | 1.8876 | 1.3115 | 0.8776 | 0.6139 | 0.3904 | 0.2589 | 0.1819 | 0.1309 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 15, 2019 |
4.2096 | 3.4414 | 2.6801 | 2.0664 | 1.5243 | 0.9690 | 0.6057 | 0.4188 | 0.2715 | 0.1820 | 0.1288 | 0.0934 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 15, 2020 |
4.2096 | 3.0765 | 2.1933 | 1.5163 | 0.9696 | 0.5044 | 0.2899 | 0.2093 | 0.1410 | 0.0953 | 0.0679 | 0.0497 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 15, 2021 |
4.2096 | 2.7692 | 1.3432 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 |
(f) The exact Stock Prices and Effective Dates may not be set forth in the table above, in which case:
(i) if the Stock Price is between two Stock Prices in the table above or the Effective Date is between two Effective Dates in the table above, the number of Additional Shares shall be determined by a straight-line interpolation between the number of Additional Shares set forth for the higher and lower Stock Prices and the earlier and later Effective Dates, as applicable, based on a 365-day year;
(ii) if the Stock Price is greater than $300.00 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Prices set forth in the column headings of the table above pursuant to subsection (d) above), no Additional Shares shall be added to the Conversion Rate; and
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(iii) if the Stock Price is less than $47.51 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Prices set forth in the column headings of the table above pursuant to subsection (d) above), no Additional Shares shall be added to the Conversion Rate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Conversion Rate exceed 21.0482 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.04.
(g) Nothing in this Section 13.03 shall prevent an adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.04 in respect of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change.
Section 13.04 Adjustment of Conversion Rate. The Conversion Rate shall be adjusted from time to time by the Company if any of the following events occurs, except that the Company shall not make any adjustments to the Conversion Rate if Holders of the Notes participate (other than in the case of a share split or share combination), at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of the Common Stock and solely as a result of holding the Notes, in any of the transactions described in this Section 13.04, without having to convert their Notes, as if they held a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate, multiplied by the principal amount (expressed in thousands) of Notes held by such Holder.
(a) If the Company exclusively issues shares of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on shares of its Common Stock, or if the Company effects a share split or share combination, the Conversion Rate shall be adjusted based on the following formula:
where,
CR0 | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date of such dividend or distribution, or immediately prior to the open of business on the Effective Date of such share split or share combination, as applicable; | ||||
CR | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date or Effective Date; | ||||
OS0 | = | the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date or Effective Date; and | ||||
OS | = | the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such dividend, distribution, share split or share combination. |
Any adjustment made under this Section 13.04(a) shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately after the open of business on the Effective Date for such share split or share combination, as
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applicable. If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this Section 13.04(a) is declared but not so paid or made, the Conversion Rate shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the Board of Directors determines not to pay such dividend or distribution, to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
(b) If the Company issues to all or substantially all holders of its Common Stock any rights, options or warrants entitling them, for a period of not more than 45 calendar days after the announcement date of such issuance, to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Common Stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock for the 10 consecutive Trading-Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance, the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:
where,
CR0 | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such issuance; | ||
CR | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date; | ||
OS0 | = | the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date; | ||
X | = | the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants; and | ||
Y | = | the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants, divided by the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading-Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants. |
Any increase made under this Section 13.04(b) shall be made successively whenever any such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such issuance. To the extent that shares of the Common Stock are not delivered after the expiration of such rights, options or warrants, the Conversion Rate shall be decreased to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of Common Stock actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Conversion Rate shall be decreased to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such Ex-Dividend Date for such issuance had not occurred.
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For purposes of this Section 13.04(b) and Section 13.01(b)(ii)(A), in determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Common Stock at less than such average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock for the 10 consecutive Trading-Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement for such issuance, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of Common Stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Company for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board of Directors.
(c) If the Company distributes shares of its Capital Stock, evidences of its indebtedness, other assets or property or rights, options or warrants to acquire its Capital Stock or other securities, to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock, excluding (i) dividends, distributions or issuances as to which an adjustment was effected pursuant to Section 13.04(a) or Section 13.04(b), (ii) dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash as to which an adjustment was effected pursuant to Section 13.04(d), (iii) distributions of Reference Property in a transaction described in Section 13.07; and (iv) Spin-Offs as to which the provisions set forth below in this Section 13.04(c) shall apply (any of such shares of Capital Stock, evidences of indebtedness, other assets or property or rights, options or warrants to acquire Capital Stock or other securities of the Company, the Distributed Property), then the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:
where,
CR0 | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution; | ||
CR | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date; | ||
SP0 | = | the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading-Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution; and | ||
FMV | = | the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors) of the Distributed Property with respect to each outstanding share of the Common Stock on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution. |
Any increase made under the portion of this Section 13.04(c) above shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if FMV (as defined above) is equal to or greater than SP0 (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each Holder of a Note shall receive, in respect of each $1,000 principal amount thereof, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of
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the Common Stock receive the Distributed Property, the amount and kind of Distributed Property such Holder would have received if such Holder owned a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate in effect on the Ex-Dividend Date for the distribution. If the Board of Directors determines the FMV (as defined above) of any distribution for purposes of this Section 13.04(c) by reference to the actual or when-issued trading market for any securities, it shall in doing so consider the prices in such market over the same period used in computing the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading-Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution.
With respect to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 13.04(c) where there has been a payment of a dividend or other distribution on the Common Stock of shares of Capital Stock of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a Subsidiary or other business unit of the Company, that are, or, when issued, will be, listed or admitted for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange (a Spin-Off), the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:
where,
CR0 | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the Effective Date of the Spin-Off; | ||
CR | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the Effective Date of the Spin-Off; | ||
FMV0 | = | the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Capital Stock or similar equity interest distributed to holders of the Common Stock applicable to one share of the Common Stock (determined by reference to the definition of Last Reported Sale Price as set forth in Section 1.01 as if references therein to Common Stock were to such Capital Stock or similar equity interest) over the first 10 consecutive Trading-Day period after, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date of the Spin-Off (the Valuation Period); and | ||
MP0 | = | the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the Valuation Period. |
The adjustment to the Conversion Rate under the preceding paragraph will be calculated as of the open of business on the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period, but shall be given effect as of the close of business on the Effective Date of the Spin-Off. If the Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or the last Trading Day of an Observation Period (in the case of Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement) occurs during the related Valuation Period, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, the cash, shares of its Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of its Common Stock, if any, on the third Business Day immediately following the last day of the Valuation Period, and the Person in whose name the
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certificate for any shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion is registered shall be treated as a stockholder of record as of the close of business on the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period. If any distribution of the type described in this Section 13.04(c) is declared but not so made, the conversion rate shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the Board of Directors or a committee thereof determines not to make such distribution, to the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such distribution had not been declared.
(d) If any cash dividend or distribution is made to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock, the Conversion Rate shall be adjusted based on the following formula:
where,
CR0 | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution; | ||
CR | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution; | ||
SP0 | = | the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution; and | ||
C | = | the amount in cash per share the Company distributes to all or substantially all holders of its Common Stock. |
Any increase pursuant to this Section 13.04(d) shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid, the Conversion Rate shall be decreased, effective as of the date the Board of Directors determines not to make or pay such dividend or distribution, to be the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if C (as defined above) is equal to or greater than SP0 (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each Holder of a Note shall receive, in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of Notes, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of shares of the Common Stock, the amount of cash that such Holder would have received if such Holder owned a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate on the Ex-Dividend Date for such cash dividend or distribution.
(e) If the Company makes or any of its Subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer for the Common Stock, to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per share of the Common Stock exceeds the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:
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where,
CR0 | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires; | ||
CR | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires; | ||
AC | = | the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by the Board of Directors) paid or payable for shares of Common Stock purchased in such tender or exchange offer; | ||
OS0 | = | the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the date such tender or exchange offer expires (prior to giving effect to the purchase of all shares of Common Stock accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer); | ||
OS | = | the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after the date such tender or exchange offer expires (after giving effect to the purchase of all shares of Common Stock accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer); and | ||
SP | = | the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading-Day period (the Averaging Period) commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires. |
The adjustment to the Conversion Rate under this Section 13.04(e) shall be calculated as of the open of business on the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the Averaging Period but will be given effect immediately after the open of business on the Trading Day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer. If the Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or the last Trading Day of an Observation Period (in the case of Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement) occurs during the related Averaging Period, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, the cash, shares of its Common Stock or a combination of cash and of its Common Stock, if any, on the third Business Day immediately following the last day of the Averaging Period, and the Person in whose name the certificate for any shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion is registered shall be treated as a stockholder of record as of the close of business on the last Trading Day of the Averaging Period.
(f) Notwithstanding this Section 13.04 or any other provision of this Indenture or the Notes, if a Conversion Rate adjustment becomes effective on any Ex-Dividend Date, and a Holder that has converted its Notes on or after such Ex-Dividend Date and on or prior to the related Record Date would be treated as the record holder of the shares of Common Stock as of
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the related Conversion Date as described under Section 13.02(i) based on an adjusted Conversion Rate for such Ex-Dividend Date, then, notwithstanding the Conversion Rate adjustment provisions in this Section 13.04, the Conversion Rate adjustment relating to such Ex-Dividend Date shall not be made for such converting Holder. Instead, such Holder shall be treated as if such Holder were the record owner of the shares of Common Stock on an unadjusted basis and participate in the related dividend, distribution or other event giving rise to such adjustment.
(g) Except as stated herein, the Company shall not adjust the Conversion Rate for the issuance of shares of its Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of its Common Stock or the right to purchase shares of its Common Stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities (including as consideration for a merger, purchase or similar transaction).
(h) In addition to those adjustments required by clauses (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 13.04, and to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the applicable rules of The NASDAQ Global Select Market, the Company from time to time may increase the Conversion Rate by any amount for a period of at least 20 Business Days if the Board of Directors determines that such increase would be in the Companys best interest. In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the applicable rules of The NASDAQ Global Select Market, the Company may (but is not required to) increase the Conversion Rate to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of Common Stock or rights to purchase Common Stock in connection with a dividend or distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) or similar event. Whenever the Conversion Rate is increased pursuant to either of the preceding two sentences, the Company shall mail to the Holder of each Note at its last address appearing on the Note Register a notice of the increase at least 15 days prior to the date the increased Conversion Rate takes effect, and such notice shall state the increased Conversion Rate and the period during which it will be in effect.
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article XIII, the Conversion Rate shall not be adjusted:
(i) upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on the Companys securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in shares of Common Stock under any plan;
(ii) upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock or options or rights to purchase those shares pursuant to any present or future employee, director or consultant benefit plan or program of or assumed by the Company or any of the Companys Subsidiaries;
(iii) upon the repurchase of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to an open-market share repurchase program or other buy-back transaction that is not a tender offer or exchange offer of the nature described under Section 13.04(e);
(iv) for a third-party tender offer (other than a tender offer by any Subsidiary of the Company as described under Section 13.04(e));
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(v) upon the issuance of any shares of the Common Stock pursuant to any option, warrant, right or exercisable, exchangeable or convertible security not described in clause (ii) of this subsection and outstanding as of the date the Notes were first issued;
(vi) solely for a change in the par value of the Common Stock; or
(vii) for accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
The Company shall not be required to make an adjustment pursuant to clauses (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) of this Section 13.04 unless such adjustment would result in a change of at least 1% of the then effective Conversion Rate. However, the Company shall carry forward any adjustment that the Company would otherwise have to make and take that adjustment into account in any subsequent adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all such carried-forward adjustments shall be made with respect to the Notes (i) in connection with any subsequent adjustment to the Conversion Rate of at least 1% of the Conversion Rate (when such carried-forward adjustments are taken into account), (ii) on the occurrence of any Fundamental Change or Make-Whole Fundamental Change and (iii) on any Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or on each Trading Day of any Observation Period (in the case of Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement). All calculations and other determinations under this Article XIII shall be made by the Company and shall be made to the nearest one-ten thousandth (1/10,000) of a share.
(j) Whenever the Conversion Rate is adjusted as herein provided, the Company shall promptly file with the Trustee (and the Conversion Agent if not the Trustee) an Officers Certificate setting forth the Conversion Rate after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment. Unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received such Officers Certificate, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any adjustment of the Conversion Rate and may assume without inquiry that the last Conversion Rate of which it has knowledge is still in effect. Promptly after delivery of such certificate, the Company shall prepare a notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Rate setting forth the adjusted Conversion Rate and the date on which each adjustment becomes effective and shall mail such notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Rate to each Holder at its last address appearing on the Note Register of this Indenture. Failure to deliver such notice shall not affect the legality or validity of any such adjustment.
(k) For purposes of this Section 13.04, the number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares held in the treasury of the Company so long as the Company does not pay any dividend or make any distribution on shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company, but shall include shares issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock.
(l) For purposes of this Section 13.04, Effective Date means the first date on which the shares of the Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, reflecting the relevant share split or share combination, as applicable.
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Section 13.05 Adjustments of Prices. Whenever any provision of this Indenture requires the Company to calculate the Last Reported Sale Prices, the Daily VWAPs, the Daily Conversion Values, the Daily Settlement Amounts over a span of multiple days (including an Observation Period and the period for determining the Stock Price for purposes of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change), the Company shall make appropriate adjustments to each to account for any adjustment to the Conversion Rate that becomes effective, or any event requiring an adjustment to the Conversion Rate where the Ex-Dividend Date of the event occurs, at any time during the period when such Last Reported Sale Prices, Daily VWAPs, Daily Conversion Values or Daily Settlement Amounts are to be calculated.
Section 13.06 Shares to Be Fully Paid. The Company shall provide, free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued shares or shares held in treasury, sufficient shares of Common Stock to provide for conversion of the Notes from time to time as such Notes are presented for conversion (assuming that at the time of computation of such number of shares, all such Notes would be converted by a single Holder) and that Physical Settlement is applicable.
Section 13.07 Effect of Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of the Common Stock.
(a) In the case of:
(i) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of the Common Stock (other than changes in par value or from no par value or resulting from a subdivision or combination),
(ii) any consolidation, merger or combination involving the Company,
(iii) any sale, lease or other transfer to a third party of the consolidated assets of the Company and the Companys Subsidiaries substantially as an entirety or
(iv) any statutory share exchange,
in each case, as a result of which the Common Stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) (any such event, a Merger Event), then, at and after the effective time of such Merger Event, the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of Notes shall be changed into a right to convert such principal amount of Notes into the kind and amount of shares of stock, other securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) that a holder of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate immediately prior to such Merger Event would have owned or been entitled to receive (the Reference Property, with each unit of Reference Property meaning the kind and amount of Reference Property that a holder of one share of Common Stock is entitled to receive) upon such Merger Event and, prior to or at the effective time of such Merger Event, the Company or the successor or purchasing Person, as the case may be, shall execute with the Trustee a supplemental indenture permitted under Section 10.01(f) providing for such change in the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of Notes; provided, however, that at and after the effective time of the Merger Event the Conversion Obligation shall be calculated and settled in accordance with Section 13.02 such that (A) any amount otherwise payable in cash upon conversion of the Notes as set forth under Section 13.02 shall continue to be payable in cash, (B) the Company shall continue to have the right to elect to determine the form of consideration to be paid or delivered, as the case may be, upon conversion
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of the Notes, as set forth under Section 13.02, (C) any shares of Common Stock, that we would have been required to deliver upon conversion of the Notes in accordance with Section 13.02 shall instead be deliverable in the amount and type of Reference Property that a holder of that number of shares of Common Stock would have received in such Merger Event and (D) the Daily VWAP shall be calculated based on the value of a unit of Reference Property.
If the Merger Event causes the Common Stock to be converted into, or exchanged for, the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), then (i) the Reference Property into which the Notes will be convertible shall be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Common Stock that affirmatively make such an election, and (ii) the unit of Reference Property for purposes of the immediately preceding paragraph shall refer to the consideration referred to in clause (i) attributable to one share of Common Stock. If the holders receive only cash in such Merger Event, then for all conversions that occur after the effective date of such Merger Event (x) the consideration due upon conversion of each $1,000 principal amount of Notes shall be solely cash in an amount equal to the Conversion Rate in effect on the Conversion Date (as may be increased by any Additional Shares pursuant to Section 13.03), multiplied by the price paid per share of Common Stock in such Merger Event and (y) the Company shall satisfy the Conversion Obligation by paying cash to converting Holders on the third Business Day immediately following the Conversion Date. The Company shall notify Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) in writing of such weighted average as soon as practicable after such determination is made.
Such supplemental indenture described in the second immediately preceding paragraph shall provide for anti-dilution and other adjustments that shall be as nearly equivalent as is possible to the adjustments provided for in this Article XIII. If, in the case of any Merger Event, the Reference Property includes shares of stock, securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) of a Person other than the successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may be, in such Merger Event, then such supplemental indenture shall also be executed by such other Person and shall contain such additional provisions to protect the interests of the Holders of the Notes as the Board of Directors shall reasonably consider necessary by reason of the foregoing, including the provisions providing for the purchase rights set forth in Article XIV.
(b) In the event the Company shall execute a supplemental indenture pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 13.07, the Company shall promptly file with the Trustee an Officers Certificate briefly stating the reasons therefor, the kind or amount of cash, securities or property or asset that will comprise a unit of Reference Property after any such Merger Event, any adjustment to be made with respect thereto and that all conditions precedent have been complied with, and shall promptly mail notice thereof to all Holders. The Company shall cause notice of the execution of such supplemental indenture to be mailed to each Holder, at its address appearing on the Note Register provided for in this Indenture, within 20 days after execution thereof. Failure to deliver such notice shall not affect the legality or validity of such supplemental indenture.
(c) The above provisions of this Section shall similarly apply to successive Merger Events.
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Section 13.08 Certain Covenants. (a) The Company covenants that any shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of Notes will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Company and free from all taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issue thereof.
(b) The Company further covenants that if at any time the Common Stock shall be listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to list and keep listed, so long as the Common Stock shall be so listed on such exchange or automated quotation system, any Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes.
Section 13.09 Responsibility of Trustee. The Trustee and any other Conversion Agent shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder to determine the Conversion Rate (or any adjustment thereto) or whether any facts exist that may require any adjustment (including any increase) of the Conversion Rate, or with respect to the nature or extent or calculation of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, or herein or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. The Trustee and any other Conversion Agent shall not be accountable with respect to the validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any shares of Common Stock, or of any securities, property or cash that may at any time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Note; and the Trustee and any other Conversion Agent make no representations with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent shall be responsible for any failure of the Company to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of Common Stock or stock certificates or other securities or property or cash upon the surrender of any Note for the purpose of conversion or to comply with any of the duties, responsibilities or covenants of the Company contained in this Article. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent shall be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in any supplemental indenture entered into pursuant to Section 13.07 relating either to the kind or amount of shares of stock or securities or property (including cash) receivable by Holders upon the conversion of their Notes after any event referred to in such Section 13.07 or to any adjustment to be made with respect thereto, but, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may accept (without any independent investigation) as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such provisions, and shall be protected in conclusively relying upon, the Officers Certificate (which the Company shall be obligated to file with the Trustee prior to the execution of any such supplemental indenture) with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee nor the Conversion Agent shall be responsible for determining whether any event contemplated by Section 13.01(b) has occurred that makes the Notes eligible for conversion or no longer eligible therefor until the Company has delivered to the Trustee and the Conversion Agent the notices referred to in Section 13.01(b) with respect to the commencement or termination of such conversion rights, on which notices the Trustee and the Conversion Agent may conclusively rely, and the Company agrees to deliver such notices to the Trustee and the Conversion Agent immediately after the occurrence of any such event or at such other times as shall be provided for in Section 13.01(b). The Conversion Agent (if other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) shall have the same protection under this Section 13.09 as the Trustee.
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Section 13.10 Stockholder Rights Plans. To the extent that the Company has a rights plan in effect upon conversion of the Notes, each share of Common Stock, if any, issued upon such conversion shall be entitled to receive the appropriate number of rights, if any, and the certificates representing the Common Stock issued upon such conversion shall bear such legends, if any, in each case as may be provided by the terms of any such stockholder rights plan, as the same may be amended from time to time. If at the time of conversion, however, the rights have separated from the shares of Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of the applicable stockholder rights plan so that the Holders would not be entitled to receive any rights in respect of Common Stock, if any, issuable upon conversion of the Notes, the Conversion Rate shall be adjusted at the time of separation as if the Company distributed to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock Distributed Property as provided in Section 13.04(c), subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or redemption of such rights.
Section 13.11 Limit of Issuance of Common Stock Upon Conversion. The Company will not take any voluntary action that would result in an adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.04(b), 13.04(c) 13.04(d) or 13.04(e) without complying, if applicable, with the stockholder approval rules of The NASDAQ Global Select Market, or any similar rule of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is listed at the relevant time. In accordance with such listing standards, this restriction will apply at any time when the Notes are outstanding, regardless of whether the Company then has a class of securities listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Section 13.12 Withholding Taxes for Adjustments in Conversation Rate. If the Company pays withholding taxes on behalf of a Holder or beneficial owner as a result of an adjustment to the Conversion Rate, the Company may, at its option, set off such payments against payments of cash and shares of Common Stock on the Notes.
ARTICLE XIV
REPURCHASE OF NOTES AT OPTION OF HOLDERS
Section 14.01 Repurchase at Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change. (a) If a Fundamental Change occurs at any time, each Holder shall have the right, at such Holders option, to require the Company to repurchase for cash all of such Holders Notes, or any portion thereof that is equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000, on the date (the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date) specified by the Company that is not less than 20 Business Days or more than 30 Business Days following the date of the Fundamental Change Company Notice at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date (the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price), unless the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date falls after a Regular Record Date but on or prior to the Interest Payment Date to which such Regular Record Date relates, in which case the Company shall instead pay the full amount of accrued and unpaid interest to Holders of record as of such Regular Record Date, and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price shall be equal to 100% of the principal amount of Notes to be repurchased pursuant to this Article XIV.
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(b) Repurchases of Notes under this Section 14.01 shall be made, at the option of the Holder thereof, upon:
(i) delivery to the Paying Agent by a Holder of a duly completed notice (the Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice) substantially in the form set forth in Attachment 2 to the Form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A, if the Notes are Physical Notes, or in compliance with the Depositarys procedures for surrendering interests in Global Notes, if the Notes are Global Notes, in each case on or before the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date; and
(ii) delivery of the Notes, if the Notes are Physical Notes, to the Paying Agent at any time after delivery of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice (together with all necessary endorsements for transfer) at the Corporate Trust Office of the Paying Agent, or book-entry transfer of the Notes, if the Notes are Global Notes, in compliance with the procedures of the Depositary, in each case such delivery being a condition to receipt by the Holder of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price therefor.
The Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice in respect of any Notes to be repurchased shall state:
(i) in the case of Physical Notes, the certificate numbers of the Notes to be delivered for repurchase;
(ii) the portion of the principal amount of Notes to be repurchased, which must be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof; and
(iii) that the Notes are to be repurchased by the Company pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Notes and this Indenture;
provided, however, that if the Notes are Global Notes, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice must comply with appropriate Depositary procedures.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any Holder delivering to the Paying Agent the Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice contemplated by this Section 14.01 shall have the right to withdraw, in whole or in part, such Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice at any time prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date by delivery of a written notice of withdrawal to the Paying Agent in accordance with Section 14.02.
The Paying Agent shall promptly notify the Company of the receipt by it of any Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice or written notice of withdrawal thereof.
(c) On or before the 20th calendar day after the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, the Company shall provide to all Holders of Notes and the Trustee and the Paying Agent (in the case of a Paying Agent other than the Trustee) a written notice (the Fundamental Change Company Notice) of the occurrence of the Fundamental Change and of the repurchase right at the option of the Holders arising as a result thereof. In the case of Physical Notes, such notice shall be by first class mail or, in the case of Global Notes, such notice shall be delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary. Each Fundamental Change Company Notice shall specify:
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(i) the events causing the Fundamental Change;
(ii) the date of the Fundamental Change;
(iii) the last date on which a Holder may exercise the repurchase right pursuant to this Article XIV;
(iv) the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price;
(v) the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date;
(vi) the name and address of the Paying Agent and the Conversion Agent, if applicable;
(vii) if applicable, the Conversion Rate and any adjustments to the Conversion Rate;
(viii) if applicable, that the Notes with respect to which a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice has been delivered by a Holder may be converted only if the Holder withdraws the Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;
(ix) the procedures that Holders must follow to require the Company to repurchase their Notes.
No failure of the Company to give the foregoing notices and no defect therein shall limit the Holders repurchase rights or affect the validity of the proceedings for the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to this Section 14.01.
At the Companys written request and upon 15 days prior notice, the Trustee shall give such notice in the Companys name and at the Companys expense; provided, however, that, in all cases, the text of such Fundamental Change Company Notice shall be prepared by the Company.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Notes may be repurchased by the Company on any date at the option of the Holders upon a Fundamental Change if the principal amount of the Notes has been accelerated, and such acceleration has not been rescinded, on or prior to such date (except in the case of an acceleration resulting from a Default by the Company in the payment of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price with respect to such Notes). The Paying Agent will promptly return to the respective Holders thereof any Physical Notes held by it during the acceleration of the Notes (except in the case of an acceleration resulting from a Default by the Company in the payment of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price with respect to such Notes), or any instructions for book-entry transfer of the Notes in compliance with the procedures of the Depositary shall be deemed to have been cancelled, and, upon such return or cancellation, as the case may be, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice with respect thereto shall be deemed to have been withdrawn.
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Section 14.02 Withdrawal of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice. (a) A Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice may be withdrawn (in whole or in part) by means of a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the Paying Agent in accordance with this Section 14.02 at any time prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, specifying:
(i) the principal amount of the Notes with respect to which such notice of withdrawal is being submitted,
(ii) if Physical Notes have been issued, the certificate number of the Note in respect of which such notice of withdrawal is being submitted, and
(iii) the principal amount, if any, of such Note that remains subject to the original Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice, which portion must be in principal amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000;
provided, however, that if the Notes are Global Notes, the notice must comply with appropriate procedures of the Depositary.
Section 14.03 Deposit of Fundamental Change Repurchase Price. (a) The Company will deposit with the Trustee (or other Paying Agent appointed by the Company, or if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, set aside, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 4.04) on or prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date an amount of money sufficient to repurchase all of the Notes to be repurchased at the appropriate Fundamental Change Repurchase Price. Subject to receipt of funds and/or Notes by the Trustee (or other Paying Agent appointed by the Company), payment for Notes surrendered for repurchase (and not withdrawn prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date) will be made on the later of (i) the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date with respect to such Note (provided the Holder has satisfied the conditions in Section 14.01) and (ii) the time of book-entry transfer or the delivery of such Note to the Trustee (or other Paying Agent appointed by the Company) by the Holder thereof in the manner required by Section 14.01 by mailing checks for the amount payable to the Holders of such Notes entitled thereto as they shall appear in the Note Register; provided, however, that payments to the Depositary shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account of the Depositary or its nominee. The Trustee shall, promptly after such payment and upon written demand by the Company, return to the Company any funds in excess of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price. Nothing herein shall preclude any withholding tax required by law.
(b) If by 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, the Trustee (or other Paying Agent appointed by the Company) holds money sufficient to make payment on all the Notes or portions thereof that are to be repurchased on such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, then (i) such Notes will cease to be outstanding, (ii) interest will cease to accrue on such Notes (whether or not book-entry transfer of the Notes has been made or the Notes have been delivered to the Trustee or Paying Agent) and (iii) all other rights of the Holders of such Notes will terminate (other than the right to receive the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price).
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(c) Upon surrender of a Note that is to be repurchased in part pursuant to Section 14.01, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder a new Note in an authorized denomination equal in principal amount to the unrepurchased portion of the Note surrendered.
Section 14.04 Covenant to Comply with Applicable Laws Upon Repurchase of Notes. In connection with any repurchase offer, the Company will, if required:
(a) comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act;
(b) file a Schedule TO or any successor or similar schedule required under the Exchange Act; and
(c) otherwise comply with all federal and state securities laws in connection with any offer by the Company to repurchase the Notes;
in each case, so as to permit the rights and obligations under this Article XIV to be exercised in the time and in the manner specified in this Article XIV.
ARTICLE XV
GUARANTEE
Section 15.01 Guarantee.
The Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to each Holder and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns (a) the full and punctual payment of principal of and interest on the Notes when due, whether at maturity or by acceleration, or otherwise, and all other monetary obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Notes and (b) the full and punctual performance within applicable grace periods of all other obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Notes (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the Guaranteed Obligations). The Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from the Guarantor and that the Guarantor will remain bound under this Article XV notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.
The Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of, payment from and protest to the Company of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. The Guarantor waives notice of any Default under the Notes or the Guaranteed Obligations. The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (a) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Company or any other Person under this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement or otherwise; (b) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (d) the release of any security held by any Holder or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations or any of them; (e) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of the Obligations; or (f) except as set forth in Section 15.05, any change in the ownership of the Guarantor.
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The Guarantor further agrees that neither the Trustee nor any other Person shall have any obligation to enforce or exhaust any rights or remedies or to take any other steps under any security for the obligations hereunder or against the Company or any other Person or any property of the Company or any other Person before the Trustee is entitled to demand payment and performance by the Guarantor of its liabilities and obligations under the Guarantee or under this Indenture.
The Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment, performance and compliance when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder or the Trustee to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.
The Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or otherwise.
The Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations until payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantor further agrees that, as between it, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations may be accelerated as provided in Article VI for the purposes of the Guarantors Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations as provided in Article VI, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantor for the purposes of this Section.
The Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section.
Section 15.02 Limitation on Liability.
The Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Guarantee of the Guarantor (a) not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Guarantee, and (b) not result in a distribution to shareholders not permitted under the applicable state law. Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed without rendering this Indenture, as it relates to the Guarantor, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
Section 15.03 Successors and Assigns.
This Article XV shall be binding upon the Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall enure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.
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Section 15.04 No Waiver.
Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article XV shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article XV at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.
Section 15.05 Release of Guarantor.
Upon (a) the sale (other than to the Company or one of its affiliates) or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger) of the Guarantor (other than to the Company or one of its affiliates) or (b) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Guarantor (other than to the Company or one of its affiliates), the Guarantor shall be deemed released from all obligations under this Article XV without any further action required on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. At the written request of the Company in an Officers Certificate that complies with Section 16.05, the Trustee shall execute and deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing the release of the Guarantor pursuant to this Section 15.05.
ARTICLE XVI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 16.01 Provisions Binding on Companys Successors. All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements of the Company contained in this Indenture shall bind its successors and assigns whether so expressed or not.
Section 16.02 Official Acts by Successor Corporation. Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by any board, committee or Officer of the Company shall and may be done and performed with like force and effect by the like board, committee or officer of any corporation or other entity that shall at the time be the lawful sole successor of the Company.
Section 16.03 Addresses for Notices, Etc. Any notice or demand that by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the Holders on the Company or the Guarantor shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes if given or served by being deposited postage prepaid by registered or certified mail in a post office letter box addressed (until another address is filed by the Company with the Trustee) to Encore Capital Group, Inc., 3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300, San Diego, California 92108, Attention: General Counsel, or sent electronically in PDF format. Any notice, direction, request or demand hereunder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or served by being deposited postage prepaid by registered or certified mail in a post office letter box addressed to the Corporate Trust Office or sent electronically in PDF format.
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The Trustee, by notice to the Company, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication mailed to a Holder shall be mailed to it by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its address as it appears on the Note Register and shall be sufficiently given to it if so mailed within the time prescribed; provided that notices given to Holders holding Notes in book-entry form may be given through the facilities of the Depositary.
Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice to Holders by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.
Section 16.04 Governing Law. THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEE, AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEE, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).
The Company and the Guarantor irrevocably consent and agree, for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Notes and the Trustee, that any legal action, suit or proceeding against it with respect to obligations, liabilities or any other matter arising out of or in connection with this Indenture (including the Guarantee) or the Notes may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or the courts of the United States located in the Borough of Manhattan, New York City, New York and, until amounts due and to become due in respect of the Notes have been paid, hereby irrevocably consents and submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in personam, generally and unconditionally with respect to any action, suit or proceeding for itself in respect of its properties, assets and revenues.
The Company and the Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions, suits or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Indenture (including the Guarantee) or the Notes brought in the courts of the State of New York or the courts of the United States located in the Borough of Manhattan, New York City, New York and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
Section 16.05 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent; Certificates and Opinions of Counsel to Trustee. Upon any application or demand by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the
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Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such action is permitted by the terms of this Indenture; provided that no such Opinion of Counsel shall be furnished in connection with the initial issuance of the Notes (including any Notes issued pursuant to the Initial Purchasers option to purchase additional Notes) on the date hereof.
Each Officers Certificate and Opinion of Counsel provided for, by or on behalf of the Company in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with this Indenture (other than the Officers Certificates provided for in Section 4.08) shall include (a) a statement that the Person making such certificate is familiar with the requested action and this Indenture; (b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statement contained in such certificate is based; (c) a statement that, in the judgment of such person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed judgment as to whether or not such action is permitted by this Indenture; and (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the judgment of such Person, such action is permitted by this Indenture.
Section 16.06 Legal Holidays. In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, Conversion Date or Maturity Date is not a Business Day, then any action to be taken on such date need not be taken on such date, but may be taken on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if taken on such date, and no interest shall accrue in respect of the delay.
Section 16.07 No Security Interest Created. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Notes, expressed or implied, shall be construed to constitute a security interest under the Uniform Commercial Code or similar legislation, as now or hereafter enacted and in effect, in any jurisdiction.
Section 16.08 Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Notes, expressed or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Paying Agent, any Conversion Agent, any authenticating agent, any Note Registrar and their successors hereunder or the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
Section 16.09 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc. The table of contents and the titles 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 hereof, and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 16.10 Authenticating Agent. The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent that shall be authorized to act on its behalf and subject to its direction in the authentication and delivery of Notes in connection with the original issuance thereof and transfers and exchanges of Notes hereunder, including under Section 2.04, Section 2.05, Section 2.06, Section 2.07, Section 10.04 and Section 14.03 as fully to all intents and purposes as though the authenticating agent had been expressly authorized by this Indenture and those Sections to authenticate and deliver Notes. For all purposes of this Indenture, the authentication and delivery of Notes by the authenticating agent shall be deemed to be authentication and delivery of such Notes by the Trustee and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an authenticating agent shall be deemed to satisfy any requirement hereunder or in the Notes for the Trustees certificate of authentication. Such authenticating agent shall at all times be a Person eligible to serve as trustee hereunder pursuant to Section 7.07.
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Any corporation or other entity into which any authenticating agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation or other entity resulting from any merger, consolidation or conversion to which any authenticating agent shall be a party, or any corporation or other entity succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of any authenticating agent, shall be the successor of the authenticating agent hereunder, if such successor corporation or other entity is otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the parties hereto or the authenticating agent or such successor corporation or other entity.
Any authenticating agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of any authenticating agent by giving written notice of termination to such authenticating agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time any authenticating agent shall cease to be eligible under this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor authenticating agent (which may be the Trustee), shall give written notice of such appointment to the Company and shall mail notice of such appointment to all Holders as the names and addresses of such Holders appear on the Note Register.
The Company agrees to pay to the authenticating agent from time to time such compensation for its services as agreed in writing although the Company may terminate the authenticating agent (if other than the Trustee), if it determines such authenticating agents fees to be unreasonable.
The provisions of Section 7.02, Section 7.03, Section 7.04, Section 8.03 and this Section 16.10 shall be applicable to any authenticating agent.
If an authenticating agent is appointed pursuant to this Section, the Notes may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustees certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:
,
as Authenticating Agent, certifies that this is one of the Notes described
in the within-named Indenture.
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory |
Section 16.11 Execution in Counterparts. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.
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Section 16.12 Severability. In the event any provision of this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, then (to the extent permitted by law) the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.
Section 16.13 Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts that are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
Section 16.14 Calculations. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Company shall be responsible for making all calculations called for under the Notes. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determinations of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock, the Daily VWAPs, the Daily Settlement Amounts, the Daily Conversion Values, accrued interest payable on the Notes and the Conversion Rate of the Notes. The Company shall make all these calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, the Companys calculations shall be final and binding on Holders. The Company shall provide a schedule of its calculations to each of the Trustee and the Conversion Agent, and each of the Trustee and Conversion Agent is entitled to rely conclusively upon the accuracy of the Companys calculations without independent verification. The Trustee will forward the Companys calculations to any Holder upon the written request of that Holder at the sole cost and expense of the Company.
Section 16.15 USA PATRIOT Act. The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: Paul Grinberg | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, Chief | ||
Financial Officer and Treasurer |
MIDLAND CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC., as GUARANTOR | ||
By: |
/s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: Paul Grinberg | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, Chief | ||
Financial Officer and Treasurer |
UNION BANK, N.A., as Trustee | ||
By: |
/s/ Stephen W. Boughton | |
Name: Stephen W. Boughton | ||
Title: Vice President |
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
[INCLUDE FOLLOWING LEGEND IF A GLOBAL NOTE]
[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (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 IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS 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.]
[INCLUDE FOLLOWING LEGEND IF A RESTRICTED SECURITY]
[THE SALE OF THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), AND, ACCORDINGLY, PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE (AS DEFINED BELOW), THIS NOTE AND ANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE (AND ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN OR THEREIN) MAY NOT BE OFFERED, RESOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT:
TO THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES;
PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT;
TO A PERSON THAT YOU REASONABLY BELIEVE TO BE A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT; OR
UNDER ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (INCLUDING, IF AVAILABLE, THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT).
THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE MEANS THE DATE: (A) THAT IS AT LEAST ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST ORIGINAL ISSUANCE DATE OF THE NOTES (INCLUDING ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXERCISE OF THE INITIAL PURCHASERS OPTION TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL NOTES); AND (B) ON WHICH THE COMPANY HAS INSTRUCTED THE TRUSTEE THAT THIS LEGEND WILL NO LONGER APPLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
A-1
PRIOR TO ANY TRANSFER PURSUANT TO THE FOREGOING CLAUSES (C) AND (D), THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS (WITH RESPECT TO CLAUSE (D) ONLY) OR OTHER INFORMATION AS THEY MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE AND RELY UPON TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
DURING THE PERIOD ENDING ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST DATE OF ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THE NOTES, NO AFFILIATE (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144) WILL BE PERMITTED TO RESELL ANY OF THE NOTES THAT CONSTITUTE RESTRICTED SECURITIES UNDER RULE 144 THAT HAVE BEEN REACQUIRED BY ANY OF THEM.]1
Encore Capital Group, Inc.
2.875% Convertible Senior Note due 2021
No. | Initially $ |
CUSIP No. 292554 AG72
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the Company, which term includes any successor corporation or other entity under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received hereby promises to pay to [CEDE & CO.]3 []4, or registered assigns, the principal sum [as set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Notes attached hereto]5 [of $ ( DOLLARS)]6, which amount, taken together with the principal amounts of all other outstanding Notes, shall not, unless permitted by the Indenture, exceed $161,000,000 in aggregate at any time, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depositary, on the Maturity Date, and interest thereon as set forth below.
1 | This legend (other than the first paragraph hereof) shall be deemed removed from the face of this Security without further action of the Company, the Trustee, or the holders of this Security at such time as the Company instructs the Trustee to remove such legend pursuant to Section 2.05(c) of the Indenture. |
2 | At such time as the Company notifies the Trustee to remove the legend (other than the first paragraph thereof) pursuant to Section 2.05(c) of the Indenture, the CUSIP number for this Security shall be deemed to be CUSIP No. 292554 AH5. |
3 | Include for a Global Note. |
4 | Include for a Physical Note. |
5 | Include for a Global Note. |
6 | Include for a Physical Note. |
A-2
This Note shall accrue interest at the rate of 2.875% per year from March 11, 2014, or from the most recent date for which interest has been paid or provided for to, but excluding, the next scheduled Interest Payment Date until the Maturity Date. Accrued interest on this Note shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months and, for partial months, on the basis of actual days elapsed over a 30-day month. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each March 15 and September 15, commencing on September 15, 2014, to Holders of record at the close of business on the preceding March 1 and September 1 (whether or not such day is a Business Day), respectively. Additional Interest will be payable as set forth in Section 4.06(d), Section 4.06(e) and Section 6.03 of the within-mentioned Indenture, and any reference to interest on, or in respect of, any Note therein shall be deemed to include Additional Interest if, in such context, Additional Interest is, was or would be payable pursuant to any of such Section 4.06(d), Section 4.06(e) or Section 6.03 and any express mention of the payment of Additional Interest in any provision therein shall not be construed as excluding Additional Interest in those provisions thereof where such express mention is not made.
Any Defaulted Amounts shall accrue interest per annum at the rate borne by the Notes, subject to the enforceability thereof under applicable law, from, and including, the relevant payment date to, but excluding, the date on which such Defaulted Amounts shall have been paid by the Company, at its election, in accordance with Section 2.03(c) of the Indenture.
The Company shall pay the principal of and interest on this Note, if and so long as such Note is a Global Note, in immediately available funds in lawful money of the United States at the time to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered Holder of such Note. As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Company shall pay the principal of any Notes (other than Notes that are Global Notes) at the office or agency designated by the Company for that purpose. The Company has initially designated the Trustee as its Paying Agent and Note Registrar in respect of the Notes and its agency in Los Angeles, California as a place where Notes may be presented for payment or for registration of transfer and exchange.
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, including, without limitation, provisions giving the Holder of this Note the right to convert this Note into cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as applicable, on the terms and subject to the limitations set forth in the Indenture. Such further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
This Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantee, and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantee, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof other than Sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law).
In the case of any conflict between this Note and the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall control and govern.
A-3
This Note shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication hereon shall have been manually signed by the Trustee or a duly authorized authenticating agent under the Indenture.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be duly executed.
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: |
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
TRUSTEES CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
UNION BANK, N.A.,
as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Notes described
in the within-named Indenture.
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory |
Dated:
A-4
[FORM OF REVERSE OF NOTE]
Encore Capital Group, Inc.
2.875% Convertible Senior Note due 2021
This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Notes of the Company, designated as its 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the Notes), initially in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $161,000,000, all issued or to be issued under and pursuant to an Indenture dated as of March 11, 2014 (the Indenture), among the Company, the Guarantor thereto, and Union Bank, N.A. (the Trustee), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a description of the rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the Guarantor, the Company and the Holders of the Notes. Additional Notes may be issued in an unlimited aggregate principal amount, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture. Capitalized terms used in this Note and not defined in this Note shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture.
The payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and all other amounts under the Indenture is guaranteed by the Guarantor as provided in the Indenture.
In the event of certain Events of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(j) of the Indenture with respect to the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries) shall have occurred and be continuing, the principal of, and interest on, all Notes may be declared, by either the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, and upon said declaration shall become, due and payable, in the manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions and certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, the Company will make all payments and deliveries in respect of the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price on the applicable Fundamental Change Repurchase Date and the principal amount on the Maturity Date, as the case may be, to the Holder who surrenders a Note to a Paying Agent to collect such payments in respect of the Note. The Company will pay cash amounts in money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee in certain circumstances, without the consent of the Holders of the Notes, and in certain other circumstances, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding, evidenced as in the Indenture provided, to execute supplemental indentures modifying the terms of the Indenture and the Notes as described therein. It is also provided in the Indenture that, subject to certain exceptions, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any past Default or Event of Default under the Indenture and its consequences.
A-5
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay or deliver, as the case may be, the principal (including the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, accrued and unpaid interest on, and the consideration due upon conversion of, this Note at the place, at the respective times, at the rate and in the lawful money herein prescribed.
The Notes are issuable in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and integral multiples thereof. At the office or agency of the Company referred to on the face hereof, and in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Indenture, Notes may be exchanged for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes of other authorized denominations, without payment of any service charge but, if required by the Company or Trustee, with payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer or similar tax that may be imposed in connection therewith as a result of the name of the Holder of the new Notes issued upon such exchange of Notes being different from the name of the Holder of the old Notes surrendered for such exchange.
The Notes are not subject to redemption through the operation of any sinking fund or otherwise.
Upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, the Holder has the right, at such Holders option, to require the Company to repurchase for cash all of such Holders Notes or any portion thereof (in principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof) on the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date at a price equal to the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder hereof has the right, at its option, during certain periods and upon the occurrence of certain conditions specified in the Indenture, prior to the close of business on the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, to convert any Notes or portion thereof that is $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof, into cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as applicable, at the Conversion Rate specified in the Indenture, as adjusted from time to time as provided in the Indenture.
Terms used in this Note and defined in the Indenture are used herein as therein defined.
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription of the face of this Note, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM = as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT = Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
CUST = Custodian
TEN ENT = as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN = joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
A-6
SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF NOTES
Encore Capital Group, Inc.
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021
The initial principal amount of this Global Note is [ ] DOLLARS ($[ ]). The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
Date of exchange |
Amount of decrease in principal amount of this Global Note |
Amount of increase in principal amount of this Global Note |
Principal amount of this Global Note following such decrease or increase |
Signature of authorized signatory of Trustee or Custodian |
A-7
ATTACHMENT 1
[FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION]
To: Encore Capital Group, Inc.
To: Union Bank, N.A., 120 South San Pedro Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The undersigned registered owner of this Note hereby exercises the option to convert this Note, or the portion hereof (that is $1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof) below designated, into cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture referred to in this Note, and directs that any cash payable and any shares of Common Stock issuable and deliverable upon such conversion, together with any cash for any fractional share, and any Notes representing any unconverted principal amount hereof, be issued and delivered to the registered Holder hereof unless a different name has been indicated below. If any shares of Common Stock or any portion of this Note not converted are to be issued in the name of a Person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes, if any in accordance with Section 13.02(d) and Section 13.02(e) of the Indenture. Any amount required to be paid to the undersigned on account of interest accompanies this Note.
Dated: | ||||
Signature(s) | ||||
Signature Guarantee | ||||
Signature(s) must be guaranteed by an eligible Guarantor Institution (banks, stock brokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions) with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 17Ad-15 if shares of Common Stock are to be issued, or Notes are to be delivered, other than to and in the name of the registered holder. | ||||
Fill in for registration of shares if to be issued, and Notes if to be delivered, other than to and in the name of the registered holder: | ||||
(Name) |
1
(Street Address) | ||||
(City, State and Zip Code) | ||||
Please print name and address |
Principal amount to be converted (if less than all): $ ,000 |
NOTICE: The above signature(s) of the Holder(s) hereof must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Note in every particular without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever. |
Social Security or Other Taxpayer |
Identification Number |
2
ATTACHMENT 2
[FORM OF FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE REPURCHASE NOTICE]
To: Encore Capital Group, Inc.
To: Union Bank, N.A., 120 South San Pedro Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The undersigned registered owner of this Note hereby acknowledges receipt of a notice from Encore Capital Group, Inc. (the Company) as to the occurrence of a Fundamental Change with respect to the Company and specifying the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date and requests and instructs the Company to pay to the registered holder hereof in accordance with Section 14.01 of the Indenture referred to in this Note (1) the entire principal amount of this Note, or the portion thereof (that is $1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof) below designated, and (2) if such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date does not fall during the period after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the Business Day immediately following the corresponding Interest Payment Date, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to, but excluding, such Fundamental Change Repurchase Date.
In the case of Physical Notes, the certificate numbers of the Notes to be repurchased are as set forth below:
Dated:
Signature(s) |
Social Security or Other Taxpayer |
Identification Number |
Principal amount to be repurchased by the Company (if less than all): $ ,000 |
NOTICE: The above signature(s) of the Holder(s) hereof must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Note in every particular without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever. |
1
ATTACHMENT 3
[FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER]
Union Bank, N.A.,
as Trustee and Registrar
Attention: Administrator for Encore Capital Group, Inc.
120 South San Pedro Street
4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
For value received hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto (Please insert social security or Taxpayer Identification Number of assignee) the within Note, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints attorney to transfer the said Note on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
In connection with any transfer of the within Note occurring prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date, as defined in the Indenture governing such Note, the undersigned confirms that such Note is being transferred:
| To Encore Capital Group, Inc. or a subsidiary thereof; or |
| Pursuant to a registration statement that has become or been declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; or |
| Pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; or |
| Under any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (including, if available, the exemption provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
Dated: |
Signature(s) |
Signature Guarantee |
1
Signature(s) must be guaranteed by an eligible Guarantor Institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions) with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission |
Rule 17Ad-15 if Notes are to be delivered, other than to and in the name of the registered holder. |
NOTICE: The signature on the assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Note in every particular without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.
2
EXHIBIT B
Encore Capital Group, Inc.
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300
San Diego, CA 92108
Telephone: (877) 455-4581
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021
Free Transferability Certificate
[Date]
Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee
120 South San Pedro Street, 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Attention: Corporate Trust Services
Re: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. |
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (CUSIP No. 292554 AG7)
Dear Sir/Madam:
Whereas the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the Securities) have become freely tradable without restrictions by non-affiliates of Encore Capital Group, Inc. (the Company) pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in accordance with Section 2.05(c) of the indenture (the Indenture) dated as of March 11, 2014 among the Company, the Guarantor named therein and Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee (the Trustee), pursuant to which the Securities were issued, the Company hereby provides notice pursuant to Section 2.05(c) of the Indenture of the occurrence of the Resale Restriction Termination Date and instructs you that:
(i) | the restrictive legends described in Section 2.05(c) of the Indenture and set forth on the Securities and Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Securities shall be deemed removed from the Global Notes (as defined in the Indenture), in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Securities and as provided in the Indenture, without further action on the part of holders; and |
(ii) | the restricted CUSIP number for the Securities (292554 AG7) shall be deemed removed from the Global Notes and replaced with the unrestricted CUSIP number set forth therein (292554 AH5), in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Securities and as provided in the Indenture, without further action on the part of holders. |
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.
B-1
Very truly yours, | ||
Encore Capital Group, Inc. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
B-2
Exhibit 10.1
March 5, 2014 | ||||
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |||
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||||
San Diego, California 92108 | ||||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |||
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |||
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |||
From: | Citibank, N.A. | |||
390 Greenwich Street | ||||
New York, NY 10013 | ||||
Re: | Base Capped Call Transaction | |||
(Transaction Reference Number: ) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this communication (this Confirmation) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the above-referenced transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the Transaction) between Citibank, N.A. (Dealer) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Counterparty). This communication constitutes a Confirmation as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below.
1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the 2006 Definitions) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the Equity Definitions, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the Definitions), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated March 5, 2014, (the Offering Memorandum) relating to the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the Convertible Securities and each USD1,000 principal amount of Convertible Securities, a Convertible Security) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD 140,000,000.00 (as increased by up to an aggregate principal amount of USD 21,000,000.00 if and to the extent that the Initial Purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Convertible Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture to be dated March 11, 2014 between Counterparty and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Indenture). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended following such date, any such amendment will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the Agreement) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule except for (i) the elections set forth in this Confirmation and (ii) the election that the Cross Default provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement will apply to Dealer and to Counterparty as if (x) the phrase , or becoming capable at such time of being declared, were deleted from Section 5(a)(vi)(1) of the Agreement and (y) the Threshold Amount with respect to Dealer were three percent (3%) of shareholders equity of Citigroup Inc. as of the Trade Date and with respect to Counterparty were USD 10,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the Transaction shall be the only transaction under the Agreement.
All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern.
2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:
General Terms: | ||
Trade Date: |
March 5, 2014 | |
Effective Date: |
The closing date of the initial issuance of the Convertible Securities. | |
Option Type: |
Call | |
Seller: |
Dealer | |
Buyer: |
Counterparty | |
Shares: |
The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD0.01 per share (Ticker Symbol: ECPG). | |
Number of Options: |
140,000 | |
Number of Shares: |
As of any date, the product of (i) the Number of Options, (ii) the Conversion Rate and (iii) the Applicable Percentage. | |
Conversion Rate: |
As of any date, the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such date, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture. | |
Strike Price: |
The Conversion Price (as defined in the Indenture, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture). | |
Cap Price: |
USD 83.1425 | |
Applicable Percentage: |
20.0% | |
Premium: |
As provided in Annex A to this Confirmation. | |
Premium Payment Date: |
The Effective Date | |
Exchange: |
The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |
Related Exchange: |
All Exchanges | |
Procedures for Exercise: | ||
Exercise Dates: |
Each Conversion Date. | |
Conversion Date: |
Each Conversion Date, as defined in the Indenture, occurring during the period from and excluding the Trade Date to and including the Expiration Date, for Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, that are submitted for conversion on such Conversion Date in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (such Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date). |
2
Required Exercise on Conversion Dates: |
On each Conversion Date, a number of Options equal to (i) the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount minus (ii) the sum of (A) the number of Relevant Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, and (B) the number of Applicable Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, in each case corresponding to such Conversion Date shall be automatically exercised. | |
Excluded Convertible Securities: |
Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on any date prior to the Free Convertibility Period that are not Make-Whole Convertible Securities (as defined below). The provisions of Section 8(a) below will apply to the exercise of any Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Excluded Convertible Securities. | |
Expiration Date: |
The second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture), subject to the provisions set forth opposite the caption Notice of Exercise below. | |
Automatic Exercise: |
As provided above under Required Exercise on Conversion Dates. | |
Exercise Notice Deadline: |
In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) relating to the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date occurring on the relevant Exercise Date (or, in the event there is no Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) relating to such Convertible Securities, the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following such Conversion Date); provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after September 15, 2020 (the Free Convertibility Date), the Exercise Notice Deadline shall be the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture). | |
Notice of Exercise: |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer shall have no obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Exercise Notice Deadline in respect of such exercise of (i) the number of Convertible Securities being converted on the relevant Conversion Date (including, if applicable, whether all or any portion of such Convertible Securities are Convertible Securities as to which additional Shares would be added to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture (the Make-Whole Convertible Securities)), (ii) the scheduled settlement date under the Indenture for the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date, (iii) whether such Relevant Convertible |
3
Securities will be settled by Counterparty by delivery of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and, if such a combination, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) and (iv) the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture); if any, provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, the contents of such notice shall be as set forth in clause (i) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder, Dealers obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of such exercise shall be permanently extinguished, and late notice shall not cure such failure; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options relating to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, such notice (and the related exercise or termination, as the case may be, of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the Exercise Notice Deadline, but prior to 5:00 PM New York City time on the fifth Exchange Business Day following the Exercise Notice Deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust the Delivery Obligation as appropriate to reflect the additional costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice on or prior to the Exercise Notice Deadline. | ||
Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
Unless Counterparty shall have notified Dealer in writing (i) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, in the related Notice of Exercise, within the applicable time period therefor set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities or (ii) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring during the period beginning on and including the Free Convertibility Date and ending on and including the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) (the Free Convertibility Period), before 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the irrevocable election by the Counterparty, in accordance with Section 13.02(a)(i) of the Indenture, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, in either case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), Counterparty shall be deemed to have notified Dealer of a Combination Settlement (as defined in the Indenture) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities. |
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Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Securities. | ||
Dealers Telephone Numberand Telex and/or Facsimile Numberand Contact Details for purpose of Giving Notice: |
To be provided by Dealer. | |
Settlement Terms: | ||
Settlement Date: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture; provided that the Settlement Date will not be prior to the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 PM, New York City time. | |
Delivery Obligation: |
In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to Notice of Exercise above, in respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the related Settlement Date, a number of Shares and/or amount of cash in USD equal to the product of (i) the Applicable Percentage and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture and/or the aggregate amount of cash, if any, in excess of USD1,000 per Convertible Security (in denominations of USD1,000) that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture (except that such aggregate number of Shares shall be determined without taking into consideration any rounding pursuant to Section 13.02(j) of the Indenture and shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number) and cash in lieu of fractional Shares, if any, resulting from such rounding, as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Convertible Security Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities (the Convertible Obligation); provided that (i) if the Convertible Obligation exceeds the Capped Convertible Obligation, then the Delivery Obligation shall be the Capped Convertible Obligation; and (ii) the Convertible Obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Capped Convertible Obligation) shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall not include any interest payment on the Relevant Convertible Securities that the Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date); provided, further that if Counterparty or its |
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board of directors is permitted or required to exercise discretion under the terms of the Indenture with respect to any determination, calculation or adjustment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Indenture or in connection with any proportional adjustments or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets) (any such determination, calculation or adjustment, a Counterparty Determination), Counterparty shall consult with Dealer with respect thereto and, if the Calculation Agent disagrees in good faith with such Counterparty Determination, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Calculation Agent shall make the relevant determination, calculation or adjustment for purposes of this Transaction (and for the avoidance of doubt, such determination, calculation or adjustment shall be made (A) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Indenture, except as set forth in this paragraph, and (B) using, where relevant, variables determined by the Calculation Agent). | ||
Capped Convertible Obligation: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the Convertible Obligation that would apply if the Daily VWAP for each Trading Day in the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method below) were the lesser of (x) the Cap Price and (y) the actual Daily VWAP for such Trading Day. | |
Applicable Limit: |
Notwithstanding the provisions under Delivery Obligation above but subject to Section 8(a) below, in all events the Delivery Obligation for any Option shall be capped so that (i) an amount of cash in USD equal to the sum of (x) the number of Shares comprising such Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option and (y) the amount of cash in USD comprising such Delivery Obligation does not exceed (ii) an amount of cash in USD equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the excess of (x) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, payable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security and (B) the number of Shares, if any, deliverable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option over (y) USD1,000. | |
Applicable Limit Price: |
On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading Op on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> (or any successor thereto). | |
Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the related Notice of Exercise (or in the Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be) that it has elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities in cash or in a combination of cash and Shares in accordance with Section 13.02(a) of the Indenture (a Cash Election) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of at least USD1,000, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities; otherwise, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall (i) assume Counterparty had made a Cash Election with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of |
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USD1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and (ii) be calculated as if the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture consisted of 100 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) after the Conversion Date for conversions occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Period or (y) the 102nd Scheduled Trading Day prior to the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) for conversions occurring during the Free Convertibility Period. | ||
Notice of Delivery Obligation: |
No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above), Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the final number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligation; provided that, with respect to any Exercise Date occurring during the Free Convertibility Period, Counterparty may provide Dealer with a single notice of an aggregate number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligations for all Exercise Dates occurring in such period on (i) if Physical Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterpartys obligations with respect to any Notice of Exercise or any Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method or Dealers obligations with respect to any Delivery Obligation, each as set forth above, in any way). | |
Other Applicable Provisions: |
To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction. | |
Share Adjustments: | ||
Method of Adjustment: |
Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make (A) an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction (other than the Cap Price) and (B) a proportionate adjustment to the Cap Price to the extent any adjustment is made to the Strike Price pursuant to clause (A) above; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion but without duplication of any adjustment |
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pursuant to clause (i) above, make any further adjustment consistent with the Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions (as modified pursuant to this Confirmation) to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) to preserve the fair value of the Options to Dealer, after taking into account such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. | ||
Reasonably promptly upon the occurrence of any such event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such event or condition; and once the adjustments to be made to the terms of the Indenture and the Convertible Securities in respect of such event or condition have been determined, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly notify the Calculation Agent in writing of the details of such adjustments. | ||
Extraordinary Events: | ||
Merger Events: |
Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, a Merger Event means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of Merger Event under Section 13.07(a) of the Indenture. | |
Consequences of Merger Events /Tender Offers: |
Notwithstanding Sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, make any further adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) consistent with the Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 12.2(e) or 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event, the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) shares of an entity or person not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. | |
Notice of Merger Consideration: |
Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event prior to the relevant merger date) notify the Calculation Agent of (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Shares entitled to receive cash, securities or other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for such Shares in any Merger Event who affirmatively make such an election and (ii) the details of the adjustment made under the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event. |
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Tender Offer: |
Applicable | |
Announcement Event: |
If an Announcement Date occurs in respect of a Merger Event or Tender Offer (such occurrence, an Announcement Event), then on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which the transaction described in any Announcement Event (as amended or modified) is cancelled, withdrawn, discontinued or otherwise terminated and (ii) the Expiration Date, Early Termination Date or other date of cancellation or termination in respect of each Option (the Announcement Event Adjustment Date), the Calculation Agent will determine the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event (without duplication in respect of any other adjustment or cancellation valuation made pursuant to this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement, regardless of whether the Announcement Event actually results in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, and taking into account such factors as the Calculation Agent may determine, including, without limitation, changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the Shares or the Transaction during the period from the Announcement Event to the Announcement Event Adjustment Date); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt (x) in no event shall the modification or amendment of the terms of a transaction described in an Announcement Event constitute a new, additional or different Announcement Event hereunder (but any such modification or amendment may be taken into account in determining the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event) and (y) the occurrence of an Announcement Event Adjustment Date in respect of the cancellation, withdrawal, discontinuation or other termination of the transaction described in an Announcement Event (as amended or modified) shall not preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Date with respect to such transaction. If the Calculation Agent determines that such cumulative economic effect on any Option is material, then on the Announcement Event Adjustment Date for such Option, the Calculation Agent may make such adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of such Option) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for such economic effect, which adjustment shall be effective immediately prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, as the case may be. | |
Announcement Date: |
The definition of Announcement Date in Section 12.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the words a firm with the word any in the second and fourth lines thereof, (ii) replacing the word leads to the with the words , if completed, would lead to a in the third and the fifth lines thereof, (iii) replacing the words voting shares with the word Shares in the fifth line thereof, and (iv) inserting the words by any entity after the word announcement in the second and the fourth lines thereof. | |
Nationalization, Insolvency or Delisting: |
Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that, in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the |
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Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange. | ||||
Additional Disruption Events: |
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(a) Change in Law: |
Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase the interpretation in the third line thereof with the phrase , or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation, (ii) replacing the word Shares with the phrase Hedge Positions in clause (X) thereof, (iii) inserting the parenthetical (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute) at the end of clause (A) thereof, (iv) immediately following the word Transaction in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date and (v) adding the following proviso to the end of clause (Y) thereof: provided that such party has used good faith efforts to avoid such increased cost on terms reasonably acceptable to such party, as long as (i) such party would not incur a materially increased cost (including, without limitation, due to any increase in tax liability, decrease in tax benefit or other adverse effect on its tax position, or any increase in margin or capital requirements), as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (ii) such party would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of such party, as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (iii) such party would not suffer a material penalty, injunction, non-financial burden, reputational harm or other material adverse consequence in doing so, (iv) such party would not incur any material operational or administrative burden in doing so and (v) such party would not, in doing so, be required to take any action that is contrary to the intent of the law or regulation that is subject to the Change in Law. | |||
(b) Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |||
(c) Insolvency Filing: |
Applicable | |||
(d) Hedging Disruption: |
Applicable; provided that: | |||
(i) | Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section: | |||
For the avoidance of doubt, the term equity price risk shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing terms.; and | ||||
(ii) | Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words to terminate the Transaction, the words or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption. |
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(e) Increased Cost of Hedging: |
Not Applicable | |
Hedging Party: |
For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Determining Party: |
For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Non-Reliance: |
Applicable | |
Agreements and Acknowledgments Regarding Hedging Activities: |
Applicable | |
Additional Acknowledgments: |
Applicable |
3. Calculation Agent: Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a request by Company, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Company by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Company in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation.
4. Account Details:
Dealer Payment Instructions: | ||||
Account for payments to Dealer: | Bank: | Citibank, N.A. | ||
BIC: | CITIUS33 (or ABA: 021000089) | |||
F/O: | Citibank New York | |||
A/C: | 00167679 | |||
Ref: | NY Swap Operations | |||
Account for delivery of Shares from Dealer: | ||||
Citigroup Inc. | ||||
DTC: 0418 | ||||
Account: 768-08121-2-5 | ||||
Counterparty Payment Instructions: | To be provided by Counterparty. |
5. Offices:
The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: New York
The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Not applicable
6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:
Address for notices or communications to Counterparty for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||
San Diego, CA 92108 | ||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 |
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With a copy to: | ||
Attn: | Greg Call, General Counsel | |
Telephone: | 858-569-3978 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6998 |
Address for notices or communications to Dealer for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Citibank, N.A. | |
390 Greenwich Street | ||
New York, NY 10013 | ||
Attn: | Herman Hirsch, Brad Diener, Adam Muchnick, Dustin Sheppard | |
Telephone: | 212-723-7623 | |
Facsimile: | 347-853-7278 |
7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:
(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated as of March 5, 2014, between Counterparty and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as representatives of the initial purchasers party thereto (the Initial Purchasers), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:
(i) On the Trade Date (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
(ii) (A) (i) On the Trade Date, (ii) during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and (iii) in the event an Early Termination Date is designated due to an Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or 8(a)(iv), during a period starting on or about such Early Termination Date as reasonably determined by Dealer and notified to Counterparty (an Early Termination Period), in each case, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Shares, are not, and shall not be, subject to a restricted period, as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (Regulation M) and (B), without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding clause (A), the Counterparty shall not engage in any distribution, as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b) and 102(b) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.
(iii) On the Trade Date, and on each day during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and any Early Termination Period, neither Counterparty nor any affiliated purchaser (each as defined in Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (Rule 10b-18)) shall directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of any cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
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(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASBs Liabilities & Equity Project.
(v) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.
(vi) On or prior to the Effective Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterpartys board of directors authorizing the Transaction.
(vii) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.
(viii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ix) On each of the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, insolvent (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the Bankruptcy Code)) and Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(x) To Counterpartys knowledge, based on due inquiry, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares.
(xi) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.
(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing, and (C) has total assets of at least $50 million.
(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an accredited investor as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.
(d) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a financial institution, swap participant and financial participant within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a securities contract, as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a settlement payment, within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) a swap agreement, as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in
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connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a transfer, as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a payment or other transfer of property within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.
(e) Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Effective Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement; provided that, such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, excepts and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions.
8. Other Provisions:
(a) Additional Termination Events.
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Indenture that results in an acceleration of the Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Make-Whole Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Relevant Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Relevant Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Relevant Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Relevant Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Relevant Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Relevant Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture taking into account any adjustments thereto pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities relating to such Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(iii) Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty shall notify Dealer of such Repayment Event and the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Securities subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a Repayment Notice); provided that such Repayment Notice shall contain an acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall remake the representations set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A), in each
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case in respect of such repurchase and delivery of such Repayment Notice. The receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph. Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Repayment Notice as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Repayment Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Repayment Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction. Repayment Event means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased (whether in connection with or as a result of a fundamental change, howsoever defined, or for any other reason) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of such party (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities (for any reason other than as a result of an acceleration of the Convertible Securities that results in an Additional Termination Event pursuant to the preceding Section 8(a)(i)), or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the holders thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event.
(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Excluded Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Applicable Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Excluded Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Applicable Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Excluded Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Applicable Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Early Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(iv), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Applicable Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Early Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Applicable Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture without taking into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Excluded Convertible Securities relating to such Early Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
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(b) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If Dealer shall owe Counterparty any amount pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above or Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, including, without limitation, any Conversion Unwind Payment, any Early Conversion Unwind Payment and any Repayment Unwind Payment (a Payment Obligation), Dealer shall satisfy any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless either (i) Counterparty shall have elected for Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation in cash in USD by (x) giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable and (y) remaking the representation set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A) of this Confirmation on the date of such notice, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day or (ii) in the event of (x) an Insolvency, a Nationalization or a Merger Event, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (y) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterpartys control (other than any Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(a)(iii)), in either of which cases under the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the provisions of Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(b) in respect of such Payment Obligation. In the case of any such settlement by the Share Termination Alternative, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable:
Share Termination Alternative: | Applicable and means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the Share Termination Payment Date), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Property: | A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price. | |
Share Termination Unit Price: | The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Unit: | In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash. | |
Failure to Deliver: | Applicable | |
Other applicable provisions: | If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable |
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securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction, except that all references to Shares shall be read as references to Share Termination Delivery Units. |
(c) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on advice of counsel, any Shares acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction, other than any such Shares that were, at the time of acquisition by Dealer, restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (any such Shares, the Hedge Shares), cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement substantially similar to underwriting agreements for registered secondary offerings of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, (B) provide accountants comfort letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size; provided, however, that if Dealer, in its reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(c) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, all reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any discount from the public market price of the Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the VWAP Price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts, requested by Dealer. VWAP Price means, on any Exchange Business Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or any successor thereto) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Exchange Business Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one Share on such Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume-weighted method).
(d) Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on or prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase (a Repurchase Notice) if, following such repurchase, the Notice Percentage as determined on the date of such Repurchase Notice is (i) greater than 9.0% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The Notice Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(d) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or
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proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.
(e) Transfer and Assignment.
(i) Either party may transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer may condition its consent on any of the following, without limitation: (i) the receipt by Dealer of opinions and documents reasonably satisfactory to Dealer in connection with such assignment, (ii) such assignment being effected on terms reasonably satisfactory to Dealer with respect to any legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Dealer, (iii) Counterparty continuing to be obligated to provide notices hereunder relating to the Convertible Securities and continuing to be obligated with respect to Disposition of Hedge Shares and Repurchase Notices above, (iv) Counterparty not being released from its indemnification obligations under Section 8(d) of this Confirmation, (v) such assignment only being to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), (vi) Dealer not being, as a result of such assignment, required to pay the transferee on any payment date an amount under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such assignment, (vii) there not being an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event as a result of such assignment, (viii) without limiting the generality of clause (v), Counterparty causing the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that the results described in clauses (vi) and (vii) will not occur upon or after such assignment and (ix) Counterparty being responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in connection with such assignment. In addition, Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of the Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement (1) in whole or in part to any affiliate of Dealer of credit quality at least equivalent to that of Dealer as of the Trade Date, (2) in whole or in part to any other affiliate of Dealer with respect to which Counterparty shall have received a full guaranty of such affiliates obligations from Dealer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Counterparty or (3) if at the time of such transfer or assignment an Excess Ownership Position exists, in part to any other third party with a rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness equal to or better than the lesser of (I) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer and (II) A- by Standard and Poors Rating Group, Inc. or its successor (S&P), or A3 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or, if either S&P or Moodys ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent or better rating by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer, in the case of this clause (3), to the extent that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists after giving effect to such partial transfer or assignment, in each case of the immediately preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3), only if an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment.
(ii) At any time at which any Excess Ownership Position exists, if Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party in accordance with the requirements set forth above after using its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the Terminated Portion) of the Transaction, such that such Excess Ownership Position no longer exists. In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement and Section 8(b) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (iii) such portion of the Transaction shall be the only Terminated Transaction. Excess Ownership Position means any of the following: (i) the Equity Percentage exceeds 9.0%, (ii) Dealer or any affiliate or associate of Dealer would own in excess of 14.0% of the outstanding Shares for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iii) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a Dealer Person) under any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders applicable to ownership of Shares (Applicable Laws), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the
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power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filings of Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act) or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination. The Equity Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer, for purposes of the beneficial ownership test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or of any group (within the meaning of Section 13) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (Dealer and any such affiliates, persons and groups, collectively, Dealer Group), beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day (including, solely for such purpose, Shares that would be deemed outstanding pursuant to the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) if such sentence were applicable to the calculation of clause (B) of the definition of Equity Percentage).
(f) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealers hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines that it would not be advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on the relevant Settlement Date, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a Nominal Settlement Date), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a Staggered Settlement Date) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows:
(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date, but not prior to the beginning of the related Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above)) and/or delivery times (during any single Staggered Settlement Date) and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under Delivery Obligation (above) among the Staggered Settlement Dates and/or delivery times; and
(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates (including on one or more delivery times on any single Staggered Settlement Date) will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.
(g) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines in its good faith and reasonable discretion, based on advice of counsel in the case of the immediately following clause (ii), that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate to (i) preserve Dealers hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock loan market or any other relevant market or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases of Shares in connection with its hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty, be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures applicable to Dealer; provided that, no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer may be postponed or extended more than 50 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, as the case may be.
(h) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party.
(i) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
(j) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty,
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Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty solely to the extent of any such performance.
(k) No Netting and Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement (including without limitation Section 6(f) thereof, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction) and this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties to the contrary, neither party shall net or set off its obligations under the Transaction against its rights against the other party under any other transaction or instrument.
(l) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterpartys bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterpartys bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.
(m) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the Firm Securities is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on the Premium Payment Date (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties, which in no event shall be later than March 18, 2014) (the Premium Payment Date or such later date being the Early Unwind Date), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the Early Unwind), on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty thereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date; provided that, unless such Early Unwind Date occurred as a result of a breach of the Purchase Agreement by the Initial Purchasers, Counterparty shall purchase from Dealer on the Early Unwind Date all Shares purchased by Dealer or one or more of its affiliates in connection with the Transaction at the then prevailing market price. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that, subject to the proviso included in this Section 8(m), upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.
(n) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.
(o) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (WSTAA), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either partys otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, an Excess Ownership Position or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).
(p) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
(q) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED
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STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.
(r) Amendments to Equity Definitions.
(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words a material.
(ii) Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing the words a diluting or concentrative with an and (y) deleting the phrase (provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares) and replacing it with the phrase (and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than in the case of a Share split, reverse Share split or equivalent transaction, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares).
(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words that may have a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words that is the result of a corporate event involving Issuer or its securities that may have a material.
(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word or after the word official and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor or (C) at Dealers option, the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer.
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Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Dealer.
Yours faithfully, | ||
CITIBANK N.A. | ||
By: | /s/ James Heathcote | |
Name: James Heathcote | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
[Signature Page to Capped Call Confirmation]
Confirmed and Acknowledged as of the date first above written:
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: Paul Grinberg | ||
Title: Executive Vice President |
[Signature Page to Capped Call Confirmation]
Annex A
Premium: | USD 3,399,200.00 |
Exhibit 10.2
March 5, 2014 | ||||
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |||
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||||
San Diego, California 92108 | ||||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |||
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |||
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |||
From: | Credit Suisse International | |||
One Cabot Square | ||||
London E14 4QJ | ||||
England | ||||
Re: | Base Capped Call Transaction | |||
(Transaction Reference Number: ) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this communication (this Confirmation) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the above-referenced transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the Transaction) between Credit Suisse International (Dealer), through its agent Credit Suisse AG, New York branch (the Agent) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Counterparty). This communication constitutes a Confirmation as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below.
1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the 2006 Definitions) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the Equity Definitions, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the Definitions), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated March 5, 2014, (the Offering Memorandum) relating to the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the Convertible Securities and each USD1,000 principal amount of Convertible Securities, a Convertible Security) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD 140,000,000.00 (as increased by up to an aggregate principal amount of USD 21,000,000.00 if and to the extent that the Initial Purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Convertible Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture to be dated March 11, 2014 between Counterparty and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Indenture). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended following such date, any such amendment will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the Agreement) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule except for (i) the elections set forth in this Confirmation and (ii) the election that the Cross Default provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement will apply to Dealer and to Counterparty as if (x) the phrase , or becoming capable at such time of being declared, were deleted from Section 5(a)(vi)(1)
of the Agreement and (y) the Threshold Amount with respect to Dealer were three percent (3%) of shareholders equity of Credit Suisse Group AG as of the Trade Date and with respect to Counterparty were USD 10,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the Transaction shall be the only transaction under the Agreement.
All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern.
2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:
General Terms: | ||
Trade Date: |
March 5, 2014 | |
Effective Date: |
The closing date of the initial issuance of the Convertible Securities. | |
Option Type: |
Call | |
Seller: |
Dealer | |
Buyer: |
Counterparty | |
Shares: |
The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD0.01 per share (Ticker Symbol: ECPG). | |
Number of Options: |
140,000 | |
Number of Shares: |
As of any date, the product of (i) the Number of Options, (ii) the Conversion Rate and (iii) the Applicable Percentage. | |
Conversion Rate: |
As of any date, the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such date, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture. | |
Strike Price: |
The Conversion Price (as defined in the Indenture, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture). | |
Cap Price: |
USD 83.1425 | |
Applicable Percentage: |
20.0% | |
Premium: |
As provided in Annex A to this Confirmation. | |
Premium Payment Date: |
The Effective Date | |
Exchange: |
The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |
Related Exchange: |
All Exchanges | |
Procedures for Exercise: | ||
Exercise Dates: |
Each Conversion Date. | |
Conversion Date: |
Each Conversion Date, as defined in the Indenture, occurring during the period from and excluding the Trade Date to and including the Expiration Date, for Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, that are submitted for conversion on such Conversion Date in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (such Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date). |
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Required Exercise on Conversion Dates: |
On each Conversion Date, a number of Options equal to (i) the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount minus (ii) the sum of (A) the number of Relevant Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, and (B) the number of Applicable Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, in each case corresponding to such Conversion Date shall be automatically exercised. | |
Excluded Convertible Securities: |
Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on any date prior to the Free Convertibility Period that are not Make-Whole Convertible Securities (as defined below). The provisions of Section 8(a) below will apply to the exercise of any Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Excluded Convertible Securities. | |
Expiration Date: |
The second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture), subject to the provisions set forth opposite the caption Notice of Exercise below. | |
Automatic Exercise: |
As provided above under Required Exercise on Conversion Dates. | |
Exercise Notice Deadline: |
In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) relating to the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date occurring on the relevant Exercise Date (or, in the event there is no Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) relating to such Convertible Securities, the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following such Conversion Date); provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after September 15, 2020 (the Free Convertibility Date), the Exercise Notice Deadline shall be the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture). | |
Notice of Exercise: |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer shall have no obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Exercise Notice Deadline in respect of such exercise of (i) the number of Convertible Securities being converted on the relevant Conversion Date (including, if applicable, whether all or any portion of such Convertible Securities are Convertible Securities as to which additional Shares would be added to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture (the Make-Whole Convertible Securities)), (ii) the scheduled settlement date under the Indenture for the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date, (iii) whether such Relevant Convertible |
3
Securities will be settled by Counterparty by delivery of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and, if such a combination, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) and (iv) the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture); if any, provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, the contents of such notice shall be as set forth in clause (i) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder, Dealers obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of such exercise shall be permanently extinguished, and late notice shall not cure such failure; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options relating to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, such notice (and the related exercise or termination, as the case may be, of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the Exercise Notice Deadline, but prior to 5:00 PM New York City time on the fifth Exchange Business Day following the Exercise Notice Deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust the Delivery Obligation as appropriate to reflect the additional costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice on or prior to the Exercise Notice Deadline. | ||
Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method: | Unless Counterparty shall have notified Dealer in writing (i) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, in the related Notice of Exercise, within the applicable time period therefor set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities or (ii) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring during the period beginning on and including the Free Convertibility Date and ending on and including the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) (the Free Convertibility Period), before 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the irrevocable election by the Counterparty, in accordance with Section 13.02(a)(i) of the Indenture, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, in either case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), Counterparty shall be deemed to have notified Dealer of a Combination Settlement (as defined in the Indenture) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities. |
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Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Securities. | ||
Dealers Telephone Number and Telex and/or Facsimile Number and Contact Details for purpose of |
||
Giving Notice: |
To be provided by Dealer. | |
Settlement Terms: | ||
Settlement Date: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture; provided that the Settlement Date will not be prior to the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 PM, New York City time. | |
Delivery Obligation: |
In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to Notice of Exercise above, in respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the related Settlement Date, a number of Shares and/or amount of cash in USD equal to the product of (i) the Applicable Percentage and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture and/or the aggregate amount of cash, if any, in excess of USD1,000 per Convertible Security (in denominations of USD1,000) that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture (except that such aggregate number of Shares shall be determined without taking into consideration any rounding pursuant to Section 13.02(j) of the Indenture and shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number) and cash in lieu of fractional Shares, if any, resulting from such rounding, as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Convertible Security Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities (the Convertible Obligation); provided that (i) if the Convertible Obligation exceeds the Capped Convertible Obligation, then the Delivery Obligation shall be the Capped Convertible Obligation; and (ii) the Convertible Obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Capped Convertible Obligation) shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall not include any interest payment on the Relevant Convertible Securities that the Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date); provided, further that if Counterparty or its |
5
board of directors is permitted or required to exercise discretion under the terms of the Indenture with respect to any determination, calculation or adjustment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Indenture or in connection with any proportional adjustments or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets) (any such determination, calculation or adjustment, a Counterparty Determination), Counterparty shall consult with Dealer with respect thereto and, if the Calculation Agent disagrees in good faith with such Counterparty Determination, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Calculation Agent shall make the relevant determination, calculation or adjustment for purposes of this Transaction (and for the avoidance of doubt, such determination, calculation or adjustment shall be made (A) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Indenture, except as set forth in this paragraph, and (B) using, where relevant, variables determined by the Calculation Agent). | ||
Capped Convertible Obligation: | In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the Convertible Obligation that would apply if the Daily VWAP for each Trading Day in the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method below) were the lesser of (x) the Cap Price and (y) the actual Daily VWAP for such Trading Day. | |
Applicable Limit: | Notwithstanding the provisions under Delivery Obligation above but subject to Section 8(a) below, in all events the Delivery Obligation for any Option shall be capped so that (i) an amount of cash in USD equal to the sum of (x) the number of Shares comprising such Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option and (y) the amount of cash in USD comprising such Delivery Obligation does not exceed (ii) an amount of cash in USD equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the excess of (x) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, payable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security and (B) the number of Shares, if any, deliverable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option over (y) USD1,000. | |
Applicable Limit Price: | On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading Op on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> (or any successor thereto). | |
Convertible Security Settlement Method: | For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the related Notice of Exercise (or in the Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be) that it has elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities in cash or in a combination of cash and Shares in accordance with Section 13.02(a) of the Indenture (a Cash Election) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of at least USD1,000, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities; otherwise, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall (i) assume Counterparty had made a Cash Election with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of |
6
USD1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and (ii) be calculated as if the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture consisted of 100 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) after the Conversion Date for conversions occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Period or (y) the 102nd Scheduled Trading Day prior to the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) for conversions occurring during the Free Convertibility Period. | ||
Notice of Delivery Obligation: |
No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above), Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the final number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligation; provided that, with respect to any Exercise Date occurring during the Free Convertibility Period, Counterparty may provide Dealer with a single notice of an aggregate number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligations for all Exercise Dates occurring in such period on (i) if Physical Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterpartys obligations with respect to any Notice of Exercise or any Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method or Dealers obligations with respect to any Delivery Obligation, each as set forth above, in any way). | |
Other Applicable Provisions: |
To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction. | |
Share Adjustments: | ||
Method of Adjustment: |
Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make (A) an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction (other than the Cap Price) and (B) a proportionate adjustment to the Cap Price to the extent any adjustment is made to the Strike Price pursuant to clause (A) above; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion but without duplication of any adjustment |
7
pursuant to clause (i) above, make any further adjustment consistent with the Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions (as modified pursuant to this Confirmation) to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) to preserve the fair value of the Options to Dealer, after taking into account such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. | ||
Reasonably promptly upon the occurrence of any such event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such event or condition; and once the adjustments to be made to the terms of the Indenture and the Convertible Securities in respect of such event or condition have been determined, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly notify the Calculation Agent in writing of the details of such adjustments. | ||
Extraordinary Events: | ||
Merger Events: |
Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, a Merger Event means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of Merger Event under Section 13.07(a) of the Indenture. | |
Consequences of Merger Events /Tender Offers: |
Notwithstanding Sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, make any further adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) consistent with the Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 12.2(e) or 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event, the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) shares of an entity or person not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. | |
Notice of Merger Consideration: |
Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event prior to the relevant merger date) notify the Calculation Agent of (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Shares entitled to receive cash, securities or other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for such Shares in any Merger Event who affirmatively make such an election and (ii) the details of the adjustment made under the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event. |
8
Tender Offer: |
Applicable | |
Announcement Event: |
If an Announcement Date occurs in respect of a Merger Event or Tender Offer (such occurrence, an Announcement Event), then on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which the transaction described in any Announcement Event (as amended or modified) is cancelled, withdrawn, discontinued or otherwise terminated and (ii) the Expiration Date, Early Termination Date or other date of cancellation or termination in respect of each Option (the Announcement Event Adjustment Date), the Calculation Agent will determine the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event (without duplication in respect of any other adjustment or cancellation valuation made pursuant to this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement, regardless of whether the Announcement Event actually results in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, and taking into account such factors as the Calculation Agent may determine, including, without limitation, changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the Shares or the Transaction during the period from the Announcement Event to the Announcement Event Adjustment Date); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt (x) in no event shall the modification or amendment of the terms of a transaction described in an Announcement Event constitute a new, additional or different Announcement Event hereunder (but any such modification or amendment may be taken into account in determining the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event) and (y) the occurrence of an Announcement Event Adjustment Date in respect of the cancellation, withdrawal, discontinuation or other termination of the transaction described in an Announcement Event (as amended or modified) shall not preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Date with respect to such transaction. If the Calculation Agent determines that such cumulative economic effect on any Option is material, then on the Announcement Event Adjustment Date for such Option, the Calculation Agent may make such adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of such Option) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for such economic effect, which adjustment shall be effective immediately prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, as the case may be. | |
Announcement Date: |
The definition of Announcement Date in Section 12.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the words a firm with the word any in the second and fourth lines thereof, (ii) replacing the word leads to the with the words , if completed, would lead to a in the third and the fifth lines thereof, (iii) replacing the words voting shares with the word Shares in the fifth line thereof, and (iv) inserting the words by any entity after the word announcement in the second and the fourth lines thereof. | |
Nationalization, Insolvency or Delisting: |
Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that, in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the |
9
Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange. | ||||
Additional Disruption Events: |
||||
(a) Change in Law: |
Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase the interpretation in the third line thereof with the phrase , or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation, (ii) replacing the word Shares with the phrase Hedge Positions in clause (X) thereof, (iii) inserting the parenthetical (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute) at the end of clause (A) thereof, (iv) immediately following the word Transaction in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date and (v) adding the following proviso to the end of clause (Y) thereof: provided that such party has used good faith efforts to avoid such increased cost on terms reasonably acceptable to such party, as long as (i) such party would not incur a materially increased cost (including, without limitation, due to any increase in tax liability, decrease in tax benefit or other adverse effect on its tax position, or any increase in margin or capital requirements), as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (ii) such party would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of such party, as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (iii) such party would not suffer a material penalty, injunction, non-financial burden, reputational harm or other material adverse consequence in doing so, (iv) such party would not incur any material operational or administrative burden in doing so and (v) such party would not, in doing so, be required to take any action that is contrary to the intent of the law or regulation that is subject to the Change in Law. | |||
(b) Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |||
(c) Insolvency Filing: |
Applicable | |||
(d) Hedging Disruption: |
Applicable; provided that: | |||
(i) | Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section: | |||
For the avoidance of doubt, the term equity price risk shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing terms.; and | ||||
(ii) | Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words to terminate the Transaction, the words or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption. |
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(e) Increased Cost of Hedging: |
Not Applicable | |
Hedging Party: |
For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Determining Party: |
For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Non-Reliance: |
Applicable | |
Agreements and Acknowledgments |
||
Regarding Hedging Activities: |
Applicable | |
Additional Acknowledgments: |
Applicable |
3. Calculation Agent: Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a request by Company, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Company by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Company in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation.
4. Account Details:
Dealer Payment Instructions: |
Bank: | The Bank of New York, NY | ||
SWIFT: | IRVTUS3N | |||
Bank Routing: | 021 000 018 | |||
Acct Name: | Credit Suisse International | |||
Acct No. | 890-0360-968 | |||
Counterparty Payment Instructions: |
To be provided by Counterparty. |
5. Offices:
The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: New York
The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Not applicable
6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:
Address for notices or communications to Counterparty for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||
San Diego, CA 92108 | ||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |
With a copy to: | ||
Attn: | Greg Call, General Counsel | |
Telephone: | 858-569-3978 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6998 |
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Address for notices or communications to Dealer for purposes of this Confirmation:
Address: | Credit Suisse AG, New York branch | |
Eleven Madison Avenue | ||
New York, NY 10010-3629 | ||
For payments and deliveries: | ||
Facsimile No.: (212) 325-8175 | ||
Telephone No.: (212) 325-8678 / (212) 325-3213 | ||
For all other communications: | ||
Facsimile No.: (212) 325-8173 | ||
Telephone No.: (212) 325-8676 / (212) 538-5306 / (212) 538-1193 / (212) 538-6886 |
7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:
(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated as of March 5, 2014, between Counterparty and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as representatives of the initial purchasers party thereto (the Initial Purchasers), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:
(i) On the Trade Date (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
(ii) (A) (i) On the Trade Date, (ii) during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and (iii) in the event an Early Termination Date is designated due to an Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or 8(a)(iv), during a period starting on or about such Early Termination Date as reasonably determined by Dealer and notified to Counterparty (an Early Termination Period), in each case, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Shares, are not, and shall not be, subject to a restricted period, as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (Regulation M) and (B), without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding clause (A), the Counterparty shall not engage in any distribution, as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b) and 102(b) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.
(iii) On the Trade Date, and on each day during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and any Early Termination Period, neither Counterparty nor any affiliated purchaser (each as defined in Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (Rule 10b-18)) shall directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of any cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASBs Liabilities & Equity Project.
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(v) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.
(vi) On or prior to the Effective Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterpartys board of directors authorizing the Transaction.
(vii) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.
(viii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ix) On each of the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, insolvent (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the Bankruptcy Code)) and Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(x) To Counterpartys knowledge, based on due inquiry, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares.
(xi) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.
(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing, and (C) has total assets of at least $50 million.
(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an accredited investor as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.
(d) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a financial institution, swap participant and financial participant within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a securities contract, as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a settlement payment, within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) a swap agreement, as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a transfer, as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a payment or other transfer of property within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.
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(e) Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Effective Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement; provided that, such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, excepts and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions.
8. Other Provisions:
(a) Additional Termination Events.
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Indenture that results in an acceleration of the Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Make-Whole Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Relevant Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Relevant Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Relevant Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Relevant Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Relevant Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Relevant Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture taking into account any adjustments thereto pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities relating to such Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(iii) Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty shall notify Dealer of such Repayment Event and the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Securities subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a Repayment Notice); provided that such Repayment Notice shall contain an acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall remake the representations set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A), in each case in respect of such repurchase and delivery of such Repayment Notice. The receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph. Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day
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following receipt of such Repayment Notice as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Repayment Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Repayment Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction. Repayment Event means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased (whether in connection with or as a result of a fundamental change, howsoever defined, or for any other reason) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of such party (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities (for any reason other than as a result of an acceleration of the Convertible Securities that results in an Additional Termination Event pursuant to the preceding Section 8(a)(i)), or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the holders thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event.
(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Excluded Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Applicable Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Excluded Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Applicable Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Excluded Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Applicable Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Early Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(iv), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Applicable Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Early Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Applicable Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture without taking into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Excluded Convertible Securities relating to such Early Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(b) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If Dealer shall owe Counterparty any amount pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above or Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, including, without limitation, any Conversion Unwind Payment, any Early Conversion Unwind Payment and any Repayment Unwind
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Payment (a Payment Obligation), Dealer shall satisfy any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless either (i) Counterparty shall have elected for Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation in cash in USD by (x) giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable and (y) remaking the representation set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A) of this Confirmation on the date of such notice, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day or (ii) in the event of (x) an Insolvency, a Nationalization or a Merger Event, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (y) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterpartys control (other than any Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(a)(iii)), in either of which cases under the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the provisions of Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(b) in respect of such Payment Obligation. In the case of any such settlement by the Share Termination Alternative, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable:
Share Termination Alternative: | Applicable and means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the Share Termination Payment Date), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Property: | A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price. | |
Share Termination Unit Price: | The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Unit: | In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash. | |
Failure to Deliver: | Applicable | |
Other applicable provisions: | If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction, except that all references to Shares shall be read as references to Share Termination Delivery Units. |
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(c) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on advice of counsel, any Shares acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction, other than any such Shares that were, at the time of acquisition by Dealer, restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (any such Shares, the Hedge Shares), cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement substantially similar to underwriting agreements for registered secondary offerings of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, (B) provide accountants comfort letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size; provided, however, that if Dealer, in its reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(c) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, all reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any discount from the public market price of the Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the VWAP Price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts, requested by Dealer. VWAP Price means, on any Exchange Business Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or any successor thereto) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Exchange Business Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one Share on such Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume-weighted method).
(d) Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on or prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase (a Repurchase Notice) if, following such repurchase, the Notice Percentage as determined on the date of such Repurchase Notice is (i) greater than 9.0% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The Notice Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(d) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.
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(e) Transfer and Assignment.
(i) Either party may transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer may condition its consent on any of the following, without limitation: (i) the receipt by Dealer of opinions and documents reasonably satisfactory to Dealer in connection with such assignment, (ii) such assignment being effected on terms reasonably satisfactory to Dealer with respect to any legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Dealer, (iii) Counterparty continuing to be obligated to provide notices hereunder relating to the Convertible Securities and continuing to be obligated with respect to Disposition of Hedge Shares and Repurchase Notices above, (iv) Counterparty not being released from its indemnification obligations under Section 8(d) of this Confirmation, (v) such assignment only being to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), (vi) Dealer not being, as a result of such assignment, required to pay the transferee on any payment date an amount under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such assignment, (vii) there not being an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event as a result of such assignment, (viii) without limiting the generality of clause (v), Counterparty causing the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that the results described in clauses (vi) and (vii) will not occur upon or after such assignment and (ix) Counterparty being responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in connection with such assignment. In addition, Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of the Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement (1) in whole or in part to any affiliate of Dealer of credit quality at least equivalent to that of Dealer as of the Trade Date, (2) in whole or in part to any other affiliate of Dealer with respect to which Counterparty shall have received a full guaranty of such affiliates obligations from Dealer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Counterparty or (3) if at the time of such transfer or assignment an Excess Ownership Position exists, in part to any other third party with a rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness equal to or better than the lesser of (I) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer and (II) A- by Standard and Poors Rating Group, Inc. or its successor (S&P), or A3 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or, if either S&P or Moodys ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent or better rating by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer, in the case of this clause (3), to the extent that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists after giving effect to such partial transfer or assignment, in each case of the immediately preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3), only if an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment.
(ii) At any time at which any Excess Ownership Position exists, if Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party in accordance with the requirements set forth above after using its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the Terminated Portion) of the Transaction, such that such Excess Ownership Position no longer exists. In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement and Section 8(b) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (iii) such portion of the Transaction shall be the only Terminated Transaction. Excess Ownership Position means any of the following: (i) the Equity Percentage exceeds 9.0%, (ii) Dealer or any affiliate or associate of Dealer would own in excess of 14.0% of the outstanding Shares for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iii) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a Dealer Person) under any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders applicable to ownership of Shares (Applicable Laws), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filings of Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act) or other requirements (including obtaining prior
18
approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination. The Equity Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer, for purposes of the beneficial ownership test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or of any group (within the meaning of Section 13) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (Dealer and any such affiliates, persons and groups, collectively, Dealer Group), beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day (including, solely for such purpose, Shares that would be deemed outstanding pursuant to the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) if such sentence were applicable to the calculation of clause (B) of the definition of Equity Percentage).
(f) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealers hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines that it would not be advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on the relevant Settlement Date, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a Nominal Settlement Date), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a Staggered Settlement Date) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows:
(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date, but not prior to the beginning of the related Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above)) and/or delivery times (during any single Staggered Settlement Date) and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under Delivery Obligation (above) among the Staggered Settlement Dates and/or delivery times; and
(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates (including on one or more delivery times on any single Staggered Settlement Date) will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.
(g) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines in its good faith and reasonable discretion, based on advice of counsel in the case of the immediately following clause (ii), that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate to (i) preserve Dealers hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock loan market or any other relevant market or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases of Shares in connection with its hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty, be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures applicable to Dealer; provided that, no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer may be postponed or extended more than 50 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, as the case may be.
(h) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party.
(i) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
(j) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty solely to the extent of any such performance.
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(k) No Netting and Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement (including without limitation Section 6(f) thereof, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction) and this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties to the contrary, neither party shall net or set off its obligations under the Transaction against its rights against the other party under any other transaction or instrument.
(l) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterpartys bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterpartys bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.
(m) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the Firm Securities is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on the Premium Payment Date (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties, which in no event shall be later than March 18, 2014) (the Premium Payment Date or such later date being the Early Unwind Date), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the Early Unwind), on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty thereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date; provided that, unless such Early Unwind Date occurred as a result of a breach of the Purchase Agreement by the Initial Purchasers, Counterparty shall purchase from Dealer on the Early Unwind Date all Shares purchased by Dealer or one or more of its affiliates in connection with the Transaction at the then prevailing market price. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that, subject to the proviso included in this Section 8(m), upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.
(n) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.
(o) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (WSTAA), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either partys otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, an Excess Ownership Position or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).
(p) Role of Agent. Credit Suisse AG, New York branch, in its capacity as Agent will be responsible for (A) effecting the Transaction, (B) issuing all required confirmations and statements to Dealer and Counterparty, (C) maintaining books and records relating to the Transaction in accordance with its standard practices and procedures and in accordance with applicable law and (D) unless otherwise requested by Counterparty, receiving, delivering, and safeguarding Counterpartys funds and any securities in connection with the Transaction, in accordance with its standard practices and procedures and in accordance with applicable law.
(i) Agent is acting in connection with the Transaction solely in its capacity as Agent for Dealer and Counterparty pursuant to instructions from Dealer and Counterparty. Agent shall have no responsibility or personal liability to Dealer or Counterparty arising from any failure by Dealer or Counterparty to pay or perform any obligations hereunder, or to monitor or enforce compliance by Dealer or Counterparty with any obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any obligations to maintain collateral. Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees to proceed solely against the other to collect or recover any securities or monies owing to it in connection with or as a result of the Transaction. Agent shall otherwise have no liability in respect of the Transaction, except for its gross negligence or willful misconduct in performing its duties as Agent.
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(ii) The date and time of the Transaction evidenced hereby will be furnished by Agent to Dealer and Counterparty upon written request.
(iii) Agent will furnish to Counterparty upon written request a statement as to the source and amount of any remuneration received or to be received by Agent in connection with the Transaction evidenced hereby.
(iv) Dealer and Counterparty each represents and agrees (A) that the Transaction is not unsuitable for it in the light of such partys financial situation, investment objectives and needs and (B) that it is entering into the Transaction in reliance upon such tax, accounting, regulatory, legal and financial advice as it deems necessary and not upon any view expressed by the other party or Agent.
(v) Dealer is regulated by The Securities and Futures Authority and has entered into the Transaction as principal. The time at which the Transaction was executed will be notified to Counterparty (through Agent) on request.
(q) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
(r) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.
(s) Amendments to Equity Definitions.
(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words a material.
(ii) Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing the words a diluting or concentrative with an and (y) deleting the phrase (provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares) and replacing it with the phrase (and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than in the case of a Share split, reverse Share split or equivalent transaction, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares).
(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words that may have a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words that is the result of a corporate event involving Issuer or its securities that may have a material.
(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word or after the word official and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor or (C) at Dealers option, the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer.
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Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Dealer.
Yours faithfully, | ||
CREDIT SUISSE INTERNATIONAL | ||
By: | /s/ Emilie Blay | |
Name: Emilie Blay | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
By: | /s/ Shui Wong | |
Name: Shui Wong | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
CREDIT SUISSE AG, NEW YORK BRANCH, AS AGENT FOR CREDIT SUISSE INTERNATIONAL | ||
By: | /s/ Emilie Blay | |
Name: Emilie Blay | ||
Title: Vice President | ||
By: | /s/ Barry Dixon | |
Name: Barry Dixon | ||
Title: Director |
[Signature Page to Capped Call Confirmation]
Confirmed and Acknowledged as of the date first above written:
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: Paul Grinberg | ||
Title: Executive Vice President |
[Signature Page to Capped Call Confirmation]
Annex A
Premium: | USD 3,399,200.00 |
Exhibit 10.3
March 5, 2014 | ||||
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. 3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 San Diego, California 92108 | |||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |||
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |||
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |||
From: | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 1585 Broadway, 5th Floor New York, NY 10036 | |||
Re: | Base Capped Call Transaction | |||
(Transaction Reference Number: ) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this communication (this Confirmation) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the above-referenced transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the Transaction) between Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Dealer) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Counterparty). This communication constitutes a Confirmation as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below.
1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the 2006 Definitions) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the Equity Definitions, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the Definitions), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated March 5, 2014, (the Offering Memorandum) relating to the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the Convertible Securities and each USD1,000 principal amount of Convertible Securities, a Convertible Security) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD 140,000,000.00 (as increased by up to an aggregate principal amount of USD 21,000,000.00 if and to the extent that the Initial Purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Convertible Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture to be dated March 11, 2014 between Counterparty and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Indenture). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended following such date, any such amendment will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the Agreement) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule except for (i) the elections set forth in this Confirmation and (ii) the election that the Cross Default provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement will apply to Dealer and to Counterparty as if (x) the phrase , or becoming capable at such time of being declared, were deleted from Section 5(a)(vi)(1) of the Agreement and (y) the Threshold Amount with respect to Dealer were three percent (3%) of shareholders equity of Morgan Stanley as of the Trade Date and with respect to Counterparty were USD 10,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the Transaction shall be the only transaction under the Agreement.
All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern.
2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:
General Terms: | ||
Trade Date: |
March 5, 2014 | |
Effective Date: |
The closing date of the initial issuance of the Convertible Securities. | |
Option Type: |
Call | |
Seller: |
Dealer | |
Buyer: |
Counterparty | |
Shares: |
The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD0.01 per share (Ticker Symbol: ECPG). | |
Number of Options: |
140,000 | |
Number of Shares: |
As of any date, the product of (i) the Number of Options, (ii) the Conversion Rate and (iii) the Applicable Percentage. | |
Conversion Rate: |
As of any date, the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such date, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture. | |
Strike Price: |
The Conversion Price (as defined in the Indenture, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture). | |
Cap Price: |
USD 83.1425 | |
Applicable Percentage: |
30.0% | |
Premium: |
As provided in Annex A to this Confirmation. | |
Premium Payment Date: |
The Effective Date | |
Exchange: |
The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |
Related Exchange: |
All Exchanges | |
Procedures for Exercise: | ||
Exercise Dates: |
Each Conversion Date. | |
Conversion Date: |
Each Conversion Date, as defined in the Indenture, occurring during the period from and excluding the Trade Date to and including the Expiration Date, for Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, that are submitted for conversion on such Conversion Date in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (such Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date). |
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Required Exercise on Conversion Dates: |
On each Conversion Date, a number of Options equal to (i) the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount minus (ii) the sum of (A) the number of Relevant Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, and (B) the number of Applicable Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, in each case corresponding to such Conversion Date shall be automatically exercised. | |
Excluded Convertible Securities: |
Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on any date prior to the Free Convertibility Period that are not Make-Whole Convertible Securities (as defined below). The provisions of Section 8(a) below will apply to the exercise of any Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Excluded Convertible Securities. | |
Expiration Date: |
The second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture), subject to the provisions set forth opposite the caption Notice of Exercise below. | |
Automatic Exercise: |
As provided above under Required Exercise on Conversion Dates. | |
Exercise Notice Deadline: |
In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) relating to the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date occurring on the relevant Exercise Date (or, in the event there is no Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) relating to such Convertible Securities, the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following such Conversion Date); provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after September 15, 2020 (the Free Convertibility Date), the Exercise Notice Deadline shall be the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture). | |
Notice of Exercise: |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer shall have no obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Exercise Notice Deadline in respect of such exercise of (i) the number of Convertible Securities being converted on the relevant Conversion Date (including, if applicable, whether all or any portion of such Convertible Securities are Convertible Securities as to which additional Shares would be added to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture (the Make-Whole Convertible Securities)), (ii) the scheduled settlement date under the Indenture for the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date, (iii) whether such Relevant Convertible |
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Securities will be settled by Counterparty by delivery of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and, if such a combination, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) and (iv) the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture); if any, provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, the contents of such notice shall be as set forth in clause (i) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder, Dealers obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of such exercise shall be permanently extinguished, and late notice shall not cure such failure; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options relating to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, such notice (and the related exercise or termination, as the case may be, of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the Exercise Notice Deadline, but prior to 5:00 PM New York City time on the fifth Exchange Business Day following the Exercise Notice Deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust the Delivery Obligation as appropriate to reflect the additional costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice on or prior to the Exercise Notice Deadline. | ||
Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
Unless Counterparty shall have notified Dealer in writing (i) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, in the related Notice of Exercise, within the applicable time period therefor set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities or (ii) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring during the period beginning on and including the Free Convertibility Date and ending on and including the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) (the Free Convertibility Period), before 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the irrevocable election by the Counterparty, in accordance with Section 13.02(a)(i) of the Indenture, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, in either case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), Counterparty shall be deemed to have notified Dealer of a Combination Settlement (as defined in the Indenture) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities. |
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Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Securities. | ||
Dealers Telephone Number and Telex and/or Facsimile Number and Contact Details for purpose of |
||
Giving Notice: |
To be provided by Dealer. | |
Settlement Terms: | ||
Settlement Date: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture; provided that the Settlement Date will not be prior to the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 PM, New York City time. | |
Delivery Obligation: |
In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to Notice of Exercise above, in respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the related Settlement Date, a number of Shares and/or amount of cash in USD equal to the product of (i) the Applicable Percentage and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture and/or the aggregate amount of cash, if any, in excess of USD1,000 per Convertible Security (in denominations of USD1,000) that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture (except that such aggregate number of Shares shall be determined without taking into consideration any rounding pursuant to Section 13.02(j) of the Indenture and shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number) and cash in lieu of fractional Shares, if any, resulting from such rounding, as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Convertible Security Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities (the Convertible Obligation); provided that (i) if the Convertible Obligation exceeds the Capped Convertible Obligation, then the Delivery Obligation shall be the Capped Convertible Obligation; and (ii) the Convertible Obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Capped Convertible Obligation) shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall not include any interest payment on the Relevant Convertible Securities that the Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date); provided, further that if Counterparty or its |
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board of directors is permitted or required to exercise discretion under the terms of the Indenture with respect to any determination, calculation or adjustment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Indenture or in connection with any proportional adjustments or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets) (any such determination, calculation or adjustment, a Counterparty Determination), Counterparty shall consult with Dealer with respect thereto and, if the Calculation Agent disagrees in good faith with such Counterparty Determination, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Calculation Agent shall make the relevant determination, calculation or adjustment for purposes of this Transaction (and for the avoidance of doubt, such determination, calculation or adjustment shall be made (A) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Indenture, except as set forth in this paragraph, and (B) using, where relevant, variables determined by the Calculation Agent). | ||
Capped Convertible Obligation: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the Convertible Obligation that would apply if the Daily VWAP for each Trading Day in the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method below) were the lesser of (x) the Cap Price and (y) the actual Daily VWAP for such Trading Day. | |
Applicable Limit: |
Notwithstanding the provisions under Delivery Obligation above but subject to Section 8(a) below, in all events the Delivery Obligation for any Option shall be capped so that (i) an amount of cash in USD equal to the sum of (x) the number of Shares comprising such Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option and (y) the amount of cash in USD comprising such Delivery Obligation does not exceed (ii) an amount of cash in USD equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the excess of (x) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, payable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security and (B) the number of Shares, if any, deliverable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option over (y) USD1,000. | |
Applicable Limit Price: |
On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading Op on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> (or any successor thereto). | |
Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the related Notice of Exercise (or in the Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be) that it has elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities in cash or in a combination of cash and Shares in accordance with Section 13.02(a) of the Indenture (a Cash Election) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of at least USD1,000, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities; otherwise, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall (i) assume Counterparty had made a Cash Election with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of |
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USD1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and (ii) be calculated as if the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture consisted of 100 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) after the Conversion Date for conversions occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Period or (y) the 102nd Scheduled Trading Day prior to the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) for conversions occurring during the Free Convertibility Period. | ||
Notice of Delivery Obligation: |
No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above), Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the final number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligation; provided that, with respect to any Exercise Date occurring during the Free Convertibility Period, Counterparty may provide Dealer with a single notice of an aggregate number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligations for all Exercise Dates occurring in such period on (i) if Physical Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterpartys obligations with respect to any Notice of Exercise or any Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method or Dealers obligations with respect to any Delivery Obligation, each as set forth above, in any way). | |
Other Applicable Provisions: |
To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction. | |
Share Adjustments: | ||
Method of Adjustment: |
Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make (A) an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction (other than the Cap Price) and (B) a proportionate adjustment to the Cap Price to the extent any adjustment is made to the Strike Price pursuant to clause (A) above; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion but without duplication of any adjustment |
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pursuant to clause (i) above, make any further adjustment consistent with the Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions (as modified pursuant to this Confirmation) to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) to preserve the fair value of the Options to Dealer, after taking into account such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. | ||
Reasonably promptly upon the occurrence of any such event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such event or condition; and once the adjustments to be made to the terms of the Indenture and the Convertible Securities in respect of such event or condition have been determined, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly notify the Calculation Agent in writing of the details of such adjustments. | ||
Extraordinary Events: | ||
Merger Events: |
Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, a Merger Event means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of Merger Event under Section 13.07(a) of the Indenture. | |
Consequences of Merger Events /Tender Offers: |
Notwithstanding Sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, make any further adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) consistent with the Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 12.2(e) or 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event, the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) shares of an entity or person not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. | |
Notice of Merger Consideration: |
Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event prior to the relevant merger date) notify the Calculation Agent of (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Shares entitled to receive cash, securities or other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for such Shares in any Merger Event who affirmatively make such an election and (ii) the details of the adjustment made under the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event. |
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Tender Offer: | Applicable | |
Announcement Event: |
If an Announcement Date occurs in respect of a Merger Event or Tender Offer (such occurrence, an Announcement Event), then on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which the transaction described in any Announcement Event (as amended or modified) is cancelled, withdrawn, discontinued or otherwise terminated and (ii) the Expiration Date, Early Termination Date or other date of cancellation or termination in respect of each Option (the Announcement Event Adjustment Date), the Calculation Agent will determine the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event (without duplication in respect of any other adjustment or cancellation valuation made pursuant to this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement, regardless of whether the Announcement Event actually results in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, and taking into account such factors as the Calculation Agent may determine, including, without limitation, changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the Shares or the Transaction during the period from the Announcement Event to the Announcement Event Adjustment Date); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt (x) in no event shall the modification or amendment of the terms of a transaction described in an Announcement Event constitute a new, additional or different Announcement Event hereunder (but any such modification or amendment may be taken into account in determining the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event) and (y) the occurrence of an Announcement Event Adjustment Date in respect of the cancellation, withdrawal, discontinuation or other termination of the transaction described in an Announcement Event (as amended or modified) shall not preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Date with respect to such transaction. If the Calculation Agent determines that such cumulative economic effect on any Option is material, then on the Announcement Event Adjustment Date for such Option, the Calculation Agent may make such adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of such Option) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for such economic effect, which adjustment shall be effective immediately prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, as the case may be. | |
Announcement Date: |
The definition of Announcement Date in Section 12.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the words a firm with the word any in the second and fourth lines thereof, (ii) replacing the word leads to the with the words , if completed, would lead to a in the third and the fifth lines thereof, (iii) replacing the words voting shares with the word Shares in the fifth line thereof, and (iv) inserting the words by any entity after the word announcement in the second and the fourth lines thereof. | |
Nationalization, Insolvency or Delisting: |
Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that, in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the |
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Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange. | ||||
Additional Disruption Events: |
||||
(a) Change in Law: |
Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase the interpretation in the third line thereof with the phrase , or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation, (ii) replacing the word Shares with the phrase Hedge Positions in clause (X) thereof, (iii) inserting the parenthetical (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute) at the end of clause (A) thereof, (iv) immediately following the word Transaction in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date and (v) adding the following proviso to the end of clause (Y) thereof: provided that such party has used good faith efforts to avoid such increased cost on terms reasonably acceptable to such party, as long as (i) such party would not incur a materially increased cost (including, without limitation, due to any increase in tax liability, decrease in tax benefit or other adverse effect on its tax position, or any increase in margin or capital requirements), as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (ii) such party would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of such party, as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (iii) such party would not suffer a material penalty, injunction, non-financial burden, reputational harm or other material adverse consequence in doing so, (iv) such party would not incur any material operational or administrative burden in doing so and (v) such party would not, in doing so, be required to take any action that is contrary to the intent of the law or regulation that is subject to the Change in Law. | |||
(b) Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |||
(c) Insolvency Filing: |
Applicable | |||
(d) Hedging Disruption: |
Applicable; provided that: | |||
(i) | Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section: | |||
For the avoidance of doubt, the term equity price risk shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing terms.; and | ||||
(ii) | Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words to terminate the Transaction, the words or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption. |
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(e) Increased Cost of Hedging: |
Not Applicable | |
Hedging Party: |
For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Determining Party: |
For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Non-Reliance: |
Applicable | |
Agreements and Acknowledgments Regarding Hedging Activities: |
Applicable | |
Additional Acknowledgments: |
Applicable |
3. Calculation Agent: Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a request by Company, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Company by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Company in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation.
4. Account Details:
Dealer Payment Instructions: | Bank: Citibank, N.A. | |
SWIFT: CITIUS33 | ||
Bank Routing: 021-000-089 | ||
Acct Name: Morgan Stanley and Co. | ||
Acct No.: 30632076 | ||
Counterparty Payment Instructions: | To be provided by Counterparty. |
5. Offices:
The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: New York
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
1585 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10036
The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Not applicable
6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:
Address for notices or communications to Counterparty for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||
San Diego, CA 92108 | ||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 |
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With a copy to: | ||
Attn: | Greg Call, General Counsel | |
Telephone: | 858-569-3978 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6998 |
Address for notices or communications to Dealer for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | |
1585 Broadway, 5th Floor | ||
New York, NY 10036 | ||
Attn: | Serkan Savasoglu | |
Telephone: | 212-761-9363 | |
Facsimile: | 212-404-9481 | |
Email: | serkan.savasoglu@morganstanley.com | |
With a copy to: | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | |
1221 Avenue of the Americas, 34th Floor | ||
New York, NY 10020 | ||
Attn: | Anthony Cicia | |
Telephone: | 212-762-4828 | |
Facsimile: | 212-507-4338 | |
Email: | Anthony.cicia@morganstanley.com |
7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:
(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated as of March 5, 2014, between Counterparty and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as representatives of the initial purchasers party thereto (the Initial Purchasers), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:
(i) On the Trade Date (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
(ii) (A) (i) On the Trade Date, (ii) during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and (iii) in the event an Early Termination Date is designated due to an Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or 8(a)(iv), during a period starting on or about such Early Termination Date as reasonably determined by Dealer and notified to Counterparty (an Early Termination Period), in each case, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Shares, are not, and shall not be, subject to a restricted period, as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (Regulation M) and (B), without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding clause (A), the Counterparty shall not engage in any distribution, as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b) and 102(b) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.
(iii) On the Trade Date, and on each day during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and any Early Termination Period, neither Counterparty nor any affiliated purchaser (each as defined in Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (Rule 10b-18)) shall directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of any cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of,
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or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASBs Liabilities & Equity Project.
(v) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.
(vi) On or prior to the Effective Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterpartys board of directors authorizing the Transaction.
(vii) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.
(viii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ix) On each of the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, insolvent (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the Bankruptcy Code)) and Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(x) To Counterpartys knowledge, based on due inquiry, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares.
(xi) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.
(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing, and (C) has total assets of at least $50 million.
(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an accredited investor as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.
(d) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a financial institution, swap participant and financial participant within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a securities contract, as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with
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respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a settlement payment, within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) a swap agreement, as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a transfer, as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a payment or other transfer of property within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.
(e) Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Effective Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement; provided that, such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, excepts and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions.
8. Other Provisions:
(a) Additional Termination Events.
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Indenture that results in an acceleration of the Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Make-Whole Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Relevant Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Relevant Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Relevant Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Relevant Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Relevant Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Relevant Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture taking into account any adjustments thereto pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities relating to such Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(iii) Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty shall notify Dealer of such Repayment Event and the aggregate principal amount of
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Convertible Securities subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a Repayment Notice); provided that such Repayment Notice shall contain an acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall remake the representations set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A), in each case in respect of such repurchase and delivery of such Repayment Notice. The receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph. Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Repayment Notice as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Repayment Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Repayment Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction. Repayment Event means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased (whether in connection with or as a result of a fundamental change, howsoever defined, or for any other reason) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of such party (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities (for any reason other than as a result of an acceleration of the Convertible Securities that results in an Additional Termination Event pursuant to the preceding Section 8(a)(i)), or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the holders thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event.
(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Excluded Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Applicable Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Excluded Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Applicable Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Excluded Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Applicable Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Early Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(iv), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Applicable Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Early Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Applicable Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture without taking into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture),
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multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Excluded Convertible Securities relating to such Early Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(b) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If Dealer shall owe Counterparty any amount pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above or Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, including, without limitation, any Conversion Unwind Payment, any Early Conversion Unwind Payment and any Repayment Unwind Payment (a Payment Obligation), Dealer shall satisfy any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless either (i) Counterparty shall have elected for Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation in cash in USD by (x) giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable and (y) remaking the representation set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A) of this Confirmation on the date of such notice, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day or (ii) in the event of (x) an Insolvency, a Nationalization or a Merger Event, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (y) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterpartys control (other than any Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(a)(iii)), in either of which cases under the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the provisions of Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(b) in respect of such Payment Obligation. In the case of any such settlement by the Share Termination Alternative, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable:
Share Termination Alternative: | Applicable and means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the Share Termination Payment Date), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Property: | A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price. | |
Share Termination Unit Price: | The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Unit: | In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash. | |
Failure to Deliver: | Applicable |
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Other applicable provisions: | If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction, except that all references to Shares shall be read as references to Share Termination Delivery Units. |
(c) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on advice of counsel, any Shares acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction, other than any such Shares that were, at the time of acquisition by Dealer, restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (any such Shares, the Hedge Shares), cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement substantially similar to underwriting agreements for registered secondary offerings of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, (B) provide accountants comfort letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size; provided, however, that if Dealer, in its reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(c) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, all reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any discount from the public market price of the Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the VWAP Price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts, requested by Dealer. VWAP Price means, on any Exchange Business Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or any successor thereto) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Exchange Business Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one Share on such Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume-weighted method).
(d) Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on or prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase (a Repurchase Notice) if, following such repurchase, the Notice Percentage as determined on the date of such Repurchase Notice is (i) greater than 9.0% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The Notice Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(d) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent
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permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.
(e) Transfer and Assignment.
(i) Either party may transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer may condition its consent on any of the following, without limitation: (i) the receipt by Dealer of opinions and documents reasonably satisfactory to Dealer in connection with such assignment, (ii) such assignment being effected on terms reasonably satisfactory to Dealer with respect to any legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Dealer, (iii) Counterparty continuing to be obligated to provide notices hereunder relating to the Convertible Securities and continuing to be obligated with respect to Disposition of Hedge Shares and Repurchase Notices above, (iv) Counterparty not being released from its indemnification obligations under Section 8(d) of this Confirmation, (v) such assignment only being to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), (vi) Dealer not being, as a result of such assignment, required to pay the transferee on any payment date an amount under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such assignment, (vii) there not being an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event as a result of such assignment, (viii) without limiting the generality of clause (v), Counterparty causing the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that the results described in clauses (vi) and (vii) will not occur upon or after such assignment and (ix) Counterparty being responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in connection with such assignment. In addition, Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of the Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement (1) in whole or in part to any affiliate of Dealer of credit quality at least equivalent to that of Dealer as of the Trade Date, (2) in whole or in part to any other affiliate of Dealer with respect to which Counterparty shall have received a full guaranty of such affiliates obligations from Dealer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Counterparty or (3) if at the time of such transfer or assignment an Excess Ownership Position exists, in part to any other third party with a rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness equal to or better than the lesser of (I) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer and (II) A- by Standard and Poors Rating Group, Inc. or its successor (S&P), or A3 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or, if either S&P or Moodys ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent or better rating by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer, in the case of this clause (3), to the extent that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists after giving effect to such partial transfer or assignment, in each case of the immediately preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3), only if an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment.
(ii) At any time at which any Excess Ownership Position exists, if Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party in accordance with the requirements set forth above after using its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the Terminated Portion) of the Transaction, such that such Excess Ownership Position no longer exists. In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement and Section 8(b) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (iii) such portion of the Transaction shall be the only Terminated Transaction. Excess Ownership Position means any of the following: (i) the Equity Percentage exceeds 9.0%, (ii) Dealer or any affiliate or associate of Dealer would own in excess of 14.0% of the outstanding Shares for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware
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General Corporation Law or (iii) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a Dealer Person) under any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders applicable to ownership of Shares (Applicable Laws), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filings of Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act) or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination. The Equity Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer, for purposes of the beneficial ownership test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or of any group (within the meaning of Section 13) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (Dealer and any such affiliates, persons and groups, collectively, Dealer Group), beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day (including, solely for such purpose, Shares that would be deemed outstanding pursuant to the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) if such sentence were applicable to the calculation of clause (B) of the definition of Equity Percentage).
(f) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealers hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines that it would not be advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on the relevant Settlement Date, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a Nominal Settlement Date), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a Staggered Settlement Date) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows:
(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date, but not prior to the beginning of the related Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above)) and/or delivery times (during any single Staggered Settlement Date) and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under Delivery Obligation (above) among the Staggered Settlement Dates and/or delivery times; and
(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates (including on one or more delivery times on any single Staggered Settlement Date) will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.
(g) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines in its good faith and reasonable discretion, based on advice of counsel in the case of the immediately following clause (ii), that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate to (i) preserve Dealers hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock loan market or any other relevant market or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases of Shares in connection with its hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty, be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures applicable to Dealer; provided that, no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer may be postponed or extended more than 50 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, as the case may be.
(h) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party.
(i) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
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(j) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty solely to the extent of any such performance.
(k) No Netting and Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement (including without limitation Section 6(f) thereof, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction) and this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties to the contrary, neither party shall net or set off its obligations under the Transaction against its rights against the other party under any other transaction or instrument.
(l) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterpartys bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterpartys bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.
(m) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the Firm Securities is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on the Premium Payment Date (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties, which in no event shall be later than March 18, 2014) (the Premium Payment Date or such later date being the Early Unwind Date), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the Early Unwind), on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty thereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date; provided that, unless such Early Unwind Date occurred as a result of a breach of the Purchase Agreement by the Initial Purchasers, Counterparty shall purchase from Dealer on the Early Unwind Date all Shares purchased by Dealer or one or more of its affiliates in connection with the Transaction at the then prevailing market price. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that, subject to the proviso included in this Section 8(m), upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.
(n) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.
(o) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (WSTAA), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either partys otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, an Excess Ownership Position or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).
(p) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
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(q) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.
(r) Amendments to Equity Definitions.
(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words a material.
(ii) Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing the words a diluting or concentrative with an and (y) deleting the phrase (provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares) and replacing it with the phrase (and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than in the case of a Share split, reverse Share split or equivalent transaction, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares).
(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words that may have a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words that is the result of a corporate event involving Issuer or its securities that may have a material.
(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word or after the word official and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor or (C) at Dealers option, the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer.
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Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Dealer.
Yours faithfully, | ||
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Sebastian Crapanzano | |
Name: Sebastian Crapanzano | ||
Title: Managing Director |
[Signature Page to Capped Call Confirmation]
Confirmed and Acknowledged as of the date first above written:
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: Paul Grinberg | ||
Title: Executive Vice President |
[Signature Page to Capped Call Confirmation]
Annex A
Premium: | USD 5,098,800.00 |
Exhibit 10.4
March 5, 2014 | ||||
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |||
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||||
San Diego, California 92108 | ||||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |||
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |||
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |||
From: |
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Société Générale | ||||
245 Park Avenue | ||||
New York, NY 10167 | ||||
Re: | Base Capped Call Transaction | |||
(Transaction Reference Number: ) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this communication (this Confirmation) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the above-referenced transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the Transaction) between Société Générale (Dealer) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Counterparty). This communication constitutes a Confirmation as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below. Dealer is acting as principal and SG Americas Securities, LLC (Agent), its affiliate, is acting as agent for Dealer for the Transaction under this Confirmation.
1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the 2006 Definitions) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the Equity Definitions, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the Definitions), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated March 5, 2014, (the Offering Memorandum) relating to the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the Convertible Securities and each USD1,000 principal amount of Convertible Securities, a Convertible Security) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD 140,000,000.00 (as increased by up to an aggregate principal amount of USD 21,000,000.00 if and to the extent that the Initial Purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional Convertible Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture to be dated March 11, 2014 between Counterparty and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Indenture). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended following such date, any such amendment will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the Agreement) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule except for (i) the elections set forth in this Confirmation and (ii) the
election that the Cross Default provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement will apply to Dealer and to Counterparty as if (x) the phrase , or becoming capable at such time of being declared, were deleted from Section 5(a)(vi)(1) of the Agreement and (y) the Threshold Amount with respect to Dealer were three percent (3%) of shareholders equity of Société Générale as of the Trade Date and with respect to Counterparty were USD 10,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the Transaction shall be the only transaction under the Agreement.
All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern.
2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:
General Terms:
Trade Date: |
March 5, 2014 | |
Effective Date: |
The closing date of the initial issuance of the Convertible Securities. | |
Option Type: |
Call | |
Seller: |
Dealer | |
Buyer: |
Counterparty | |
Shares: |
The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD0.01 per share (Ticker Symbol: ECPG). | |
Number of Options: |
140,000 | |
Number of Shares: |
As of any date, the product of (i) the Number of Options, (ii) the Conversion Rate and (iii) the Applicable Percentage. | |
Conversion Rate: |
As of any date, the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such date, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture. | |
Strike Price: |
The Conversion Price (as defined in the Indenture, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture). | |
Cap Price: |
USD 83.1425 | |
Applicable Percentage: |
30.0% | |
Premium: |
As provided in Annex A to this Confirmation. | |
Premium Payment Date: |
The Effective Date | |
Exchange: |
The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |
Related Exchange: |
All Exchanges | |
Procedures for Exercise: | ||
Exercise Dates: |
Each Conversion Date. | |
Conversion Date: |
Each Conversion Date, as defined in the Indenture, occurring during the period from and excluding the Trade Date to and including the Expiration Date, for Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, that are submitted |
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for conversion on such Conversion Date in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (such Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date). | ||
Required Exercise on Conversion Dates: |
On each Conversion Date, a number of Options equal to (i) the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount minus (ii) the sum of (A) the number of Relevant Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, and (B) the number of Applicable Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, in each case corresponding to such Conversion Date shall be automatically exercised. | |
Excluded Convertible Securities: |
Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on any date prior to the Free Convertibility Period that are not Make-Whole Convertible Securities (as defined below). The provisions of Section 8(a) below will apply to the exercise of any Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Excluded Convertible Securities. | |
Expiration Date: |
The second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture), subject to the provisions set forth opposite the caption Notice of Exercise below. | |
Automatic Exercise: |
As provided above under Required Exercise on Conversion Dates. | |
Exercise Notice Deadline: |
In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) relating to the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date occurring on the relevant Exercise Date (or, in the event there is no Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) relating to such Convertible Securities, the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following such Conversion Date); provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after September 15, 2020 (the Free Convertibility Date), the Exercise Notice Deadline shall be the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture). | |
Notice of Exercise: |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer shall have no obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Exercise Notice Deadline in respect of such exercise of (i) the number of Convertible Securities being converted on the relevant Conversion Date (including, if applicable, whether all or any portion of such Convertible Securities are Convertible Securities as to which additional Shares would be added to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture (the Make-Whole Convertible Securities)), (ii) the scheduled settlement date under |
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the Indenture for the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date, (iii) whether such Relevant Convertible Securities will be settled by Counterparty by delivery of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and, if such a combination, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) and (iv) the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture); if any, provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, the contents of such notice shall be as set forth in clause (i) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder, Dealers obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of such exercise shall be permanently extinguished, and late notice shall not cure such failure; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options relating to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, such notice (and the related exercise or termination, as the case may be, of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the Exercise Notice Deadline, but prior to 5:00 PM New York City time on the fifth Exchange Business Day following the Exercise Notice Deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust the Delivery Obligation as appropriate to reflect the additional costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice on or prior to the Exercise Notice Deadline. | ||
Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
Unless Counterparty shall have notified Dealer in writing (i) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, in the related Notice of Exercise, within the applicable time period therefor set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities or (ii) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring during the period beginning on and including the Free Convertibility Date and ending on and including the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) (the Free Convertibility Period), before 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the irrevocable election by the Counterparty, in accordance with Section 13.02(a)(i) of the Indenture, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, in either case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), Counterparty shall be deemed to have notified Dealer of a Combination Settlement (as defined in the Indenture) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, |
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notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities. Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Securities. | ||
Dealers Telephone Number and Telex and/or Facsimile Number and Contact Details for purpose of |
||
Giving Notice: |
To be provided by Dealer. | |
Settlement Terms: | ||
Settlement Date: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture; provided that the Settlement Date will not be prior to the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 PM, New York City time. | |
Delivery Obligation: |
In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to Notice of Exercise above, in respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the related Settlement Date, a number of Shares and/or amount of cash in USD equal to the product of (i) the Applicable Percentage and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture and/or the aggregate amount of cash, if any, in excess of USD1,000 per Convertible Security (in denominations of USD1,000) that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture (except that such aggregate number of Shares shall be determined without taking into consideration any rounding pursuant to Section 13.02(j) of the Indenture and shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number) and cash in lieu of fractional Shares, if any, resulting from such rounding, as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Convertible Security Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities (the Convertible Obligation); provided that (i) if the Convertible Obligation exceeds the Capped Convertible Obligation, then the Delivery Obligation shall be the Capped Convertible Obligation; and (ii) the Convertible Obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Capped Convertible Obligation) shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall not include any interest payment on the Relevant Convertible Securities that the Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to |
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holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date); provided, further that if Counterparty or its board of directors is permitted or required to exercise discretion under the terms of the Indenture with respect to any determination, calculation or adjustment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Indenture or in connection with any proportional adjustments or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets) (any such determination, calculation or adjustment, a Counterparty Determination), Counterparty shall consult with Dealer with respect thereto and, if the Calculation Agent disagrees in good faith with such Counterparty Determination, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Calculation Agent shall make the relevant determination, calculation or adjustment for purposes of this Transaction (and for the avoidance of doubt, such determination, calculation or adjustment shall be made (A) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Indenture, except as set forth in this paragraph, and (B) using, where relevant, variables determined by the Calculation Agent). | ||
Capped Convertible Obligation: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the Convertible Obligation that would apply if the Daily VWAP for each Trading Day in the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method below) were the lesser of (x) the Cap Price and (y) the actual Daily VWAP for such Trading Day. | |
Applicable Limit: |
Notwithstanding the provisions under Delivery Obligation above but subject to Section 8(a) below, in all events the Delivery Obligation for any Option shall be capped so that (i) an amount of cash in USD equal to the sum of (x) the number of Shares comprising such Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option and (y) the amount of cash in USD comprising such Delivery Obligation does not exceed (ii) an amount of cash in USD equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the excess of (x) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, payable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security and (B) the number of Shares, if any, deliverable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option over (y) USD1,000. | |
Applicable Limit Price: |
On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading Op on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> (or any successor thereto). | |
Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the related Notice of Exercise (or in the Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be) that it has elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities in cash or in a combination of cash and Shares in accordance with Section 13.02(a) of the Indenture (a Cash Election) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of at least USD1,000, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities; otherwise, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall (i) assume Counterparty had made a Cash |
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Election with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and (ii) be calculated as if the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture consisted of 100 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) after the Conversion Date for conversions occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Period or (y) the 102nd Scheduled Trading Day prior to the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) for conversions occurring during the Free Convertibility Period. | ||
Notice of Delivery Obligation: |
No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above), Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the final number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligation; provided that, with respect to any Exercise Date occurring during the Free Convertibility Period, Counterparty may provide Dealer with a single notice of an aggregate number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligations for all Exercise Dates occurring in such period on (i) if Physical Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterpartys obligations with respect to any Notice of Exercise or any Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method or Dealers obligations with respect to any Delivery Obligation, each as set forth above, in any way). | |
Other Applicable Provisions: |
To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction. | |
Share Adjustments: | ||
Method of Adjustment: |
Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make (A) an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction (other than the Cap Price) and (B) a proportionate adjustment to the Cap Price to the extent any adjustment is made to the Strike Price pursuant to clause (A) |
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above; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion but without duplication of any adjustment pursuant to clause (i) above, make any further adjustment consistent with the Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions (as modified pursuant to this Confirmation) to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) to preserve the fair value of the Options to Dealer, after taking into account such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. | ||
Reasonably promptly upon the occurrence of any such event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such event or condition; and once the adjustments to be made to the terms of the Indenture and the Convertible Securities in respect of such event or condition have been determined, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly notify the Calculation Agent in writing of the details of such adjustments. | ||
Extraordinary Events: | ||
Merger Events: |
Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, a Merger Event means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of Merger Event under Section 13.07(a) of the Indenture. | |
Consequences of Merger Events /Tender Offers: |
Notwithstanding Sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, make any further adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) consistent with the Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 12.2(e) or 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event, the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) shares of an entity or person not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. | |
Notice of Merger Consideration: |
Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event prior to the relevant merger date) notify the Calculation Agent of (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Shares entitled |
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to receive cash, securities or other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for such Shares in any Merger Event who affirmatively make such an election and (ii) the details of the adjustment made under the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event. | ||
Tender Offer: |
Applicable | |
Announcement Event: |
If an Announcement Date occurs in respect of a Merger Event or Tender Offer (such occurrence, an Announcement Event), then on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which the transaction described in any Announcement Event (as amended or modified) is cancelled, withdrawn, discontinued or otherwise terminated and (ii) the Expiration Date, Early Termination Date or other date of cancellation or termination in respect of each Option (the Announcement Event Adjustment Date), the Calculation Agent will determine the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event (without duplication in respect of any other adjustment or cancellation valuation made pursuant to this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement, regardless of whether the Announcement Event actually results in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, and taking into account such factors as the Calculation Agent may determine, including, without limitation, changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the Shares or the Transaction during the period from the Announcement Event to the Announcement Event Adjustment Date); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt (x) in no event shall the modification or amendment of the terms of a transaction described in an Announcement Event constitute a new, additional or different Announcement Event hereunder (but any such modification or amendment may be taken into account in determining the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event) and (y) the occurrence of an Announcement Event Adjustment Date in respect of the cancellation, withdrawal, discontinuation or other termination of the transaction described in an Announcement Event (as amended or modified) shall not preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Date with respect to such transaction. If the Calculation Agent determines that such cumulative economic effect on any Option is material, then on the Announcement Event Adjustment Date for such Option, the Calculation Agent may make such adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of such Option) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for such economic effect, which adjustment shall be effective immediately prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, as the case may be. | |
Announcement Date: |
The definition of Announcement Date in Section 12.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the words a firm with the word any in the second and fourth lines thereof, (ii) replacing the word leads to the with the words , if completed, would lead to a in the third and the fifth lines thereof, (iii) replacing the words voting shares with the word Shares in the fifth line thereof, and (iv) inserting the words by any entity after the word announcement in the second and the fourth lines thereof. |
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Nationalization, Insolvency or Delisting: |
Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that, in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange. | |||
Additional Disruption Events: | ||||
(a) Change in Law: |
Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase the interpretation in the third line thereof with the phrase , or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation, (ii) replacing the word Shares with the phrase Hedge Positions in clause (X) thereof, (iii) inserting the parenthetical (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute) at the end of clause (A) thereof, (iv) immediately following the word Transaction in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date and (v) adding the following proviso to the end of clause (Y) thereof: provided that such party has used good faith efforts to avoid such increased cost on terms reasonably acceptable to such party, as long as (i) such party would not incur a materially increased cost (including, without limitation, due to any increase in tax liability, decrease in tax benefit or other adverse effect on its tax position, or any increase in margin or capital requirements), as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (ii) such party would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of such party, as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (iii) such party would not suffer a material penalty, injunction, non-financial burden, reputational harm or other material adverse consequence in doing so, (iv) such party would not incur any material operational or administrative burden in doing so and (v) such party would not, in doing so, be required to take any action that is contrary to the intent of the law or regulation that is subject to the Change in Law. | |||
(b) Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |||
(c) Insolvency Filing: |
Applicable | |||
(d) Hedging Disruption: |
Applicable; provided that: | |||
(i) | Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section: | |||
For the avoidance of doubt, the term equity price risk shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing terms.; and |
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(ii) | Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words to terminate the Transaction, the words or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption. | |||
(e) Increased Cost of Hedging: |
Not Applicable | |||
HedgingParty: |
For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |||
DeterminingParty: |
For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |||
Non-Reliance: |
Applicable | |||
Agreementsand Acknowledgments |
||||
RegardingHedging Activities: |
Applicable | |||
AdditionalAcknowledgments: |
Applicable |
3. Calculation Agent: Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a request by Company, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Company by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Company in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation.
4. Account Details:
Dealer Payment Instructions: | Payments to: | SOCIETE GENERALE | ||
Correspondent: | SOCIETE GENERALE/New York SOGEUS33 | |||
Beneficiary: | SOCIETE GENERALE/Paris SOGEFRPPHCM | |||
Account Number: | 00187011 | |||
Counterparty Payment Instructions: | To be provided by Counterparty. |
5. Offices:
The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: Paris
The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Not applicable
6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:
Address for notices or communications to Counterparty for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||
San Diego, CA 92108 | ||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |
With a copy to: | ||
Attn: | Greg Call, General Counsel | |
Telephone: | 858-569-3978 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6998 |
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Address for notices or communications to Dealer for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Société Générale c/o SG Americas Securities, LLC 245 Park Avenue New York, NY 10167 | |
Attn: | Sanjay Garg | |
Telephone: | 212-278-5187 | |
Facsimile: | 212-278-5624 | |
With a copy to: | Société Générale | |
c/o SG Americas Securities, LLC | ||
245 Park Avenue | ||
New York, NY 10167 | ||
Attn: | Rafal A. Nowak | |
Telephone: | 212-278-7831 | |
Facsimile: | 212-278-7365 |
7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:
(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated as of March 5, 2014, between Counterparty and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as representatives of the initial purchasers party thereto (the Initial Purchasers), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:
(i) On the Trade Date (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
(ii) (A) (i) On the Trade Date, (ii) during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and (iii) in the event an Early Termination Date is designated due to an Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or 8(a)(iv), during a period starting on or about such Early Termination Date as reasonably determined by Dealer and notified to Counterparty (an Early Termination Period), in each case, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Shares, are not, and shall not be, subject to a restricted period, as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (Regulation M) and (B), without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding clause (A), the Counterparty shall not engage in any distribution, as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b) and 102(b) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.
(iii) On the Trade Date, and on each day during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and any Early Termination Period, neither Counterparty nor any affiliated purchaser (each as defined in Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (Rule 10b-18)) shall directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of any cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
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(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASBs Liabilities & Equity Project.
(v) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.
(vi) On or prior to the Effective Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterpartys board of directors authorizing the Transaction.
(vii) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.
(viii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ix) On each of the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, insolvent (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the Bankruptcy Code)) and Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(x) To Counterpartys knowledge, based on due inquiry, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares.
(xi) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.
(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing, and (C) has total assets of at least $50 million.
(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an accredited investor as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.
(d) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a financial institution, swap participant and financial participant within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a securities contract, as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment
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amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a settlement payment, within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) a swap agreement, as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a transfer, as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a payment or other transfer of property within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.
(e) Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Effective Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement; provided that, such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, excepts and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions.
8. Other Provisions:
(a) Additional Termination Events.
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Indenture that results in an acceleration of the Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Make-Whole Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Relevant Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Relevant Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Relevant Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Relevant Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Relevant Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Relevant Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture taking into account any adjustments thereto pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities relating to such Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(iii) Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty shall notify Dealer of such Repayment Event and the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Securities subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a Repayment Notice); provided
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that such Repayment Notice shall contain an acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall remake the representations set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A), in each case in respect of such repurchase and delivery of such Repayment Notice. The receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph. Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Repayment Notice as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Repayment Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Repayment Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction. Repayment Event means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased (whether in connection with or as a result of a fundamental change, howsoever defined, or for any other reason) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of such party (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities (for any reason other than as a result of an acceleration of the Convertible Securities that results in an Additional Termination Event pursuant to the preceding Section 8(a)(i)), or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the holders thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event.
(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Excluded Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Applicable Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Excluded Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Applicable Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Excluded Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Applicable Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Early Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(iv), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Applicable Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Early Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Applicable Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture without taking into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Excluded Convertible Securities relating to such Early Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
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(b) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If Dealer shall owe Counterparty any amount pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above or Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, including, without limitation, any Conversion Unwind Payment, any Early Conversion Unwind Payment and any Repayment Unwind Payment (a Payment Obligation), Dealer shall satisfy any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless either (i) Counterparty shall have elected for Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation in cash in USD by (x) giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable and (y) remaking the representation set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A) of this Confirmation on the date of such notice, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day or (ii) in the event of (x) an Insolvency, a Nationalization or a Merger Event, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (y) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterpartys control (other than any Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(a)(iii)), in either of which cases under the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the provisions of Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(b) in respect of such Payment Obligation. In the case of any such settlement by the Share Termination Alternative, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable:
Share Termination Alternative: | Applicable and means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the Share Termination Payment Date), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Property: | A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price. | |
Share Termination Unit Price: | The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Unit: | In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash. | |
Failure to Deliver: | Applicable |
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Other applicable provisions: | If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction, except that all references to Shares shall be read as references to Share Termination Delivery Units. |
(c) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on advice of counsel, any Shares acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction, other than any such Shares that were, at the time of acquisition by Dealer, restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (any such Shares, the Hedge Shares), cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement substantially similar to underwriting agreements for registered secondary offerings of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, (B) provide accountants comfort letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size; provided, however, that if Dealer, in its reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(c) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, all reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any discount from the public market price of the Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the VWAP Price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts, requested by Dealer. VWAP Price means, on any Exchange Business Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or any successor thereto) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Exchange Business Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one Share on such Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume-weighted method).
(d) Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on or prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase (a Repurchase Notice) if, following such repurchase, the Notice Percentage as determined on the date of such Repurchase Notice is (i) greater than 9.0% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The Notice Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(d) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent
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permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.
(e) Transfer and Assignment.
(i) Either party may transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer may condition its consent on any of the following, without limitation: (i) the receipt by Dealer of opinions and documents reasonably satisfactory to Dealer in connection with such assignment, (ii) such assignment being effected on terms reasonably satisfactory to Dealer with respect to any legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Dealer, (iii) Counterparty continuing to be obligated to provide notices hereunder relating to the Convertible Securities and continuing to be obligated with respect to Disposition of Hedge Shares and Repurchase Notices above, (iv) Counterparty not being released from its indemnification obligations under Section 8(d) of this Confirmation, (v) such assignment only being to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), (vi) Dealer not being, as a result of such assignment, required to pay the transferee on any payment date an amount under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such assignment, (vii) there not being an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event as a result of such assignment, (viii) without limiting the generality of clause (v), Counterparty causing the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that the results described in clauses (vi) and (vii) will not occur upon or after such assignment and (ix) Counterparty being responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in connection with such assignment. In addition, Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of the Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement (1) in whole or in part to any affiliate of Dealer of credit quality at least equivalent to that of Dealer as of the Trade Date, (2) in whole or in part to any other affiliate of Dealer with respect to which Counterparty shall have received a full guaranty of such affiliates obligations from Dealer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Counterparty or (3) if at the time of such transfer or assignment an Excess Ownership Position exists, in part to any other third party with a rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness equal to or better than the lesser of (I) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer and (II) A- by Standard and Poors Rating Group, Inc. or its successor (S&P), or A3 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or, if either S&P or Moodys ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent or better rating by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer, in the case of this clause (3), to the extent that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists after giving effect to such partial transfer or assignment, in each case of the immediately preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3), only if an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment.
(ii) At any time at which any Excess Ownership Position exists, if Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party in accordance with the requirements set forth above after using its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the Terminated Portion) of the Transaction, such that such Excess Ownership Position no longer exists. In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement and Section 8(b) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (iii) such portion of the Transaction shall be the only Terminated Transaction. Excess Ownership Position means any of the following: (i) the Equity Percentage exceeds 9.0%, (ii) Dealer or any affiliate or associate of Dealer would own in excess of 14.0% of the outstanding Shares for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware
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General Corporation Law or (iii) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a Dealer Person) under any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders applicable to ownership of Shares (Applicable Laws), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filings of Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act) or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination. The Equity Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer, for purposes of the beneficial ownership test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or of any group (within the meaning of Section 13) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (Dealer and any such affiliates, persons and groups, collectively, Dealer Group), beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day (including, solely for such purpose, Shares that would be deemed outstanding pursuant to the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) if such sentence were applicable to the calculation of clause (B) of the definition of Equity Percentage).
(f) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealers hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines that it would not be advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on the relevant Settlement Date, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a Nominal Settlement Date), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a Staggered Settlement Date) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows:
(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date, but not prior to the beginning of the related Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above)) and/or delivery times (during any single Staggered Settlement Date) and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under Delivery Obligation (above) among the Staggered Settlement Dates and/or delivery times; and
(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates (including on one or more delivery times on any single Staggered Settlement Date) will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.
(g) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines in its good faith and reasonable discretion, based on advice of counsel in the case of the immediately following clause (ii), that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate to (i) preserve Dealers hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock loan market or any other relevant market or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases of Shares in connection with its hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty, be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures applicable to Dealer; provided that, no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer may be postponed or extended more than 50 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, as the case may be.
(h) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party.
(i) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
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(j) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty solely to the extent of any such performance.
(k) No Netting and Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement (including without limitation Section 6(f) thereof, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction) and this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties to the contrary, neither party shall net or set off its obligations under the Transaction against its rights against the other party under any other transaction or instrument.
(l) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterpartys bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterpartys bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.
(m) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the Firm Securities is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on the Premium Payment Date (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties, which in no event shall be later than March 18, 2014) (the Premium Payment Date or such later date being the Early Unwind Date), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the Early Unwind), on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty thereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date; provided that, unless such Early Unwind Date occurred as a result of a breach of the Purchase Agreement by the Initial Purchasers, Counterparty shall purchase from Dealer on the Early Unwind Date all Shares purchased by Dealer or one or more of its affiliates in connection with the Transaction at the then prevailing market price. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that, subject to the proviso included in this Section 8(m), upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.
(n) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.
(o) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (WSTAA), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either partys otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, an Excess Ownership Position or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).
(p) Regulatory Provisions. Counterparty represents and warrants that it has received and read and understands the document titled Risk Disclosure Statement for Over-The-Counter Derivative Option Transactions heretofore provided by Dealer to Counterparty.
(q) Terms relating to the Agent. Dealer is not registered as a broker or dealer under the Exchange Act. Agent has acted solely as agent for Dealer and Counterparty to the extent required by law in connection with the Transaction and has no obligations, by way of issuance, endorsement, guarantee or otherwise, with respect to the performance of either party under the Transaction. The parties agree to proceed solely against each other, and not against Agent, in seeking enforcement of their rights and obligations with respect to the Transaction, including their rights and obligations with respect to payment of funds and delivery of securities.
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(r) Broker. Agent may have been paid a fee by Dealer in connection with the Transaction. Further details will be furnished upon written request.
(s) Time of Dealing. The time of the Transaction will be furnished by Agent upon written request.
(t) Hedging and Market Activity of Dealer. Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that:
(i) During the term of the Transaction, Dealer and its affiliates may buy or sell Shares or other securities or buy or sell options or futures contracts or enter into swaps or other derivative securities in order to adjust Dealers hedge position with respect to the Transaction.
(ii) Dealer and its affiliates may also be active in the market for the Shares other than in connection with hedging activities in relation to the Transaction.
(iii) Dealer shall make its own determination as to whether, when or in what manner any hedging or market activities in Counterpartys securities shall be conducted and shall do so in a manner that it deems in good faith to be appropriate to hedge its price and market risk with respect to the price at which this Transaction settles.
(iv) Any market activities of Dealer and its affiliates with respect to the Shares may affect the market price and volatility of the Shares, as well as the price at which this Transaction settles, each in a manner that may be adverse to Counterparty.
(u) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
(v) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.
(w) Amendments to Equity Definitions.
(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words a material.
(ii) Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing the words a diluting or concentrative with an and (y) deleting the phrase (provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares) and replacing it with the phrase (and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than in the case of a Share split, reverse Share split or equivalent transaction, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares).
(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words that may have a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words that is the result of a corporate event involving Issuer or its securities that may have a material.
(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word or after the word official and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon
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at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor or (C) at Dealers option, the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer.
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Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Rafal A. Nowak, Equity Derivatives Legal Department, Facsimile No. 212-278-7365.
Yours faithfully, | ||
SOCIETE GENERALE | ||
By: | /s/ Judy Liu | |
Name: Judy Liu | ||
Title: OTC Documentation Manager |
[Signature Page to Capped Call Confirmation]
Confirmed and Acknowledged as of the date first above written:
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: Paul Grinberg | ||
Title: Executive Vice President |
[Signature Page to Capped Call Confirmation]
Annex A
Premium: USD 5,098,800.00
Exhibit 10.5
March 6, 2014
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300
San Diego, California 92108
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 |
From: | Citibank, N.A. |
390 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
Re: | Additional Capped Call Transaction |
(Transaction Reference Number: )
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this communication (this Confirmation) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the above-referenced transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the Transaction) between Citibank, N.A. (Dealer) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Counterparty). This communication constitutes a Confirmation as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below.
1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the 2006 Definitions) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the Equity Definitions, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the Definitions), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated March 5, 2014, (the Offering Memorandum) relating to the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the Convertible Securities and each USD1,000 principal amount of Convertible Securities, a Convertible Security) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD 140,000,000.00 (as increased by an aggregate principal amount of USD 21,000,000.00 following the Initial Purchasers exercise of their option to purchase additional Convertible Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture to be dated March 11, 2014 between Counterparty and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Indenture). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended following such date, any such amendment will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the Agreement) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule except for (i) the elections set forth in this Confirmation and (ii) the election that the Cross Default provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement will apply to Dealer and to Counterparty as if (x) the phrase , or becoming capable at such time of being declared, were deleted from Section 5(a)(vi)(1) of the Agreement and (y) the Threshold Amount with respect to Dealer were three percent (3%) of shareholders equity of Citigroup Inc. as of the Trade Date and with respect to Counterparty were USD 10,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the Transaction shall be the only transaction under the Agreement.
All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern.
2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:
General Terms:
Trade Date: |
March 6, 2014 | |
Effective Date: |
The closing date of the Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the over-allotment option exercised on the date hereof. | |
Option Type: |
Call | |
Seller: |
Dealer | |
Buyer: |
Counterparty | |
Shares: |
The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD0.01 per share (Ticker Symbol: ECPG). | |
Number of Options: |
21,000 | |
Number of Shares: |
As of any date, the product of (i) the Number of Options, (ii) the Conversion Rate and (iii) the Applicable Percentage. | |
Conversion Rate: |
As of any date, the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such date, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture. | |
Strike Price: |
The Conversion Price (as defined in the Indenture, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture). | |
Cap Price: |
USD 83.1425 | |
Applicable Percentage: |
20.0% | |
Premium: |
As provided in Annex A to this Confirmation. | |
Premium Payment Date: |
The Effective Date | |
Exchange: |
The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |
Related Exchange: |
All Exchanges | |
Procedures for Exercise: | ||
Exercise Dates: |
Each Conversion Date. | |
Conversion Date: |
Each Conversion Date, as defined in the Indenture, occurring during the period from and excluding the Trade Date to and including the Expiration Date, for Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, that are submitted for conversion on such Conversion Date in accordance with the terms of the Indenture but are not Relevant Convertible Securities under, and as defined in, the confirmation between the |
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parties hereto regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction dated March 5, 2014 (the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation) (such Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date). For the purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Relevant Convertible Securities hereunder or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted pursuant to the Indenture shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated. | ||
Required Exercise on Conversion Dates: |
On each Conversion Date, a number of Options equal to (i) the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount minus (ii) the sum of (A) the number of Relevant Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, and (B) the number of Applicable Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, in each case corresponding to such Conversion Date shall be automatically exercised. | |
Excluded Convertible Securities: |
Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on any date prior to the Free Convertibility Period that are not Make-Whole Convertible Securities (as defined below) and are not Excluded Convertible Securities under, and as defined in, the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation. For purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Excluded Convertible Securities hereunder or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted prior to such date shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated. The provisions of Section 8(a) below will apply to the exercise of any Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Excluded Convertible Securities. | |
Expiration Date: |
The second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture), subject to the provisions set forth opposite the caption Notice of Exercise below. | |
Automatic Exercise: |
As provided above under Required Exercise on Conversion Dates. | |
Exercise Notice Deadline: |
In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) relating to the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date occurring on the relevant Exercise Date (or, in the event there is no Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) relating to such Convertible Securities, the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following such Conversion Date); provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after September 15, 2020 (the Free Convertibility Date), the Exercise Notice Deadline shall be the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture). |
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Notice of Exercise: |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer shall have no obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Exercise Notice Deadline in respect of such exercise of (i) the number of Convertible Securities being converted on the relevant Conversion Date (including, if applicable, whether all or any portion of such Convertible Securities are Convertible Securities as to which additional Shares would be added to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture (the Make-Whole Convertible Securities)), (ii) the scheduled settlement date under the Indenture for the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date, (iii) whether such Relevant Convertible Securities will be settled by Counterparty by delivery of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and, if such a combination, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) and (iv) the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture); if any, provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, the contents of such notice shall be as set forth in clause (i) above; provided, further, that any Notice of Exercise delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation shall be deemed to be a Notice of Exercise pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Notice of Exercise shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder, Dealers obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of such exercise shall be permanently extinguished, and late notice shall not cure such failure; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options relating to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, such notice (and the related exercise or termination, as the case may be, of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the Exercise Notice Deadline, but prior to 5:00 PM New York City time on the fifth Exchange Business Day following the Exercise Notice Deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust the Delivery Obligation as appropriate to reflect the additional costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice on or prior to the Exercise Notice Deadline. | |
Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
Unless Counterparty shall have notified Dealer in writing (i) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, in the related Notice of Exercise, within the applicable time period therefor set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the "Specified Dollar Amount" (as defined in the |
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Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities or (ii) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring during the period beginning on and including the Free Convertibility Date and ending on and including the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) (the Free Convertibility Period), before 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the irrevocable election by the Counterparty, in accordance with Section 13.02(a)(i) of the Indenture, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, in either case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), Counterparty shall be deemed to have notified Dealer of a Combination Settlement (as defined in the Indenture) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities. Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Securities. | ||
Dealers Telephone Number and Telex and/or Facsimile Number and Contact Details for purpose of Giving Notice: |
To be provided by Dealer. | |
Settlement Terms: | ||
Settlement Date: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture; provided that the Settlement Date will not be prior to the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 PM, New York City time. | |
Delivery Obligation: |
In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to Notice of Exercise above, in respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the related Settlement Date, a number of Shares and/or amount of cash in USD equal to the product of (i) the Applicable Percentage and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture and/or the aggregate amount of cash, if any, in excess of USD1,000 per Convertible Security (in denominations of USD1,000) that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture (except that such aggregate number of Shares shall be determined without taking into consideration any rounding pursuant to Section 13.02(j) of the Indenture and shall be rounded down to the nearest whole |
5
number) and cash in lieu of fractional Shares, if any, resulting from such rounding, as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Convertible Security Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities (the Convertible Obligation); provided that (i) if the Convertible Obligation exceeds the Capped Convertible Obligation, then the Delivery Obligation shall be the Capped Convertible Obligation; and (ii) the Convertible Obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Capped Convertible Obligation) shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall not include any interest payment on the Relevant Convertible Securities that the Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date); provided, further that if Counterparty or its board of directors is permitted or required to exercise discretion under the terms of the Indenture with respect to any determination, calculation or adjustment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Indenture or in connection with any proportional adjustments or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets) (any such determination, calculation or adjustment, a Counterparty Determination), Counterparty shall consult with Dealer with respect thereto and, if the Calculation Agent disagrees in good faith with such Counterparty Determination, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Calculation Agent shall make the relevant determination, calculation or adjustment for purposes of this Transaction (and for the avoidance of doubt, such determination, calculation or adjustment shall be made (A) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Indenture, except as set forth in this paragraph, and (B) using, where relevant, variables determined by the Calculation Agent). | ||
Capped Convertible Obligation: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the Convertible Obligation that would apply if the Daily VWAP for each Trading Day in the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method below) were the lesser of (x) the Cap Price and (y) the actual Daily VWAP for such Trading Day. | |
Applicable Limit: |
Notwithstanding the provisions under Delivery Obligation above but subject to Section 8(a) below, in all events the Delivery Obligation for any Option shall be capped so that (i) an amount of cash in USD equal to the sum of (x) the number of Shares comprising such Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option and (y) the amount of cash in USD comprising such Delivery Obligation does not exceed (ii) an amount of cash in USD equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the excess of (x) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, payable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security and (B) the number of Shares, if any, deliverable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option over (y) USD1,000. |
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Applicable Limit Price: |
On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading Op on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> (or any successor thereto). | |
Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the related Notice of Exercise (or in the Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be) that it has elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities in cash or in a combination of cash and Shares in accordance with Section 13.02(a) of the Indenture (a Cash Election) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of at least USD1,000, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities; otherwise, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall (i) assume Counterparty had made a Cash Election with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and (ii) be calculated as if the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture consisted of 100 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) after the Conversion Date for conversions occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Period or (y) the 102nd Scheduled Trading Day prior to the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) for conversions occurring during the Free Convertibility Period. | |
Notice of Delivery Obligation: |
No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above), Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the final number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligation; provided that, with respect to any Exercise Date occurring during the Free Convertibility Period, Counterparty may provide Dealer with a single notice of an aggregate number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligations for all Exercise Dates occurring in such period on (i) if Physical Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterpartys obligations with respect to any Notice of Exercise or any Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method or Dealers obligations with respect to any Delivery Obligation, each as set forth above, in any way). |
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Other Applicable Provisions: |
To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction. | |
Share Adjustments: | ||
Method of Adjustment: |
Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make (A) an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction (other than the Cap Price) and (B) a proportionate adjustment to the Cap Price to the extent any adjustment is made to the Strike Price pursuant to clause (A) above; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion but without duplication of any adjustment pursuant to clause (i) above, make any further adjustment consistent with the Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions (as modified pursuant to this Confirmation) to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) to preserve the fair value of the Options to Dealer, after taking into account such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. | |
Reasonably promptly upon the occurrence of any such event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such event or condition; and once the adjustments to be made to the terms of the Indenture and the Convertible Securities in respect of such event or condition have been determined, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly notify the Calculation Agent in writing of the details of such adjustments. | ||
Extraordinary Events: | ||
Merger Events: |
Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, a Merger Event means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of Merger Event under Section 13.07(a) of the Indenture. | |
Consequences of Merger Events /Tender Offers: |
Notwithstanding Sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, make any further adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the |
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exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) consistent with the Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 12.2(e) or 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event, the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) shares of an entity or person not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. | ||
Notice of Merger Consideration: |
Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event prior to the relevant merger date) notify the Calculation Agent of (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Shares entitled to receive cash, securities or other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for such Shares in any Merger Event who affirmatively make such an election and (ii) the details of the adjustment made under the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event. | |
Tender Offer: |
Applicable | |
Announcement Event: |
If an Announcement Date occurs in respect of a Merger Event or Tender Offer (such occurrence, an Announcement Event), then on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which the transaction described in any Announcement Event (as amended or modified) is cancelled, withdrawn, discontinued or otherwise terminated and (ii) the Expiration Date, Early Termination Date or other date of cancellation or termination in respect of each Option (the Announcement Event Adjustment Date), the Calculation Agent will determine the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event (without duplication in respect of any other adjustment or cancellation valuation made pursuant to this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement, regardless of whether the Announcement Event actually results in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, and taking into account such factors as the Calculation Agent may determine, including, without limitation, changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the Shares or the Transaction during the period from the Announcement Event to the Announcement Event Adjustment Date); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt (x) in no event shall the modification or amendment of the terms of a transaction described in an Announcement Event constitute a new, additional or different Announcement Event hereunder (but any such modification or amendment may be taken into account in determining the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event) and (y) the occurrence of an Announcement Event Adjustment Date in respect of the cancellation, withdrawal, discontinuation or other termination of the transaction described in an Announcement Event (as amended or modified) shall not preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Date with respect to such transaction. If the Calculation Agent determines that such cumulative economic effect on any Option is material, then on the Announcement Event Adjustment Date for such Option, the Calculation Agent may make such adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of such Option) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for such economic effect, which adjustment shall be effective immediately prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, as the case may be. |
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Announcement Date: |
The definition of Announcement Date in Section 12.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the words a firm with the word any in the second and fourth lines thereof, (ii) replacing the word leads to the with the words , if completed, would lead to a in the third and the fifth lines thereof, (iii) replacing the words voting shares with the word Shares in the fifth line thereof, and (iv) inserting the words by any entity after the word announcement in the second and the fourth lines thereof. | |
Nationalization, Insolvencyor Delisting: |
Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that, in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange. | |
Additional Disruption Events: |
||
(a) Change in Law: |
Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase the interpretation in the third line thereof with the phrase , or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation, (ii) replacing the word Shares with the phrase Hedge Positions in clause (X) thereof, (iii) inserting the parenthetical (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute) at the end of clause (A) thereof, (iv) immediately following the word Transaction in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date and (v) adding the following proviso to the end of clause (Y) thereof: provided that such party has used good faith efforts to avoid such increased cost on terms reasonably acceptable to such party, as long as (i) such party would not incur a materially increased cost (including, without limitation, due to any increase in tax liability, decrease in tax benefit or other adverse effect on its tax position, or any increase in margin or capital requirements), as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (ii) such party would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of such party, as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (iii) such party would not suffer a material penalty, injunction, non-financial burden, reputational harm or other material adverse consequence in doing so, (iv) such party would not incur any material operational or administrative burden in doing so and (v) such party would not, in doing so, be required to take any action that is contrary to the intent of the law or regulation that is subject to the Change in Law. |
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(b) Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |
(c) Insolvency Filing: |
Applicable | |
(d) Hedging Disruption: |
Applicable; provided that: | |
(i) Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section: | ||
For the avoidance of doubt, the term equity price risk shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing terms.; and | ||
(ii) Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words to terminate the Transaction, the words or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption. | ||
(e) Increased Cost of Hedging: |
Not Applicable | |
Hedging Party: |
For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Determining Party: |
For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Non-Reliance: |
Applicable | |
Agreements and Acknowledgments Regarding Hedging Activities: |
Applicable | |
Additional Acknowledgments: |
Applicable |
3. Calculation Agent: Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a request by Company, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Company by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Company in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation.
4. Account Details:
Dealer Payment Instructions: |
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Account for payments to Dealer: |
Bank: Citibank, N.A. | |
BIC: CITIUS33 (or ABA: 021000089) | ||
F/O: Citibank New York | ||
A/C: 00167679 | ||
Ref: NY Swap Operations |
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Account for delivery of Shares from Dealer: | ||
Citigroup Inc. | ||
DTC: 0418 Account: 768-08121-2-5 | ||
Counterparty Payment Instructions: |
To be provided by Counterparty. |
5. Offices:
The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: New York
The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Not applicable
6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:
Address for notices or communications to Counterparty for purposes of this Confirmation: | ||
To: |
Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||
San Diego, CA 92108 | ||
Attn: |
Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |
Telephone: |
858-309-6904 | |
Facsimile: |
858-309-6977 | |
With a copy to: | ||
Attn: |
Greg Call, General Counsel | |
Telephone: |
858-569-3978 | |
Facsimile: |
858-309-6998 |
Address for notices or communications to Dealer for purposes of this Confirmation: | ||
To: |
Citibank, N.A. | |
390 Greenwich Street | ||
New York, NY 10013 | ||
Attn: |
Herman Hirsch, Brad Diener, Adam Muchnick, Dustin Sheppard | |
Telephone: |
212-723-7623 | |
Facsimile: |
347-853-7278 |
7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:
(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated as of March 5, 2014, between Counterparty and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as representatives of the initial purchasers party thereto (the Initial Purchasers), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:
(i) On the Trade Date (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
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(ii) (A) (i) On the Trade Date, (ii) during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and (iii) in the event an Early Termination Date is designated due to an Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or 8(a)(iv), during a period starting on or about such Early Termination Date as reasonably determined by Dealer and notified to Counterparty (an Early Termination Period), in each case, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Shares, are not, and shall not be, subject to a restricted period, as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (Regulation M) and (B), without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding clause (A), the Counterparty shall not engage in any distribution, as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b) and 102(b) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.
(iii) On the Trade Date, and on each day during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and any Early Termination Period, neither Counterparty nor any affiliated purchaser (each as defined in Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (Rule 10b-18)) shall directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of any cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASBs Liabilities & Equity Project.
(v) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.
(vi) On or prior to the Effective Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterpartys board of directors authorizing the Transaction.
(vii) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.
(viii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ix) On each of the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, insolvent (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the Bankruptcy Code)) and Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(x) To Counterpartys knowledge, based on due inquiry, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares.
(xi) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.
(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing, and (C) has total assets of at least $50 million.
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(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an accredited investor as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.
(d) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a financial institution, swap participant and financial participant within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a securities contract, as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a settlement payment, within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) a swap agreement, as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a transfer, as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a payment or other transfer of property within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.
(e) Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Effective Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement; provided that, such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, excepts and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions.
8. Other Provisions:
(a) Additional Termination Events.
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Indenture that results in an acceleration of the Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Make-Whole Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Relevant Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Relevant Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Relevant Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Relevant Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Relevant Conversion
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Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Relevant Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture taking into account any adjustments thereto pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities relating to such Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(iii) Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty shall notify Dealer of such Repayment Event and the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Securities subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a Repayment Notice); provided that such Repayment Notice shall contain an acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall remake the representations set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A), in each case in respect of such repurchase and delivery of such Repayment Notice; provided, further that, any Repayment Notice delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation shall deemed to be a Repayment Notice pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Repayment Notice shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation. The receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph. Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Repayment Notice as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Repayment Options) equal to the lesser of (A) (x) the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice, divided by USD1,000, minus (y) the number of Repayment Options (as defined in the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation), if any, that relate to such Convertible Securities (and for the purposes of determining whether any Options under this Confirmation or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation will be among the Repayment Options hereunder or under, and as defined in, the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, the Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated), and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Repayment Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction. Repayment Event means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased (whether in connection with or as a result of a fundamental change, howsoever defined, or for any other reason) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of such party (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities (for any reason other than as a result of an acceleration of the Convertible Securities that results in an Additional Termination Event pursuant to the preceding Section 8(a)(i)), or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the holders thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event.
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(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Excluded Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Applicable Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Excluded Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Applicable Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Excluded Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Applicable Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Early Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(iv), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Applicable Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Early Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Applicable Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture without taking into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Excluded Convertible Securities relating to such Early Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(b) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If Dealer shall owe Counterparty any amount pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above or Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, including, without limitation, any Conversion Unwind Payment, any Early Conversion Unwind Payment and any Repayment Unwind Payment (a Payment Obligation), Dealer shall satisfy any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless either (i) Counterparty shall have elected for Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation in cash in USD by (x) giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable and (y) remaking the representation set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A) of this Confirmation on the date of such notice, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day or (ii) in the event of (x) an Insolvency, a Nationalization or a Merger Event, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (y) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterpartys control (other than any Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(a)(iii)), in either of which cases under the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the provisions of Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(b) in respect of such Payment Obligation. In the case of any such settlement by the Share Termination Alternative, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable:
Share Termination Alternative: | Applicable and means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the Share Termination Payment Date), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation. |
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Share Termination Delivery Property: |
A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price. | |
Share Termination Unit Price: | The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Unit: | In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash. | |
Failure to Deliver: | Applicable | |
Other applicable provisions: | If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction, except that all references to Shares shall be read as references to Share Termination Delivery Units. |
(c) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on advice of counsel, any Shares acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction, other than any such Shares that were, at the time of acquisition by Dealer, restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (any such Shares, the Hedge Shares), cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement substantially similar to underwriting agreements for registered secondary offerings of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, (B) provide accountants comfort letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size; provided, however, that if Dealer, in its reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(c) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer
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of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, all reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any discount from the public market price of the Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the VWAP Price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts, requested by Dealer. VWAP Price means, on any Exchange Business Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or any successor thereto) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Exchange Business Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one Share on such Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume-weighted method).
(d) Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on or prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase (a Repurchase Notice) if, following such repurchase, the Notice Percentage as determined on the date of such Repurchase Notice is (i) greater than 9.0% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The Notice Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(d) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.
(e) Transfer and Assignment.
(i) Either party may transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer may condition its consent on any of the following, without limitation: (i) the receipt by Dealer of opinions and documents reasonably satisfactory to Dealer in connection with such assignment, (ii) such assignment being effected on terms reasonably satisfactory to Dealer with respect to any legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Dealer, (iii) Counterparty continuing to be obligated to provide notices hereunder relating to the Convertible Securities and continuing to be obligated with respect to Disposition of Hedge Shares and Repurchase Notices above, (iv) Counterparty not being released from its indemnification obligations under Section 8(d) of this Confirmation, (v) such assignment only being to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), (vi) Dealer not being, as a result of such assignment, required to pay the transferee on any payment date an amount under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such assignment, (vii) there not being an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event as a result of such assignment, (viii) without limiting the generality of clause (v), Counterparty causing the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that the results described in clauses (vi) and (vii) will not occur upon or after such assignment and (ix) Counterparty being responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in connection with such assignment. In addition, Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of the Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement (1) in whole or in part to any
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affiliate of Dealer of credit quality at least equivalent to that of Dealer as of the Trade Date, (2) in whole or in part to any other affiliate of Dealer with respect to which Counterparty shall have received a full guaranty of such affiliates obligations from Dealer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Counterparty or (3) if at the time of such transfer or assignment an Excess Ownership Position exists, in part to any other third party with a rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness equal to or better than the lesser of (I) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer and (II) A- by Standard and Poors Rating Group, Inc. or its successor (S&P), or A3 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or, if either S&P or Moodys ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent or better rating by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer, in the case of this clause (3), to the extent that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists after giving effect to such partial transfer or assignment, in each case of the immediately preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3), only if an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment.
(ii) At any time at which any Excess Ownership Position exists, if Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party in accordance with the requirements set forth above after using its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the Terminated Portion) of the Transaction, such that such Excess Ownership Position no longer exists. In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement and Section 8(b) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (iii) such portion of the Transaction shall be the only Terminated Transaction. Excess Ownership Position means any of the following: (i) the Equity Percentage exceeds 9.0%, (ii) Dealer or any affiliate or associate of Dealer would own in excess of 14.0% of the outstanding Shares for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iii) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a Dealer Person) under any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders applicable to ownership of Shares (Applicable Laws), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filings of Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act) or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination. The Equity Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer, for purposes of the beneficial ownership test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or of any group (within the meaning of Section 13) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (Dealer and any such affiliates, persons and groups, collectively, Dealer Group), beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day (including, solely for such purpose, Shares that would be deemed outstanding pursuant to the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) if such sentence were applicable to the calculation of clause (B) of the definition of Equity Percentage).
(f) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealers hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines that it would not be advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on the relevant Settlement Date, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a Nominal Settlement Date), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a Staggered Settlement Date) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows:
(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date, but not prior to the beginning of the related Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above)) and/or delivery times (during any single Staggered Settlement Date) and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under Delivery Obligation (above) among the Staggered Settlement Dates and/or delivery times; and
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(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates (including on one or more delivery times on any single Staggered Settlement Date) will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.
(g) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines in its good faith and reasonable discretion, based on advice of counsel in the case of the immediately following clause (ii), that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate to (i) preserve Dealers hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock loan market or any other relevant market or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases of Shares in connection with its hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty, be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures applicable to Dealer; provided that, no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer may be postponed or extended more than 50 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, as the case may be.
(h) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party.
(i) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
(j) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty solely to the extent of any such performance.
(k) No Netting and Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement (including without limitation Section 6(f) thereof, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction) and this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties to the contrary, neither party shall net or set off its obligations under the Transaction against its rights against the other party under any other transaction or instrument.
(l) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterpartys bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterpartys bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.
(m) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the Additional Securities is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on the Premium Payment Date (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties, which in no event shall be later than April 18, 2014) (the Premium Payment Date or such later date being the Early Unwind Date), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the Early Unwind), on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty thereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date; provided that, unless such Early Unwind Date occurred as a result of a breach of the Purchase Agreement by the Initial Purchasers, Counterparty shall purchase from Dealer on the Early Unwind Date all Shares purchased by Dealer or one or more of its affiliates in connection with the Transaction at the then prevailing market price. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that, subject to the proviso included in this Section 8(m), upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.
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(n) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.
(o) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (WSTAA), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either partys otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, an Excess Ownership Position or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).
(p) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
(q) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.
(r) Amendments to Equity Definitions.
(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words a material.
(ii) Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing the words a diluting or concentrative with an and (y) deleting the phrase (provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares) and replacing it with the phrase (and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than in the case of a Share split, reverse Share split or equivalent transaction, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares).
(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words that may have a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words that is the result of a corporate event involving Issuer or its securities that may have a material.
(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word or after the word official and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor or (C) at Dealers option, the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer.
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Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Dealer.
Yours faithfully, | ||
CITIBANK N.A. | ||
By: | /s/ James Heathcote | |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Additional Capped Call Confirmation]
Confirmed and Acknowledged as of the date first above written:
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Additional Capped Call Confirmation]
Annex A
Premium: | USD 509,880.00 |
Exhibit 10.6
March 6, 2014 | ||||
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |||
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||||
San Diego, California 92108 | ||||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |||
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |||
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |||
From: | Credit Suisse International | |||
One Cabot Square | ||||
London E14 4QJ | ||||
England | ||||
Re: | Additional Capped Call Transaction | |||
(Transaction Reference Number: ) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this communication (this Confirmation) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the above-referenced transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the Transaction) between Credit Suisse International (Dealer), through its agent Credit Suisse AG, New York branch (the Agent) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Counterparty). This communication constitutes a Confirmation as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below.
1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the 2006 Definitions) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the Equity Definitions, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the Definitions), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated March 5, 2014, (the Offering Memorandum) relating to the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the Convertible Securities and each USD1,000 principal amount of Convertible Securities, a Convertible Security) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD 140,000,000.00 (as increased by an aggregate principal amount of USD21,000,000.00 following the Initial Purchasers exercise of their option to purchase additional Convertible Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture to be dated March 11, 2014 between Counterparty and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Indenture). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended following such date, any such amendment will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the Agreement) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule except for (i) the elections set forth in this Confirmation and (ii) the election that the Cross Default provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement will apply to Dealer and to Counterparty as if (x) the phrase , or becoming capable at such time of being declared, were deleted from Section
5(a)(vi)(1) of the Agreement and (y) the Threshold Amount with respect to Dealer were three percent (3%) of shareholders equity of Credit Suisse Group AG as of the Trade Date and with respect to Counterparty were USD 10,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the Transaction shall be the only transaction under the Agreement.
All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern.
2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:
General Terms: | ||||
Trade Date: | March 6, 2014 | |||
Effective Date: | The closing date of the Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the over-allotment option exercised on the date hereof. | |||
Option Type: | Call | |||
Seller: | Dealer | |||
Buyer: | Counterparty | |||
Shares: | The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD0.01 per share (Ticker Symbol: ECPG). | |||
Number of Options: | 21,000 | |||
Number of Shares: | As of any date, the product of (i) the Number of Options, (ii) the Conversion Rate and (iii) the Applicable Percentage. | |||
Conversion Rate: | As of any date, the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such date, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture. | |||
Strike Price: | The Conversion Price (as defined in the Indenture, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture). | |||
Cap Price: | USD 83.1425 | |||
Applicable Percentage: | 20.0% | |||
Premium: | As provided in Annex A to this Confirmation. | |||
Premium Payment Date: | The Effective Date | |||
Exchange: | The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |||
Related Exchange: | All Exchanges | |||
Procedures for Exercise: | ||||
Exercise Dates: | Each Conversion Date. | |||
Conversion Date: | Each Conversion Date, as defined in the Indenture, occurring during the period from and excluding the Trade Date to and including the Expiration Date, for Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, that are submitted for conversion on such Conversion Date in accordance with the terms of the Indenture but are not Relevant Convertible |
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Securities under, and as defined in, the confirmation between the parties hereto regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction dated March 5, 2014 (the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation) (such Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date). For the purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Relevant Convertible Securities hereunder or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted pursuant to the Indenture shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated. | ||||
Required Exercise on Conversion Dates: | On each Conversion Date, a number of Options equal to (i) the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount minus (ii) the sum of (A) the number of Relevant Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, and (B) the number of Applicable Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, in each case corresponding to such Conversion Date shall be automatically exercised. | |||
Excluded Convertible Securities: | Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on any date prior to the Free Convertibility Period that are not Make-Whole Convertible Securities (as defined below) and are not Excluded Convertible Securities under, and as defined in, the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation. For purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Excluded Convertible Securities hereunder or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted prior to such date shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated. The provisions of Section 8(a) below will apply to the exercise of any Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Excluded Convertible Securities. | |||
Expiration Date: | The second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture), subject to the provisions set forth opposite the caption Notice of Exercise below. | |||
Automatic Exercise: | As provided above under Required Exercise on Conversion Dates. | |||
Exercise Notice Deadline: | In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) relating to the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date occurring on the relevant Exercise Date (or, in the event there is no Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) relating to such Convertible Securities, the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following such Conversion Date); provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after September 15, 2020 (the Free Convertibility Date), the Exercise Notice Deadline shall be the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture). |
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Notice of Exercise: | Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer shall have no obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Exercise Notice Deadline in respect of such exercise of (i) the number of Convertible Securities being converted on the relevant Conversion Date (including, if applicable, whether all or any portion of such Convertible Securities are Convertible Securities as to which additional Shares would be added to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture (the Make-Whole Convertible Securities)), (ii) the scheduled settlement date under the Indenture for the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date, (iii) whether such Relevant Convertible Securities will be settled by Counterparty by delivery of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and, if such a combination, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) and (iv) the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture); if any, provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, the contents of such notice shall be as set forth in clause (i) above; provided, further, that any Notice of Exercise delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation shall be deemed to be a Notice of Exercise pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Notice of Exercise shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder, Dealers obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of such exercise shall be permanently extinguished, and late notice shall not cure such failure; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options relating to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, such notice (and the related exercise or termination, as the case may be, of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the Exercise Notice Deadline, but prior to 5:00 PM New York City time on the fifth Exchange Business Day following the Exercise Notice Deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust the Delivery Obligation as appropriate to reflect the additional costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice on or prior to the Exercise Notice Deadline. | |||
Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method: | Unless Counterparty shall have notified Dealer in writing (i) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, in the related Notice of Exercise, within the applicable time period therefor set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of the settlement method |
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and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities or (ii) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring during the period beginning on and including the Free Convertibility Date and ending on and including the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) (the Free Convertibility Period), before 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the irrevocable election by the Counterparty, in accordance with Section 13.02(a)(i) of the Indenture, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, in either case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), Counterparty shall be deemed to have notified Dealer of a Combination Settlement (as defined in the Indenture) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities. Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Securities. | ||||
Dealers Telephone Numberand Telex and/or Facsimile Number and Contact Details for purpose of Giving Notice: | To be provided by Dealer. | |||
Settlement Terms: | ||||
Settlement Date: | In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture; provided that the Settlement Date will not be prior to the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 PM, New York City time. | |||
Delivery Obligation: | In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to Notice of Exercise above, in respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the related Settlement Date, a number of Shares and/or amount of cash in USD equal to the product of (i) the Applicable Percentage and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture and/or the aggregate amount of cash, if any, in excess of USD1,000 per Convertible Security (in denominations of USD1,000) that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture (except that such aggregate number of Shares shall be determined without taking into consideration any rounding pursuant to Section 13.02(j) |
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of the Indenture and shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number) and cash in lieu of fractional Shares, if any, resulting from such rounding, as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Convertible Security Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities (the Convertible Obligation); provided that (i) if the Convertible Obligation exceeds the Capped Convertible Obligation, then the Delivery Obligation shall be the Capped Convertible Obligation; and (ii) the Convertible Obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Capped Convertible Obligation) shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall not include any interest payment on the Relevant Convertible Securities that the Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date); provided, further that if Counterparty or its board of directors is permitted or required to exercise discretion under the terms of the Indenture with respect to any determination, calculation or adjustment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Indenture or in connection with any proportional adjustments or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets) (any such determination, calculation or adjustment, a Counterparty Determination), Counterparty shall consult with Dealer with respect thereto and, if the Calculation Agent disagrees in good faith with such Counterparty Determination, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Calculation Agent shall make the relevant determination, calculation or adjustment for purposes of this Transaction (and for the avoidance of doubt, such determination, calculation or adjustment shall be made (A) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Indenture, except as set forth in this paragraph, and (B) using, where relevant, variables determined by the Calculation Agent). | ||||
Capped Convertible Obligation: | In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the Convertible Obligation that would apply if the Daily VWAP for each Trading Day in the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method below) were the lesser of (x) the Cap Price and (y) the actual Daily VWAP for such Trading Day. | |||
Applicable Limit: | Notwithstanding the provisions under Delivery Obligation above but subject to Section 8(a) below, in all events the Delivery Obligation for any Option shall be capped so that (i) an amount of cash in USD equal to the sum of (x) the number of Shares comprising such Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option and (y) the amount of cash in USD comprising such Delivery Obligation does not exceed (ii) an amount of cash in USD equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the excess of (x) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, payable to the holder of the related |
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Relevant Convertible Security and (B) the number of Shares, if any, deliverable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option over (y) USD1,000. | ||||
Applicable Limit Price: | On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading Op on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> (or any successor thereto). | |||
Convertible Security Settlement Method: | For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the related Notice of Exercise (or in the Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be) that it has elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities in cash or in a combination of cash and Shares in accordance with Section 13.02(a) of the Indenture (a Cash Election) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of at least USD1,000, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities; otherwise, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall (i) assume Counterparty had made a Cash Election with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and (ii) be calculated as if the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture consisted of 100 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) after the Conversion Date for conversions occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Period or (y) the 102nd Scheduled Trading Day prior to the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) for conversions occurring during the Free Convertibility Period. | |||
Notice of Delivery Obligation: | No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above), Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the final number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligation; provided that, with respect to any Exercise Date occurring during the Free Convertibility Period, Counterparty may provide Dealer with a single notice of an aggregate number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligations for all Exercise Dates occurring in such period on (i) if Physical Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterpartys obligations with respect to any Notice of Exercise or any Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method or Dealers obligations with respect to any Delivery Obligation, each as set forth above, in any way). |
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Other Applicable Provisions: | To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction. | |||
Share Adjustments: | ||||
Method of Adjustment: | Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make (A) an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction (other than the Cap Price) and (B) a proportionate adjustment to the Cap Price to the extent any adjustment is made to the Strike Price pursuant to clause (A) above; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion but without duplication of any adjustment pursuant to clause (i) above, make any further adjustment consistent with the Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions (as modified pursuant to this Confirmation) to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) to preserve the fair value of the Options to Dealer, after taking into account such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. | |||
Reasonably promptly upon the occurrence of any such event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such event or condition; and once the adjustments to be made to the terms of the Indenture and the Convertible Securities in respect of such event or condition have been determined, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly notify the Calculation Agent in writing of the details of such adjustments. | ||||
Extraordinary Events: | ||||
Merger Events: | Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, a Merger Event means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of Merger Event under Section 13.07(a) of the Indenture. | |||
Consequences of Merger Events /Tender Offers: | Notwithstanding Sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, make any further adjustment to the Cap |
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Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) consistent with the Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 12.2(e) or 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event, the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) shares of an entity or person not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. | ||||
Notice of Merger Consideration: | Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event prior to the relevant merger date) notify the Calculation Agent of (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Shares entitled to receive cash, securities or other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for such Shares in any Merger Event who affirmatively make such an election and (ii) the details of the adjustment made under the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event. | |||
Tender Offer: | Applicable | |||
Announcement Event: | If an Announcement Date occurs in respect of a Merger Event or Tender Offer (such occurrence, an Announcement Event), then on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which the transaction described in any Announcement Event (as amended or modified) is cancelled, withdrawn, discontinued or otherwise terminated and (ii) the Expiration Date, Early Termination Date or other date of cancellation or termination in respect of each Option (the Announcement Event Adjustment Date), the Calculation Agent will determine the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event (without duplication in respect of any other adjustment or cancellation valuation made pursuant to this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement, regardless of whether the Announcement Event actually results in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, and taking into account such factors as the Calculation Agent may determine, including, without limitation, changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the Shares or the Transaction during the period from the Announcement Event to the Announcement Event Adjustment Date); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt (x) in no event shall the modification or amendment of the terms of a transaction described in an Announcement Event constitute a new, additional or different Announcement Event hereunder (but any such modification or amendment may be taken into account in determining the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event) and (y) the occurrence of an Announcement Event Adjustment Date in respect of the cancellation, withdrawal, discontinuation or other termination of the transaction described in an Announcement Event (as amended or modified) shall not preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Date with respect to such transaction. If the Calculation Agent determines that such cumulative economic effect on any Option is material, then on the |
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Announcement Event Adjustment Date for such Option, the Calculation Agent may make such adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of such Option) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for such economic effect, which adjustment shall be effective immediately prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, as the case may be. | ||||
Announcement Date: | The definition of Announcement Date in Section 12.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the words a firm with the word any in the second and fourth lines thereof, (ii) replacing the word leads to the with the words , if completed, would lead to a in the third and the fifth lines thereof, (iii) replacing the words voting shares with the word Shares in the fifth line thereof, and (iv) inserting the words by any entity after the word announcement in the second and the fourth lines thereof. | |||
Nationalization, Insolvency or Delisting: | Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that, in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange. | |||
Additional Disruption Events: | ||||
(a) Change in Law: |
Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase the interpretation in the third line thereof with the phrase , or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation, (ii) replacing the word Shares with the phrase Hedge Positions in clause (X) thereof, (iii) inserting the parenthetical (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute) at the end of clause (A) thereof, (iv) immediately following the word Transaction in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date and (v) adding the following proviso to the end of clause (Y) thereof: provided that such party has used good faith efforts to avoid such increased cost on terms reasonably acceptable to such party, as long as (i) such party would not incur a materially increased cost (including, without limitation, due to any increase in tax liability, decrease in tax benefit or other adverse effect on its tax position, or any increase in margin or capital requirements), as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (ii) such party would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of such party, as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (iii) such party would not suffer a material penalty, injunction, non-financial burden, reputational harm or other material adverse consequence in doing so, (iv) such party would not incur any material operational or administrative burden in doing so and (v) such party would not, in doing so, be required to take any action that is contrary to the intent of the law or regulation that is subject to the Change in Law. |
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(b) Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |||
(c) Insolvency Filing: |
Applicable | |||
(d) Hedging Disruption: |
Applicable; provided that: | |||
(i) Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section: | ||||
For the avoidance of doubt, the term equity price risk shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing terms.; and | ||||
(ii) Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words to terminate the Transaction, the words or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption. | ||||
(e) Increased Cost of Hedging: |
Not Applicable | |||
Hedging Party: |
For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |||
Determining Party: |
For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |||
Non-Reliance: |
Applicable | |||
Agreements and Acknowledgments Regarding Hedging Activities: |
Applicable | |||
Additional Acknowledgments: |
Applicable |
3. Calculation Agent: Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a request by Company, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Company by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Company in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation.
4. Account Details:
Dealer Payment Instructions: | Bank: | The Bank of New York, NY | ||||
SWIFT: | IRVTUS3N | |||||
Bank Routing: | 021 000 018 | |||||
Acct Name: | Credit Suisse International | |||||
Acct No. | 890-0360-968 | |||||
Counterparty Payment Instructions: | To be provided by Counterparty. |
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5. Offices:
The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: New York
The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Not applicable
6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:
Address for notices or communications to Counterparty for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |||
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||||
San Diego, CA 92108 | ||||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |||
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |||
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |||
With a copy to: | ||||
Attn: | Greg Call, General Counsel | |||
Telephone: | 858-569-3978 | |||
Facsimile: | 858-309-6998 | |||
Address for notices or communications to Dealer for purposes of this Confirmation: | ||||
Address: | Credit Suisse AG, New York branch | |||
Eleven Madison Avenue | ||||
New York, NY 10010-3629 | ||||
For payments and deliveries: | ||||
Facsimile No.: (212) 325-8175 | ||||
Telephone No.: (212) 325-8678 / (212) 325-3213 | ||||
For all other communications: | ||||
Facsimile No.: (212) 325-8173 | ||||
Telephone No.: (212) 325-8676 / (212) 538-5306 / (212) 538-1193 / (212) 538-6886 |
7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:
(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated as of March 5, 2014, between Counterparty and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as representatives of the initial purchasers party thereto (the Initial Purchasers), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:
(i) On the Trade Date (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
(ii) (A) (i) On the Trade Date, (ii) during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and (iii) in the event an Early Termination Date is designated due to an Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or 8(a)(iv), during a period starting on or about such Early Termination Date as reasonably determined by Dealer and notified to Counterparty (an Early Termination Period), in each case, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or
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exercisable for, Shares, are not, and shall not be, subject to a restricted period, as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (Regulation M) and (B), without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding clause (A), the Counterparty shall not engage in any distribution, as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b) and 102(b) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.
(iii) On the Trade Date, and on each day during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and any Early Termination Period, neither Counterparty nor any affiliated purchaser (each as defined in Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (Rule 10b-18)) shall directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of any cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASBs Liabilities & Equity Project.
(v) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.
(vi) On or prior to the Effective Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterpartys board of directors authorizing the Transaction.
(vii) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.
(viii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ix) On each of the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, insolvent (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the Bankruptcy Code)) and Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(x) To Counterpartys knowledge, based on due inquiry, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares.
(xi) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.
(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing, and (C) has total assets of at least $50 million.
(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
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(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an accredited investor as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.
(d) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a financial institution, swap participant and financial participant within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a securities contract, as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a settlement payment, within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) a swap agreement, as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a transfer, as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a payment or other transfer of property within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.
(e) Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Effective Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement; provided that, such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, excepts and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions.
8. Other Provisions:
(a) Additional Termination Events.
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Indenture that results in an acceleration of the Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Make-Whole Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Relevant Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Relevant Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Relevant Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Relevant Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Relevant Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty
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were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Relevant Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture taking into account any adjustments thereto pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities relating to such Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(iii) Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty shall notify Dealer of such Repayment Event and the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Securities subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a Repayment Notice); provided that such Repayment Notice shall contain an acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall remake the representations set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A), in each case in respect of such repurchase and delivery of such Repayment Notice; provided, further that, any Repayment Notice delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation shall deemed to be a Repayment Notice pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Repayment Notice shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation. The receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph. Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Repayment Notice as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Repayment Options) equal to the lesser of (A) (x) the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice, divided by USD1,000, minus (y) the number of Repayment Options (as defined in the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation), if any, that relate to such Convertible Securities (and for the purposes of determining whether any Options under this Confirmation or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation will be among the Repayment Options hereunder or under, and as defined in, the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, the Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated), and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Repayment Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction. Repayment Event means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased (whether in connection with or as a result of a fundamental change, howsoever defined, or for any other reason) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of such party (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities (for any reason other than as a result of an acceleration of the Convertible Securities that results in an Additional Termination Event pursuant to the preceding Section 8(a)(i)), or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the holders thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event.
(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Excluded Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to
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designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Applicable Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Excluded Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Applicable Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Excluded Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Applicable Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Early Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(iv), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Applicable Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Early Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Applicable Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture without taking into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Excluded Convertible Securities relating to such Early Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(b) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If Dealer shall owe Counterparty any amount pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above or Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, including, without limitation, any Conversion Unwind Payment, any Early Conversion Unwind Payment and any Repayment Unwind Payment (a Payment Obligation), Dealer shall satisfy any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless either (i) Counterparty shall have elected for Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation in cash in USD by (x) giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable and (y) remaking the representation set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A) of this Confirmation on the date of such notice, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day or (ii) in the event of (x) an Insolvency, a Nationalization or a Merger Event, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (y) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterpartys control (other than any Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(a)(iii)), in either of which cases under the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the provisions of Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(b) in respect of such Payment Obligation. In the case of any such settlement by the Share Termination Alternative, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable:
Share Termination Alternative: | Applicable and means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the Share Termination Payment Date), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation. |
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Share Termination Delivery Property: | A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price. | |
Share Termination Unit Price: | The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Unit: | In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash. | |
Failure to Deliver: | Applicable | |
Other applicable provisions: | If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction, except that all references to Shares shall be read as references to Share Termination Delivery Units. |
(c) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on advice of counsel, any Shares acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction, other than any such Shares that were, at the time of acquisition by Dealer, restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (any such Shares, the Hedge Shares), cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement substantially similar to underwriting agreements for registered secondary offerings of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, (B) provide accountants comfort letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size; provided, however, that if Dealer, in its reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(c) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, all reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any discount from the public market price of the
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Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the VWAP Price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts, requested by Dealer. VWAP Price means, on any Exchange Business Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or any successor thereto) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Exchange Business Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one Share on such Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume-weighted method).
(d) Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on or prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase (a Repurchase Notice) if, following such repurchase, the Notice Percentage as determined on the date of such Repurchase Notice is (i) greater than 9.0% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The Notice Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(d) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.
(e) Transfer and Assignment.
(i) Either party may transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer may condition its consent on any of the following, without limitation: (i) the receipt by Dealer of opinions and documents reasonably satisfactory to Dealer in connection with such assignment, (ii) such assignment being effected on terms reasonably satisfactory to Dealer with respect to any legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Dealer, (iii) Counterparty continuing to be obligated to provide notices hereunder relating to the Convertible Securities and continuing to be obligated with respect to Disposition of Hedge Shares and Repurchase Notices above, (iv) Counterparty not being released from its indemnification obligations under Section 8(d) of this Confirmation, (v) such assignment only being to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), (vi) Dealer not being, as a result of such assignment, required to pay the transferee on any payment date an amount under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such assignment, (vii) there not being an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event as a result of such assignment, (viii) without limiting the generality of clause (v), Counterparty causing the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that the results described in clauses (vi) and (vii) will not occur upon or after such assignment and (ix) Counterparty being responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in connection with such assignment. In addition, Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of the Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement (1) in whole or in part to any affiliate of Dealer of credit quality at least equivalent to that of Dealer as of the Trade Date, (2) in whole or in part to any other affiliate of Dealer with respect to which Counterparty shall have received a full guaranty of such affiliates obligations from Dealer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Counterparty or (3) if at the time of such transfer or assignment an Excess Ownership Position exists, in part to any other third party
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with a rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness equal to or better than the lesser of (I) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer and (II) A- by Standard and Poors Rating Group, Inc. or its successor (S&P), or A3 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or, if either S&P or Moodys ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent or better rating by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer, in the case of this clause (3), to the extent that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists after giving effect to such partial transfer or assignment, in each case of the immediately preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3), only if an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment.
(ii) At any time at which any Excess Ownership Position exists, if Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party in accordance with the requirements set forth above after using its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the Terminated Portion) of the Transaction, such that such Excess Ownership Position no longer exists. In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement and Section 8(b) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (iii) such portion of the Transaction shall be the only Terminated Transaction. Excess Ownership Position means any of the following: (i) the Equity Percentage exceeds 9.0%, (ii) Dealer or any affiliate or associate of Dealer would own in excess of 14.0% of the outstanding Shares for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iii) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a Dealer Person) under any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders applicable to ownership of Shares (Applicable Laws), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filings of Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act) or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination. The Equity Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer, for purposes of the beneficial ownership test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or of any group (within the meaning of Section 13) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (Dealer and any such affiliates, persons and groups, collectively, Dealer Group), beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day (including, solely for such purpose, Shares that would be deemed outstanding pursuant to the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) if such sentence were applicable to the calculation of clause (B) of the definition of Equity Percentage).
(f) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealers hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines that it would not be advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on the relevant Settlement Date, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a Nominal Settlement Date), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a Staggered Settlement Date) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows:
(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date, but not prior to the beginning of the related Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above)) and/or delivery times (during any single Staggered Settlement Date) and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under Delivery Obligation (above) among the Staggered Settlement Dates and/or delivery times; and
(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates (including on one or more delivery times on any single Staggered Settlement Date) will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.
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(g) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines in its good faith and reasonable discretion, based on advice of counsel in the case of the immediately following clause (ii), that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate to (i) preserve Dealers hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock loan market or any other relevant market or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases of Shares in connection with its hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty, be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures applicable to Dealer; provided that, no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer may be postponed or extended more than 50 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, as the case may be.
(h) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party.
(i) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
(j) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty solely to the extent of any such performance.
(k) No Netting and Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement (including without limitation Section 6(f) thereof, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction) and this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties to the contrary, neither party shall net or set off its obligations under the Transaction against its rights against the other party under any other transaction or instrument.
(l) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterpartys bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterpartys bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.
(m) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the Additional Securities is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on the Premium Payment Date (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties, which in no event shall be later than April 18, 2014) (the Premium Payment Date or such later date being the Early Unwind Date), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the Early Unwind), on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty thereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date; provided that, unless such Early Unwind Date occurred as a result of a breach of the Purchase Agreement by the Initial Purchasers, Counterparty shall purchase from Dealer on the Early Unwind Date all Shares purchased by Dealer or one or more of its affiliates in connection with the Transaction at the then prevailing market price. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that, subject to the proviso included in this Section 8(m), upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.
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(n) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.
(o) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (WSTAA), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either partys otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, an Excess Ownership Position or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).
(p) Role of Agent. Credit Suisse AG, New York branch, in its capacity as Agent will be responsible for (A) effecting the Transaction, (B) issuing all required confirmations and statements to Dealer and Counterparty, (C) maintaining books and records relating to the Transaction in accordance with its standard practices and procedures and in accordance with applicable law and (D) unless otherwise requested by Counterparty, receiving, delivering, and safeguarding Counterpartys funds and any securities in connection with the Transaction, in accordance with its standard practices and procedures and in accordance with applicable law.
(i) Agent is acting in connection with the Transaction solely in its capacity as Agent for Dealer and Counterparty pursuant to instructions from Dealer and Counterparty. Agent shall have no responsibility or personal liability to Dealer or Counterparty arising from any failure by Dealer or Counterparty to pay or perform any obligations hereunder, or to monitor or enforce compliance by Dealer or Counterparty with any obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any obligations to maintain collateral. Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees to proceed solely against the other to collect or recover any securities or monies owing to it in connection with or as a result of the Transaction. Agent shall otherwise have no liability in respect of the Transaction, except for its gross negligence or willful misconduct in performing its duties as Agent.
(ii) The date and time of the Transaction evidenced hereby will be furnished by Agent to Dealer and Counterparty upon written request.
(iii) Agent will furnish to Counterparty upon written request a statement as to the source and amount of any remuneration received or to be received by Agent in connection with the Transaction evidenced hereby.
(iv) Dealer and Counterparty each represents and agrees (A) that the Transaction is not unsuitable for it in the light of such party's financial situation, investment objectives and needs and (B) that it is entering into the Transaction in reliance upon such tax, accounting, regulatory, legal and financial advice as it deems necessary and not upon any view expressed by the other party or Agent.
(v) Dealer is regulated by The Securities and Futures Authority and has entered into the Transaction as principal. The time at which the Transaction was executed will be notified to Counterparty (through Agent) on request.
(q) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
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(r) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.
(s) Amendments to Equity Definitions.
(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words a material.
(ii) Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing the words a diluting or concentrative with an and (y) deleting the phrase (provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares) and replacing it with the phrase (and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than in the case of a Share split, reverse Share split or equivalent transaction, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares).
(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words that may have a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words that is the result of a corporate event involving Issuer or its securities that may have a material.
(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word or after the word official and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor or (C) at Dealers option, the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer.
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Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Dealer.
Yours faithfully, | ||
CREDIT SUISSE INTERNATIONAL | ||
By: | /s/ Louis J. Impellizeri | |
Name: Louis J. Impellizeri | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
By: | /s/ Emilie Blay | |
Name: Emilie Blay | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
CREDIT SUISSE AG, NEW YORK BRANCH, AS AGENT FOR CREDIT SUISSE INTERNATIONAL | ||
By: | /s/ Louis J. Impellizeri | |
Name: Louis J. Impellizeri | ||
Title: Director | ||
By: | /s/ Emilie Blay | |
Name: Emilie Blay | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Additional Capped Call Confirmation]
Confirmed and Acknowledged as of the date first above written: | ||
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Additional Capped Call Confirmation]
Annex A
Premium: | USD 509,880.00 |
Exhibit 10.7
March 6, 2014 | ||
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||
San Diego, California 92108 | ||
Attn: Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | ||
Telephone: 858-309-6904 | ||
Facsimile: 858-309-6977 | ||
From: | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | |
1585 Broadway, 5th Floor | ||
New York, NY 10036 |
Re: | Additional Capped Call Transaction |
(Transaction Reference Number: )
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this communication (this Confirmation) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the above-referenced transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the Transaction) between Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Dealer) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Counterparty). This communication constitutes a Confirmation as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below.
1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the 2006 Definitions) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the Equity Definitions, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the Definitions), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated March 5, 2014, (the Offering Memorandum) relating to the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the Convertible Securities and each USD1,000 principal amount of Convertible Securities, a Convertible Security) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD 140,000,000.00 (as increased by an aggregate principal amount of USD 21,000,000.00 following the Initial Purchasers exercise of their option to purchase additional Convertible Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture to be dated March 11, 2014 between Counterparty and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Indenture). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended following such date, any such amendment will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the Agreement) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule except for (i) the elections set forth in this Confirmation and (ii) the election that the Cross Default provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement will apply to Dealer and to Counterparty as if (x) the phrase , or becoming capable at such time of being declared, were deleted from Section 5(a)(vi)(1) of the Agreement and (y) the Threshold Amount with respect to Dealer were three percent (3%) of shareholders equity of Morgan Stanley as of the Trade Date and with respect to Counterparty were USD 10,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the Transaction shall be the only transaction under the Agreement.
All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern.
2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:
General Terms: | ||
Trade Date: |
March 6, 2014 | |
Effective Date: |
The closing date of the Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the over-allotment option exercised on the date hereof. | |
Option Type: |
Call | |
Seller: |
Dealer | |
Buyer: |
Counterparty | |
Shares: |
The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD0.01 per share (Ticker Symbol: ECPG). | |
Number of Options: |
21,000 | |
Number of Shares: |
As of any date, the product of (i) the Number of Options, (ii) the Conversion Rate and (iii) the Applicable Percentage. | |
Conversion Rate: |
As of any date, the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such date, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture. | |
Strike Price: |
The Conversion Price (as defined in the Indenture, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture). | |
Cap Price: |
USD 83.1425 | |
Applicable Percentage: |
30.0% | |
Premium: |
As provided in Annex A to this Confirmation. | |
Premium Payment Date: |
The Effective Date | |
Exchange: |
The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |
Related Exchange: |
All Exchanges | |
Procedures for Exercise: | ||
Exercise Dates: |
Each Conversion Date. | |
Conversion Date: |
Each Conversion Date, as defined in the Indenture, occurring during the period from and excluding the Trade Date to and including the Expiration Date, for Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, that are submitted for conversion on such Conversion Date in accordance with the terms of the Indenture but are not Relevant Convertible Securities under, and as defined in, the confirmation between the |
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parties hereto regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction dated March 5, 2014 (the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation) (such Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date). For the purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Relevant Convertible Securities hereunder or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted pursuant to the Indenture shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated. | ||
Required Exercise on |
||
Conversion Dates: |
On each Conversion Date, a number of Options equal to (i) the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount minus (ii) the sum of (A) the number of Relevant Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, and (B) the number of Applicable Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, in each case corresponding to such Conversion Date shall be automatically exercised. | |
Excluded Convertible Securities: |
Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on any date prior to the Free Convertibility Period that are not Make-Whole Convertible Securities (as defined below) and are not Excluded Convertible Securities under, and as defined in, the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation. For purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Excluded Convertible Securities hereunder or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted prior to such date shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated. The provisions of Section 8(a) below will apply to the exercise of any Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Excluded Convertible Securities. | |
Expiration Date: |
The second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture), subject to the provisions set forth opposite the caption Notice of Exercise below. | |
Automatic Exercise: |
As provided above under Required Exercise on Conversion Dates. | |
Exercise Notice Deadline: |
In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) relating to the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date occurring on the relevant Exercise Date (or, in the event there is no Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) relating to such Convertible Securities, the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following such Conversion Date); provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after September 15, 2020 (the Free Convertibility Date), the Exercise Notice Deadline shall be the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture). |
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Notice of Exercise: |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer shall have no obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Exercise Notice Deadline in respect of such exercise of (i) the number of Convertible Securities being converted on the relevant Conversion Date (including, if applicable, whether all or any portion of such Convertible Securities are Convertible Securities as to which additional Shares would be added to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture (the Make-Whole Convertible Securities)), (ii) the scheduled settlement date under the Indenture for the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date, (iii) whether such Relevant Convertible Securities will be settled by Counterparty by delivery of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and, if such a combination, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) and (iv) the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture); if any, provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, the contents of such notice shall be as set forth in clause (i) above; provided, further, that any Notice of Exercise delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation shall be deemed to be a Notice of Exercise pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Notice of Exercise shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder, Dealers obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of such exercise shall be permanently extinguished, and late notice shall not cure such failure; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options relating to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, such notice (and the related exercise or termination, as the case may be, of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the Exercise Notice Deadline, but prior to 5:00 PM New York City time on the fifth Exchange Business Day following the Exercise Notice Deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust the Delivery Obligation as appropriate to reflect the additional costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice on or prior to the Exercise Notice Deadline. | |
Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
Unless Counterparty shall have notified Dealer in writing (i) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, in the related Notice of Exercise, within the applicable time period therefor set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the "Specified Dollar Amount" (as defined in the |
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Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities or (ii) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring during the period beginning on and including the Free Convertibility Date and ending on and including the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) (the Free Convertibility Period), before 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the irrevocable election by the Counterparty, in accordance with Section 13.02(a)(i) of the Indenture, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, in either case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), Counterparty shall be deemed to have notified Dealer of a Combination Settlement (as defined in the Indenture) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities. Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Securities. | ||
Dealers Telephone Numberand Telex and/or Facsimile Numberand Contact Details for purpose of Giving Notice: |
To be provided by Dealer. | |
Settlement Terms: | ||
Settlement Date: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture; provided that the Settlement Date will not be prior to the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 PM, New York City time. | |
Delivery Obligation: |
In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to Notice of Exercise above, in respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the related Settlement Date, a number of Shares and/or amount of cash in USD equal to the product of (i) the Applicable Percentage and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture and/or the aggregate amount of cash, if any, in excess of USD1,000 per Convertible Security (in denominations of USD1,000) that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture (except that such aggregate number of Shares shall be determined without taking into consideration any rounding pursuant to Section 13.02(j) of the Indenture and shall be rounded down to the nearest whole |
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number) and cash in lieu of fractional Shares, if any, resulting from such rounding, as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Convertible Security Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities (the Convertible Obligation); provided that (i) if the Convertible Obligation exceeds the Capped Convertible Obligation, then the Delivery Obligation shall be the Capped Convertible Obligation; and (ii) the Convertible Obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Capped Convertible Obligation) shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall not include any interest payment on the Relevant Convertible Securities that the Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date); provided, further that if Counterparty or its board of directors is permitted or required to exercise discretion under the terms of the Indenture with respect to any determination, calculation or adjustment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Indenture or in connection with any proportional adjustments or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets) (any such determination, calculation or adjustment, a Counterparty Determination), Counterparty shall consult with Dealer with respect thereto and, if the Calculation Agent disagrees in good faith with such Counterparty Determination, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Calculation Agent shall make the relevant determination, calculation or adjustment for purposes of this Transaction (and for the avoidance of doubt, such determination, calculation or adjustment shall be made (A) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Indenture, except as set forth in this paragraph, and (B) using, where relevant, variables determined by the Calculation Agent). | ||
Capped Convertible Obligation: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the Convertible Obligation that would apply if the Daily VWAP for each Trading Day in the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method below) were the lesser of (x) the Cap Price and (y) the actual Daily VWAP for such Trading Day. | |
Applicable Limit: |
Notwithstanding the provisions under Delivery Obligation above but subject to Section 8(a) below, in all events the Delivery Obligation for any Option shall be capped so that (i) an amount of cash in USD equal to the sum of (x) the number of Shares comprising such Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option and (y) the amount of cash in USD comprising such Delivery Obligation does not exceed (ii) an amount of cash in USD equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the excess of (x) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, payable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security and (B) the number of Shares, if any, deliverable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option over (y) USD1,000. |
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Applicable Limit Price: |
On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading Op on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> (or any successor thereto). | |
Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the related Notice of Exercise (or in the Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be) that it has elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities in cash or in a combination of cash and Shares in accordance with Section 13.02(a) of the Indenture (a Cash Election) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of at least USD1,000, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities; otherwise, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall (i) assume Counterparty had made a Cash Election with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and (ii) be calculated as if the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture consisted of 100 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) after the Conversion Date for conversions occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Period or (y) the 102nd Scheduled Trading Day prior to the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) for conversions occurring during the Free Convertibility Period. | |
Notice of Delivery Obligation: |
No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above), Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the final number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligation; provided that, with respect to any Exercise Date occurring during the Free Convertibility Period, Counterparty may provide Dealer with a single notice of an aggregate number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligations for all Exercise Dates occurring in such period on (i) if Physical Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterpartys obligations with respect to any Notice of Exercise or any Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method or Dealers obligations with respect to any Delivery Obligation, each as set forth above, in any way). |
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Other Applicable Provisions: |
To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction. | |
Share Adjustments: | ||
Method of Adjustment: |
Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make (A) an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction (other than the Cap Price) and (B) a proportionate adjustment to the Cap Price to the extent any adjustment is made to the Strike Price pursuant to clause (A) above; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion but without duplication of any adjustment pursuant to clause (i) above, make any further adjustment consistent with the Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions (as modified pursuant to this Confirmation) to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) to preserve the fair value of the Options to Dealer, after taking into account such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. | |
Reasonably promptly upon the occurrence of any such event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such event or condition; and once the adjustments to be made to the terms of the Indenture and the Convertible Securities in respect of such event or condition have been determined, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly notify the Calculation Agent in writing of the details of such adjustments. | ||
Extraordinary Events: | ||
Merger Events: |
Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, a Merger Event means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of Merger Event under Section 13.07(a) of the Indenture. | |
Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers: |
Notwithstanding Sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, make any further adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the |
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exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) consistent with the Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 12.2(e) or 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event, the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) shares of an entity or person not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. | ||
Notice of Merger Consideration: |
Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event prior to the relevant merger date) notify the Calculation Agent of (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Shares entitled to receive cash, securities or other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for such Shares in any Merger Event who affirmatively make such an election and (ii) the details of the adjustment made under the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event. | |
Tender Offer: |
Applicable | |
Announcement Event: |
If an Announcement Date occurs in respect of a Merger Event or Tender Offer (such occurrence, an Announcement Event), then on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which the transaction described in any Announcement Event (as amended or modified) is cancelled, withdrawn, discontinued or otherwise terminated and (ii) the Expiration Date, Early Termination Date or other date of cancellation or termination in respect of each Option (the Announcement Event Adjustment Date), the Calculation Agent will determine the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event (without duplication in respect of any other adjustment or cancellation valuation made pursuant to this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement, regardless of whether the Announcement Event actually results in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, and taking into account such factors as the Calculation Agent may determine, including, without limitation, changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the Shares or the Transaction during the period from the Announcement Event to the Announcement Event Adjustment Date); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt (x) in no event shall the modification or amendment of the terms of a transaction described in an Announcement Event constitute a new, additional or different Announcement Event hereunder (but any such modification or amendment may be taken into account in determining the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event) and (y) the occurrence of an Announcement Event Adjustment Date in respect of the cancellation, withdrawal, discontinuation or other termination of the transaction described in an Announcement Event (as amended or modified) shall not preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Date with respect to such transaction. If the Calculation Agent determines that such cumulative economic effect on any Option is material, then on the Announcement Event Adjustment Date for such Option, the Calculation |
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Agent may make such adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of such Option) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for such economic effect, which adjustment shall be effective immediately prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, as the case may be. | ||
Announcement Date: |
The definition of Announcement Date in Section 12.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the words a firm with the word any in the second and fourth lines thereof, (ii) replacing the word leads to the with the words , if completed, would lead to a in the third and the fifth lines thereof, (iii) replacing the words voting shares with the word Shares in the fifth line thereof, and (iv) inserting the words by any entity after the word announcement in the second and the fourth lines thereof. | |
Nationalization, Insolvencyor Delisting: |
Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that, in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange. | |
Additional Disruption Events: |
||
(a) Change in Law: |
Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase the interpretation in the third line thereof with the phrase , or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation, (ii) replacing the word Shares with the phrase Hedge Positions in clause (X) thereof, (iii) inserting the parenthetical (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute) at the end of clause (A) thereof, (iv) immediately following the word Transaction in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date and (v) adding the following proviso to the end of clause (Y) thereof: provided that such party has used good faith efforts to avoid such increased cost on terms reasonably acceptable to such party, as long as (i) such party would not incur a materially increased cost (including, without limitation, due to any increase in tax liability, decrease in tax benefit or other adverse effect on its tax position, or any increase in margin or capital requirements), as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (ii) such party would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of such party, as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (iii) such party would not suffer a material penalty, injunction, non-financial burden, reputational harm or other material adverse consequence in doing so, (iv) such party would not incur any material operational or administrative burden in doing so and (v) such party would not, in doing so, be required to take any action that is contrary to the intent of the law or regulation that is subject to the Change in Law. |
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(b) Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |
(c) Insolvency Filing: |
Applicable | |
(d) Hedging Disruption: |
Applicable; provided that: | |
(i) Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section: | ||
For the avoidance of doubt, the term equity price risk shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing terms.; and | ||
(ii) Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words to terminate the Transaction, the words or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption. | ||
(e) Increased Cost of Hedging: |
Not Applicable | |
Hedging Party: |
For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Determining Party: |
For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Non-Reliance: |
Applicable | |
Agreements and Acknowledgments |
||
Regarding Hedging Activities: |
Applicable | |
Additional Acknowledgments: |
Applicable |
3. Calculation Agent: Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a request by Company, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Company by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Company in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation.
4. Account Details:
Dealer Payment Instructions: | Bank: Citibank, N.A. | |
SWIFT: CITIUS33 | ||
Bank Routing: 021-000-089 | ||
Acct Name: Morgan Stanley and Co. | ||
Acct No.: 30632076 | ||
Counterparty Payment Instructions: | To be provided by Counterparty. |
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5. Offices:
The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: New York
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
1585 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10036
The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Not applicable
6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:
Address for notices or communications to Counterparty for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: |
Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||
San Diego, CA 92108 | ||
Attn: |
Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |
Telephone: |
858-309-6904 | |
Facsimile: |
858-309-6977 | |
With a copy to: |
||
Attn: |
Greg Call, General Counsel | |
Telephone: |
858-569-3978 | |
Facsimile: |
858-309-6998 | |
Address for notices or communications to Dealer for purposes of this Confirmation: | ||
To: |
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | |
1585 Broadway, 5th Floor | ||
New York, NY 10036 | ||
Attn: |
Serkan Savasoglu | |
Telephone: |
212-761-9363 | |
Facsimile: |
212-404-9481 | |
Email: |
serkan.savasoglu@morganstanley.com | |
With a copy to: |
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | |
1221 Avenue of the Americas, 34th Floor | ||
New York, NY 10020 | ||
Attn: |
Anthony Cicia | |
Telephone: |
212-762-4828 | |
Facsimile: |
212-507-4338 | |
Email: |
Anthony.cicia@morganstanley.com |
7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:
(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated as of March 5, 2014, between Counterparty and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as representatives of the initial purchasers party thereto (the Initial Purchasers), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:
(i) On the Trade Date (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
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(ii) (A) (i) On the Trade Date, (ii) during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and (iii) in the event an Early Termination Date is designated due to an Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or 8(a)(iv), during a period starting on or about such Early Termination Date as reasonably determined by Dealer and notified to Counterparty (an Early Termination Period), in each case, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Shares, are not, and shall not be, subject to a restricted period, as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (Regulation M) and (B), without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding clause (A), the Counterparty shall not engage in any distribution, as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b) and 102(b) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.
(iii) On the Trade Date, and on each day during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and any Early Termination Period, neither Counterparty nor any affiliated purchaser (each as defined in Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (Rule 10b-18)) shall directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of any cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASBs Liabilities & Equity Project.
(v) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.
(vi) On or prior to the Effective Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterpartys board of directors authorizing the Transaction.
(vii) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.
(viii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ix) On each of the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, insolvent (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the Bankruptcy Code)) and Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(x) To Counterpartys knowledge, based on due inquiry, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares.
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(xi) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.
(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing, and (C) has total assets of at least $50 million.
(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an accredited investor as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.
(d) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a financial institution, swap participant and financial participant within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a securities contract, as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a settlement payment, within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) a swap agreement, as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a transfer, as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a payment or other transfer of property within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.
(e) Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Effective Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement; provided that, such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, excepts and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions.
8. Other Provisions:
(a) | Additional Termination Events. |
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Indenture that results in an acceleration of the Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Make-Whole Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Relevant Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Relevant Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Relevant Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Relevant Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise,
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divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Relevant Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Relevant Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture taking into account any adjustments thereto pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities relating to such Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(iii) Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty shall notify Dealer of such Repayment Event and the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Securities subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a Repayment Notice); provided that such Repayment Notice shall contain an acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall remake the representations set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A), in each case in respect of such repurchase and delivery of such Repayment Notice; provided, further that, any Repayment Notice delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation shall deemed to be a Repayment Notice pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Repayment Notice shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation. The receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph. Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Repayment Notice as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Repayment Options) equal to the lesser of (A) (x) the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice, divided by USD1,000, minus (y) the number of Repayment Options (as defined in the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation), if any, that relate to such Convertible Securities (and for the purposes of determining whether any Options under this Confirmation or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation will be among the Repayment Options hereunder or under, and as defined in, the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, the Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated), and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Repayment Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction. Repayment Event means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased (whether in connection with or as a result of a fundamental change, howsoever defined, or for any other reason) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of such party (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities (for any reason other than as a result of an acceleration of the Convertible Securities that results in an Additional Termination Event pursuant to the preceding Section 8(a)(i)), or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the holders thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event.
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(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Excluded Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Applicable Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Excluded Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Applicable Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Excluded Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Applicable Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Early Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(iv), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Applicable Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Early Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Applicable Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture without taking into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Excluded Convertible Securities relating to such Early Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(b) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If Dealer shall owe Counterparty any amount pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above or Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, including, without limitation, any Conversion Unwind Payment, any Early Conversion Unwind Payment and any Repayment Unwind Payment (a Payment Obligation), Dealer shall satisfy any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless either (i) Counterparty shall have elected for Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation in cash in USD by (x) giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable and (y) remaking the representation set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A) of this Confirmation on the date of such notice, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day or (ii) in the event of (x) an Insolvency, a Nationalization or a Merger Event, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (y) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterpartys control (other than any Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(a)(iii)), in either of which cases under the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the provisions of Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(b) in respect of such Payment Obligation. In the case of any such settlement by the Share Termination Alternative, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable:
Share Termination Alternative: | Applicable and means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the Share Termination Payment Date), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation. |
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Share Termination Delivery | Property: A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price. | |
Share Termination Unit Price: | The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Unit: | In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash. | |
Failure to Deliver: | Applicable | |
Other applicable provisions: | If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction, except that all references to Shares shall be read as references to Share Termination Delivery Units. |
(c) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on advice of counsel, any Shares acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction, other than any such Shares that were, at the time of acquisition by Dealer, restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (any such Shares, the Hedge Shares), cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement substantially similar to underwriting agreements for registered secondary offerings of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, (B) provide accountants comfort letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size; provided, however, that if Dealer, in its reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(c) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, in form and
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substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, all reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any discount from the public market price of the Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the VWAP Price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts, requested by Dealer. VWAP Price means, on any Exchange Business Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or any successor thereto) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Exchange Business Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one Share on such Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume-weighted method).
(d) Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on or prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase (a Repurchase Notice) if, following such repurchase, the Notice Percentage as determined on the date of such Repurchase Notice is (i) greater than 9.0% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The Notice Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(d) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.
(e) | Transfer and Assignment. |
(i) Either party may transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer may condition its consent on any of the following, without limitation: (i) the receipt by Dealer of opinions and documents reasonably satisfactory to Dealer in connection with such assignment, (ii) such assignment being effected on terms reasonably satisfactory to Dealer with respect to any legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Dealer, (iii) Counterparty continuing to be obligated to provide notices hereunder relating to the Convertible Securities and continuing to be obligated with respect to Disposition of Hedge Shares and Repurchase Notices above, (iv) Counterparty not being released from its indemnification obligations under Section 8(d) of this Confirmation, (v) such assignment only being to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), (vi) Dealer not being, as a result of such assignment, required to pay the transferee on any payment date an amount under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such assignment, (vii) there not being an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event as a result of such assignment, (viii) without limiting the generality of clause (v), Counterparty causing the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that the results described in clauses (vi) and (vii) will not occur upon or after such assignment and (ix) Counterparty being responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in
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connection with such assignment. In addition, Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of the Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement (1) in whole or in part to any affiliate of Dealer of credit quality at least equivalent to that of Dealer as of the Trade Date, (2) in whole or in part to any other affiliate of Dealer with respect to which Counterparty shall have received a full guaranty of such affiliates obligations from Dealer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Counterparty or (3) if at the time of such transfer or assignment an Excess Ownership Position exists, in part to any other third party with a rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness equal to or better than the lesser of (I) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer and (II) A- by Standard and Poors Rating Group, Inc. or its successor (S&P), or A3 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or, if either S&P or Moodys ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent or better rating by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer, in the case of this clause (3), to the extent that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists after giving effect to such partial transfer or assignment, in each case of the immediately preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3), only if an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment.
(ii) At any time at which any Excess Ownership Position exists, if Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party in accordance with the requirements set forth above after using its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the Terminated Portion) of the Transaction, such that such Excess Ownership Position no longer exists. In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement and Section 8(b) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (iii) such portion of the Transaction shall be the only Terminated Transaction. Excess Ownership Position means any of the following: (i) the Equity Percentage exceeds 9.0%, (ii) Dealer or any affiliate or associate of Dealer would own in excess of 14.0% of the outstanding Shares for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iii) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a Dealer Person) under any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders applicable to ownership of Shares (Applicable Laws), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filings of Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act) or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination. The Equity Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer, for purposes of the beneficial ownership test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or of any group (within the meaning of Section 13) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (Dealer and any such affiliates, persons and groups, collectively, Dealer Group), beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day (including, solely for such purpose, Shares that would be deemed outstanding pursuant to the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) if such sentence were applicable to the calculation of clause (B) of the definition of Equity Percentage).
(f) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealers hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines that it would not be advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on the relevant Settlement Date, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a Nominal Settlement Date), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a Staggered Settlement Date) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows:
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(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date, but not prior to the beginning of the related Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above)) and/or delivery times (during any single Staggered Settlement Date) and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under Delivery Obligation (above) among the Staggered Settlement Dates and/or delivery times; and
(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates (including on one or more delivery times on any single Staggered Settlement Date) will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.
(g) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines in its good faith and reasonable discretion, based on advice of counsel in the case of the immediately following clause (ii), that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate to (i) preserve Dealers hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock loan market or any other relevant market or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases of Shares in connection with its hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty, be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures applicable to Dealer; provided that, no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer may be postponed or extended more than 50 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, as the case may be.
(h) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party.
(i) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
(j) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty solely to the extent of any such performance.
(k) No Netting and Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement (including without limitation Section 6(f) thereof, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction) and this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties to the contrary, neither party shall net or set off its obligations under the Transaction against its rights against the other party under any other transaction or instrument.
(l) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterpartys bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterpartys bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.
(m) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the Additional Securities is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on the Premium Payment Date (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties, which in no event shall be later than April 18, 2014) (the Premium Payment Date or such later date being the Early Unwind Date), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the Early Unwind), on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty thereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date; provided
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that, unless such Early Unwind Date occurred as a result of a breach of the Purchase Agreement by the Initial Purchasers, Counterparty shall purchase from Dealer on the Early Unwind Date all Shares purchased by Dealer or one or more of its affiliates in connection with the Transaction at the then prevailing market price. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that, subject to the proviso included in this Section 8(m), upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.
(n) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.
(o) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (WSTAA), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either partys otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, an Excess Ownership Position or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).
(p) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
(q) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.
(r) | Amendments to Equity Definitions. |
(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words a material.
(ii) Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing the words a diluting or concentrative with an and (y) deleting the phrase (provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares) and replacing it with the phrase (and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than in the case of a Share split, reverse Share split or equivalent transaction, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares).
(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words that may have a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words that is the result of a corporate event involving Issuer or its securities that may have a material.
(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word or after the word official and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor or (C) at Dealers option, the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer.
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Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Dealer.
Yours faithfully, | ||
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Sebastian Crapanzano | |
Name: Sebastian Crapanzano | ||
Title: Managing Director |
[Signature Page to Additional Capped Call Confirmation]
Confirmed and Acknowledged as of the date first above written:
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Additional Capped Call Confirmation]
Annex A
Premium: | USD 764,820.00 |
Exhibit 10.8
March 6, 2014 | ||||
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |||
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||||
San Diego, California 92108 | ||||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |||
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |||
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |||
From: |
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Société Générale | ||||
245 Park Avenue | ||||
New York, NY 10167 |
Re: | Additional Capped Call Transaction |
(Transaction Reference Number: )
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this communication (this Confirmation) is to set forth the terms and conditions of the above-referenced transaction entered into on the Trade Date specified below (the Transaction) between Société Générale (Dealer) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Counterparty). This communication constitutes a Confirmation as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified below. Dealer is acting as principal and SG Americas Securities, LLC (Agent), its affiliate, is acting as agent for Dealer for the Transaction under this Confirmation.
1. This Confirmation is subject to, and incorporates, the definitions and provisions of the 2006 ISDA Definitions (the 2006 Definitions) and the definitions and provisions of the 2002 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the Equity Definitions, and together with the 2006 Definitions, the Definitions), in each case as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA). In the event of any inconsistency between the 2006 Definitions and the Equity Definitions, the Equity Definitions will govern. Certain defined terms used herein are based on terms that are defined in the Offering Memorandum dated March 5, 2014, (the Offering Memorandum) relating to the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (as originally issued by Counterparty, the Convertible Securities and each USD1,000 principal amount of Convertible Securities, a Convertible Security) issued by Counterparty in an aggregate initial principal amount of USD 140,000,000.00 (as increased by an aggregate principal amount of USD 21,000,000.00 following the Initial Purchasers exercise of their option to purchase additional Convertible Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein)) pursuant to an Indenture to be dated March 11, 2014 between Counterparty and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Indenture). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Offering Memorandum, the Indenture and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. The parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is entered into on the date hereof with the understanding that (i) definitions set forth in the Indenture which are also defined herein by reference to the Indenture and (ii) sections of the Indenture that are referred to herein will conform to the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum. If any such definitions in the Indenture or any such sections of the Indenture differ from the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum, the descriptions thereof in the Offering Memorandum will govern for purposes of this Confirmation. The parties further acknowledge that the Indenture section numbers used herein are based on the draft of the Indenture last reviewed by Dealer as of the date of this Confirmation, and if any such section numbers are changed in the Indenture as executed, the parties will amend this Confirmation in good faith to preserve the intent of the parties. Subject to the foregoing, references to the Indenture herein are references to the Indenture as in effect on the date of its execution, and if the Indenture is amended following such date, any such amendment will be disregarded for purposes of this Confirmation unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between Dealer and Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. This Confirmation shall be subject to an agreement (the Agreement) in the form of the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement as if Dealer and Counterparty had executed an agreement in such form (without any Schedule except for (i) the elections set forth in this Confirmation and (ii) the
election that the Cross Default provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement will apply to Dealer and to Counterparty as if (x) the phrase , or becoming capable at such time of being declared, were deleted from Section 5(a)(vi)(1) of the Agreement and (y) the Threshold Amount with respect to Dealer were three percent (3%) of shareholders equity of Société Générale as of the Trade Date and with respect to Counterparty were USD 10,000,000). For the avoidance of doubt, the Transaction shall be the only transaction under the Agreement.
All provisions contained in, or incorporated by reference to, the Agreement will govern this Confirmation except as expressly modified herein. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation and either the Definitions or the Agreement, this Confirmation shall govern.
2. The Transaction constitutes a Share Option Transaction for purposes of the Equity Definitions. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as follows:
General Terms: | ||
Trade Date: |
March 6, 2014 | |
Effective Date: |
The closing date of the Convertible Securities issued pursuant to the over-allotment option exercised on the date hereof. | |
Option Type: |
Call | |
Seller: |
Dealer | |
Buyer: |
Counterparty | |
Shares: |
The common stock of Counterparty, par value USD0.01 per share (Ticker Symbol: ECPG). | |
Number of Options: |
21,000 | |
Number of Shares: |
As of any date, the product of (i) the Number of Options, (ii) the Conversion Rate and (iii) the Applicable Percentage. | |
Conversion Rate: |
As of any date, the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such date, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture. | |
Strike Price: |
The Conversion Price (as defined in the Indenture, but without regard to any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture). | |
Cap Price: |
USD 83.1425 | |
Applicable Percentage: |
30.0% | |
Premium: |
As provided in Annex A to this Confirmation. | |
Premium Payment Date: |
The Effective Date | |
Exchange: |
The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |
Related Exchange: |
All Exchanges | |
Procedures for Exercise: | ||
Exercise Dates: |
Each Conversion Date. | |
Conversion Date: |
Each Conversion Date, as defined in the Indenture, occurring during the period from and excluding the Trade Date to and including the Expiration Date, for Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, that are submitted |
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for conversion on such Conversion Date in accordance with the terms of the Indenture but are not Relevant Convertible Securities under, and as defined in, the confirmation between the parties hereto regarding the Base Capped Call Transaction dated March 5, 2014 (the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation) (such Convertible Securities, each in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount, the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date). For the purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Relevant Convertible Securities hereunder or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted pursuant to the Indenture shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated. | ||
Required Exercise on |
||
Conversion Dates: |
On each Conversion Date, a number of Options equal to (i) the number of Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date in denominations of USD1,000 principal amount minus (ii) the sum of (A) the number of Relevant Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, and (B) the number of Applicable Conversion Options (as defined below), if any, in each case corresponding to such Conversion Date shall be automatically exercised. | |
Excluded Convertible Securities: |
Convertible Securities surrendered for conversion on any date prior to the Free Convertibility Period that are not Make-Whole Convertible Securities (as defined below) and are not Excluded Convertible Securities under, and as defined in, the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation. For purposes of determining whether any Convertible Securities will be Excluded Convertible Securities hereunder or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, Convertible Securities that are converted prior to such date shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated. The provisions of Section 8(a) below will apply to the exercise of any Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Excluded Convertible Securities. | |
Expiration Date: |
The second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture), subject to the provisions set forth opposite the caption Notice of Exercise below. | |
Automatic Exercise: |
As provided above under Required Exercise on Conversion Dates. | |
Exercise Notice Deadline: |
In respect of any exercise of Options hereunder on any Conversion Date, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) relating to the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date occurring on the relevant Exercise Date (or, in the event there is no Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) relating to such Convertible Securities, the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following such Conversion Date); provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any |
3
Conversion Date occurring on or after September 15, 2020 (the Free Convertibility Date), the Exercise Notice Deadline shall be the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture). | ||
Notice of Exercise: |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Equity Definitions, Dealer shall have no obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder unless Counterparty notifies Dealer in writing prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Exercise Notice Deadline in respect of such exercise of (i) the number of Convertible Securities being converted on the relevant Conversion Date (including, if applicable, whether all or any portion of such Convertible Securities are Convertible Securities as to which additional Shares would be added to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture (the Make-Whole Convertible Securities)), (ii) the scheduled settlement date under the Indenture for the Convertible Securities converted on the Conversion Date, (iii) whether such Relevant Convertible Securities will be settled by Counterparty by delivery of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and, if such a combination, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) and (iv) the first Scheduled Trading Day of the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture); if any, provided that in the case of any exercise of Options hereunder in connection with the conversion of any Relevant Convertible Securities on any Conversion Date occurring on or after the Free Convertibility Date, the contents of such notice shall be as set forth in clause (i) above; provided, further, that any Notice of Exercise delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation shall be deemed to be a Notice of Exercise pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Notice of Exercise shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation. For the avoidance of doubt, if Counterparty fails to give such notice when due in respect of any exercise of Options hereunder, Dealers obligation to make any payment or delivery in respect of such exercise shall be permanently extinguished, and late notice shall not cure such failure; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options relating to Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date (as defined in the Indenture) occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, such notice (and the related exercise or termination, as the case may be, of Options hereunder) shall be effective if given after the Exercise Notice Deadline, but prior to 5:00 PM New York City time on the fifth Exchange Business Day following the Exercise Notice Deadline, in which event the Calculation Agent shall have the right to adjust the Delivery Obligation as appropriate to reflect the additional costs (including, but not limited to, hedging mismatches and market losses) and expenses incurred by Dealer in connection with its hedging activities (including the unwinding of any hedge position) as a result of Dealer not having received such notice on or prior to the Exercise Notice Deadline. | |
Notice of Convertible Security |
||
Settlement Method: |
Unless Counterparty shall have notified Dealer in writing (i) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Date, in the related |
4
Notice of Exercise, within the applicable time period therefor set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the "Specified Dollar Amount" (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities or (ii) in the case of Relevant Convertible Securities with a Conversion Date occurring during the period beginning on and including the Free Convertibility Date and ending on and including the second Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) (the Free Convertibility Period), before 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding the Free Convertibility Date of the irrevocable election by the Counterparty, in accordance with Section 13.02(a)(i) of the Indenture, of the settlement method and, if applicable, the Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, in either case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), Counterparty shall be deemed to have notified Dealer of a Combination Settlement (as defined in the Indenture) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 applicable to such Relevant Convertible Securities, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities. Counterparty acknowledges its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) and the rules and regulations thereunder, in respect of any election of a settlement method with respect to the Convertible Securities. | ||
Dealers Telephone Numberand Telex and/or Facsimile Numberand Contact Details for purpose of |
||
Giving Notice: |
To be provided by Dealer. | |
Settlement Terms: | ||
Settlement Date: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture; provided that the Settlement Date will not be prior to the Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) immediately following the date Counterparty provides the Notice of Delivery Obligation prior to 5:00 PM, New York City time. | |
Delivery Obligation: |
In lieu of the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 and 9.1 of the Equity Definitions, and subject to Notice of Exercise above, in respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, Dealer will deliver to Counterparty, on the related Settlement Date, a number of Shares and/or amount of cash in USD equal to the product of (i) the Applicable Percentage and (ii) the aggregate number of Shares, if any, that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to the holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities converted on such Conversion Date pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture and/or the aggregate amount of cash, if any, in excess of USD1,000 per Convertible Security (in denominations of USD1,000) that Counterparty would be obligated to deliver to holder(s) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture (except that |
5
such aggregate number of Shares shall be determined without taking into consideration any rounding pursuant to Section 13.02(j) of the Indenture and shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number) and cash in lieu of fractional Shares, if any, resulting from such rounding, as if Counterparty had elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities by the Convertible Security Settlement Method, notwithstanding any different actual election by Counterparty with respect to the settlement of such Convertible Securities (the Convertible Obligation); provided that (i) if the Convertible Obligation exceeds the Capped Convertible Obligation, then the Delivery Obligation shall be the Capped Convertible Obligation; and (ii) the Convertible Obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Capped Convertible Obligation) shall be determined excluding any Shares and/or cash that Counterparty is obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities as a result of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Delivery Obligation shall not include any interest payment on the Relevant Convertible Securities that the Counterparty is (or would have been) obligated to deliver to holder(s) of the Relevant Convertible Securities for such Conversion Date); provided, further that if Counterparty or its board of directors is permitted or required to exercise discretion under the terms of the Indenture with respect to any determination, calculation or adjustment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 13.05 of the Indenture or in connection with any proportional adjustments or the determination of the fair value of any securities, property, rights or other assets) (any such determination, calculation or adjustment, a Counterparty Determination), Counterparty shall consult with Dealer with respect thereto and, if the Calculation Agent disagrees in good faith with such Counterparty Determination, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Calculation Agent shall make the relevant determination, calculation or adjustment for purposes of this Transaction (and for the avoidance of doubt, such determination, calculation or adjustment shall be made (A) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Indenture, except as set forth in this paragraph, and (B) using, where relevant, variables determined by the Calculation Agent). | ||
Capped Convertible Obligation: |
In respect of an Exercise Date occurring on a Conversion Date, the Convertible Obligation that would apply if the Daily VWAP for each Trading Day in the Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method below) were the lesser of (x) the Cap Price and (y) the actual Daily VWAP for such Trading Day. | |
Applicable Limit: |
Notwithstanding the provisions under Delivery Obligation above but subject to Section 8(a) below, in all events the Delivery Obligation for any Option shall be capped so that (i) an amount of cash in USD equal to the sum of (x) the number of Shares comprising such Delivery Obligation multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option and (y) the amount of cash in USD comprising such Delivery Obligation does not exceed (ii) an amount of cash in USD equal to the Applicable |
6
Percentage multiplied by the excess of (x) the aggregate of (A) the amount of cash, if any, payable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security and (B) the number of Shares, if any, deliverable to the holder of the related Relevant Convertible Security multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the Settlement Date for such Option over (y) USD1,000. | ||
Applicable Limit Price: |
On any day, the opening price as displayed under the heading Op on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> (or any successor thereto). | |
Convertible Security Settlement Method: |
For any Relevant Convertible Securities, if Counterparty has notified Dealer in the related Notice of Exercise (or in the Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method, as the case may be) that it has elected to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities in cash or in a combination of cash and Shares in accordance with Section 13.02(a) of the Indenture (a Cash Election) with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of at least USD1,000, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall be the settlement method actually so elected by Counterparty in respect of such Relevant Convertible Securities; otherwise, the Convertible Security Settlement Method shall (i) assume Counterparty had made a Cash Election with respect to such Relevant Convertible Securities with a Specified Dollar Amount (as defined in the Indenture) of USD1,000 per Relevant Convertible Security and (ii) be calculated as if the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture consisted of 100 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) commencing on (x) the second Scheduled Trading Day (as defined in the Indenture) after the Conversion Date for conversions occurring prior to the Free Convertibility Period or (y) the 102nd Scheduled Trading Day prior to the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) for conversions occurring during the Free Convertibility Period. | |
Notice of Delivery Obligation: |
No later than the Exchange Business Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above), Counterparty shall give Dealer notice of the final number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligation; provided that, with respect to any Exercise Date occurring during the Free Convertibility Period, Counterparty may provide Dealer with a single notice of an aggregate number of Shares and/or cash comprising the Convertible Obligations for all Exercise Dates occurring in such period on (i) if Physical Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date (each as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) if Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement applies to the related Relevant Convertible Securities, the Trading Day immediately following the last day of the relevant Observation Period (each as defined in the Indenture) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the requirement of Counterparty to deliver such notice shall not limit Counterpartys obligations with respect to any Notice of Exercise or any Notice of Convertible Security Settlement Method or Dealers obligations with respect to any Delivery Obligation, each as set forth above, in any way). |
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Other Applicable Provisions: |
To the extent Dealer is obligated to deliver Shares hereunder, the provisions of Sections 9.1(c), 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the Issuer of the Shares) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction. | |
Share Adjustments: | ||
Method of Adjustment: |
Notwithstanding Section 11.2 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make (A) an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction (other than the Cap Price) and (B) a proportionate adjustment to the Cap Price to the extent any adjustment is made to the Strike Price pursuant to clause (A) above; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion but without duplication of any adjustment pursuant to clause (i) above, make any further adjustment consistent with the Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions (as modified pursuant to this Confirmation) to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) to preserve the fair value of the Options to Dealer, after taking into account such Potential Adjustment Event; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price. | |
Reasonably promptly upon the occurrence of any such event or condition set forth in Sections 13.04(a)-(e) or 13.05 of the Indenture, Counterparty shall notify the Calculation Agent of such event or condition; and once the adjustments to be made to the terms of the Indenture and the Convertible Securities in respect of such event or condition have been determined, Counterparty shall reasonably promptly notify the Calculation Agent in writing of the details of such adjustments. | ||
Extraordinary Events: | ||
Merger Events: |
Notwithstanding Section 12.1(b) of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, a Merger Event means the occurrence of any event or condition set forth in the definition of Merger Event under Section 13.07(a) of the Indenture. | |
Consequences of Merger |
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Events/Tender Offers: |
Notwithstanding Sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Equity Definitions, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction, upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that results in an adjustment under the Indenture, (i) the Calculation Agent shall make an analogous adjustment to the terms relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of the Transaction; provided that such adjustment shall be made without regard to any adjustment to |
8
the Conversion Rate pursuant to Sections 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture; and (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its commercially reasonable discretion, make any further adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of any Option) consistent with the Modified Calculation Agent Adjustment set forth in Section 12.2(e) or 12.3(d) of the Equity Definitions, as applicable; provided that in no event shall the Cap Price be less than the Strike Price; provided further that if, with respect to a Merger Event, the consideration for the Shares includes (or, at the option of a holder of Shares, may include) shares of an entity or person not organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination) shall apply. | ||
Notice of Merger Consideration: |
Upon the occurrence of a Merger Event that causes the Shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), Counterparty shall reasonably promptly (but, in any event prior to the relevant merger date) notify the Calculation Agent of (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Shares entitled to receive cash, securities or other property or assets with respect to or in exchange for such Shares in any Merger Event who affirmatively make such an election and (ii) the details of the adjustment made under the Indenture in respect of such Merger Event. | |
Tender Offer: |
Applicable | |
Announcement Event: |
If an Announcement Date occurs in respect of a Merger Event or Tender Offer (such occurrence, an Announcement Event), then on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which the transaction described in any Announcement Event (as amended or modified) is cancelled, withdrawn, discontinued or otherwise terminated and (ii) the Expiration Date, Early Termination Date or other date of cancellation or termination in respect of each Option (the Announcement Event Adjustment Date), the Calculation Agent will determine the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event (without duplication in respect of any other adjustment or cancellation valuation made pursuant to this Confirmation, the Equity Definitions or the Agreement, regardless of whether the Announcement Event actually results in a Merger Event or Tender Offer, and taking into account such factors as the Calculation Agent may determine, including, without limitation, changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the Shares or the Transaction during the period from the Announcement Event to the Announcement Event Adjustment Date); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt (x) in no event shall the modification or amendment of the terms of a transaction described in an Announcement Event constitute a new, additional or different Announcement Event hereunder (but any such modification or amendment may be taken into account in determining the cumulative economic effect on such Option of the Announcement Event) and (y) the occurrence of an Announcement Event Adjustment Date in respect of the cancellation, withdrawal, discontinuation or other termination of the transaction described in an Announcement Event (as amended or modified) shall not |
9
preclude the occurrence of a later Announcement Date with respect to such transaction. If the Calculation Agent determines that such cumulative economic effect on any Option is material, then on the Announcement Event Adjustment Date for such Option, the Calculation Agent may make such adjustment to the Cap Price (but, for the avoidance of doubt, to no other term relevant to the exercise, settlement or payment of such Option) as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for such economic effect, which adjustment shall be effective immediately prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of such Option, as the case may be. | ||
Announcement Date: |
The definition of Announcement Date in Section 12.1 of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the words a firm with the word any in the second and fourth lines thereof, (ii) replacing the word leads to the with the words , if completed, would lead to a in the third and the fifth lines thereof, (iii) replacing the words voting shares with the word Shares in the fifth line thereof, and (iv) inserting the words by any entity after the word announcement in the second and the fourth lines thereof. | |
Nationalization, Insolvencyor Delisting: |
Cancellation and Payment (Calculation Agent Determination); provided that, in addition to the provisions of Section 12.6(a)(iii) of the Equity Definitions, it shall also constitute a Delisting if the Exchange is located in the United States and the Shares are not immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or their respective successors); if the Shares are immediately re-listed, re-traded or re-quoted on any such exchange or quotation system, such exchange or quotation system shall thereafter be deemed to be the Exchange. | |
Additional Disruption Events: |
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(a) Change in Law: |
Applicable; provided that Section 12.9(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (i) replacing the phrase the interpretation in the third line thereof with the phrase , or public announcement of, the formal or informal interpretation, (ii) replacing the word Shares with the phrase Hedge Positions in clause (X) thereof, (iii) inserting the parenthetical (including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, adoption or promulgation of new regulations authorized or mandated by existing statute) at the end of clause (A) thereof, (iv) immediately following the word Transaction in clause (X) thereof, adding the phrase in the manner contemplated by the Hedging Party on the Trade Date and (v) adding the following proviso to the end of clause (Y) thereof: provided that such party has used good faith efforts to avoid such increased cost on terms reasonably acceptable to such party, as long as (i) such party would not incur a materially increased cost (including, without limitation, due to any increase in tax liability, decrease in tax benefit or other adverse effect on its tax position, or any increase in margin or capital requirements), as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (ii) such party would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of such party, as reasonably determined by such party, in doing so, (iii) such party would not suffer a material penalty, injunction, non-financial burden, reputational harm or other material adverse |
10
consequence in doing so, (iv) such party would not incur any material operational or administrative burden in doing so and (v) such party would not, in doing so, be required to take any action that is contrary to the intent of the law or regulation that is subject to the Change in Law. | ||
(b) Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |
(c) Insolvency Filing: |
Applicable | |
(d) Hedging Disruption: |
Applicable; provided that: | |
(i) Section 12.9(a)(v) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting the following two phrases at the end of such Section: | ||
For the avoidance of doubt, the term equity price risk shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, stock price and volatility risk. And, for the further avoidance of doubt, any such transactions or assets referred to in phrases (A) or (B) above must be available on commercially reasonable pricing terms.; and | ||
(ii) Section 12.9(b)(iii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by inserting in the third line thereof, after the words to terminate the Transaction, the words or a portion of the Transaction affected by such Hedging Disruption. | ||
(e) Increased Cost of Hedging: |
Not Applicable | |
Hedging Party: |
For all applicable Potential Adjustment Events and Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Determining Party: |
For all applicable Extraordinary Events, Dealer | |
Non-Reliance: |
Applicable | |
Agreements and Acknowledgments |
||
Regarding Hedging Activities: |
Applicable | |
Additional Acknowledgments: |
Applicable |
3. Calculation Agent: Dealer, whose judgments, determinations and calculations shall be made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner. Following any determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent hereunder, upon a request by Company, the Calculation Agent shall promptly (but in any event within three Scheduled Trading Days) provide to Company by e-mail to the e-mail address provided by Company in such request a report (in a commonly used file format for the storage and manipulation of financial data) displaying in reasonable detail the basis for such determination or calculation (including any assumptions used in making such determination or calculation), it being understood that the Calculation Agent shall not be obligated to disclose any proprietary models used by it for such determination or calculation.
4. Account Details:
Dealer Payment Instructions: | Payments to: | SOCIETE GENERALE | ||
Correspondent: | SOCIETE GENERALE/New York SOGEUS33 | |||
Beneficiary: | SOCIETE GENERALE/Paris SOGEFRPPHCM | |||
Account Number: | 00187011 | |||
Counterparty Payment Instructions: | To be provided by Counterparty. |
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5. Offices:
The Office of Dealer for the Transaction is: Paris
The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Not applicable
6. Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:
Address for notices or communications to Counterparty for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Encore Capital Group, Inc. | |
3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1300 | ||
San Diego, CA 92108 | ||
Attn: | Paul Grinberg, Chief Financial Officer | |
Telephone: | 858-309-6904 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6977 | |
With a copy to: | ||
Attn: | Greg Call, General Counsel | |
Telephone: | 858-569-3978 | |
Facsimile: | 858-309-6998 |
Address for notices or communications to Dealer for purposes of this Confirmation:
To: | Société Générale | |
c/o SG Americas Securities, LLC | ||
245 Park Avenue | ||
New York, NY 10167 | ||
Attn: | Sanjay Garg | |
Telephone: | 212-278-5187 | |
Facsimile: | 212-278-5624 | |
With a copy to: | Société Générale | |
c/o SG Americas Securities, LLC | ||
245 Park Avenue | ||
New York, NY 10167 | ||
Attn: | Rafal A. Nowak | |
Telephone: | 212-278-7831 | |
Facsimile: | 212-278-7365 |
7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements:
(a) Each of the representations and warranties of Counterparty set forth in Section 1 of the Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated as of March 5, 2014, between Counterparty and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as representatives of the initial purchasers party thereto (the Initial Purchasers), are true and correct and are hereby deemed to be repeated to Dealer as if set forth herein. In addition to the representations and warranties in the Agreement and those contained elsewhere herein, Counterparty represents and warrants to and for the benefit of, and agrees with, Dealer as follows:
(i) On the Trade Date (A) Counterparty is not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Counterparty or the Shares and (B) all reports and other documents filed by Counterparty with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) when considered as a whole (with the more recent such reports and documents deemed to amend inconsistent statements contained in any earlier such reports and documents), do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
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(ii) (A) (i) On the Trade Date, (ii) during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and (iii) in the event an Early Termination Date is designated due to an Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or 8(a)(iv), during a period starting on or about such Early Termination Date as reasonably determined by Dealer and notified to Counterparty (an Early Termination Period), in each case, the Shares or securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Shares, are not, and shall not be, subject to a restricted period, as such term is defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act (Regulation M) and (B), without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding clause (A), the Counterparty shall not engage in any distribution, as such term is defined in Regulation M, other than a distribution meeting the requirements of the exceptions set forth in sections 101(b) and 102(b) of Regulation M, until the second Exchange Business Day immediately following the Trade Date.
(iii) On the Trade Date, and on each day during the Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above) applicable to the Relevant Convertible Securities and any Early Termination Period, neither Counterparty nor any affiliated purchaser (each as defined in Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act (Rule 10b-18)) shall directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of any cash-settled or other derivative instrument) purchase, offer to purchase, place any bid or limit order that would effect a purchase of, or commence any tender offer relating to, any Shares (or an equivalent interest, including a unit of beneficial interest in a trust or limited partnership or a depository share) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
(iv) Without limiting the generality of Section 13.1 of the Equity Definitions, Counterparty acknowledges that Dealer is not making any representations or warranties or taking any position or expressing any view with respect to the treatment of the Transaction under any accounting standards including ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (or any successor issue statements) or under FASBs Liabilities & Equity Project.
(v) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a)(iii) of the Agreement, the Transaction will not violate Rule 13e-1 or Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act.
(vi) On or prior to the Effective Date, Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer a resolution of Counterpartys board of directors authorizing the Transaction.
(vii) Counterparty is not entering into this Confirmation to create actual or apparent trading activity in the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) or otherwise in violation of the Exchange Act.
(viii) Counterparty is not, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ix) On each of the Trade Date and the Premium Payment Date, Counterparty is not, or will not be, insolvent (as such term is defined under Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) (the Bankruptcy Code)) and Counterparty would be able to purchase the Shares hereunder in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(x) To Counterpartys knowledge, based on due inquiry, no state or local (including non-U.S. jurisdictions) law, rule, regulation or regulatory order applicable to the Shares would give rise to any reporting, consent, registration or other requirement (including without limitation a requirement to obtain prior approval from any person or entity) as a result of Dealer or its affiliates owning or holding (however defined) Shares.
(xi) Counterparty understands no obligations of Dealer to it hereunder will be entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Dealer or any governmental agency.
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(xii) Counterparty (A) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, (B) will exercise independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of any broker-dealer or its associated persons, unless it has otherwise notified the broker-dealer in writing, and (C) has total assets of at least $50 million.
(b) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and represents that it is an eligible contract participant as defined in the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
(c) Each of Dealer and Counterparty acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Transaction to it is intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. Accordingly, Counterparty represents and warrants to Dealer that (i) it has the financial ability to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Transaction and is able to bear a total loss of its investment, (ii) it is an accredited investor as that term is defined in Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act, (iii) it is entering into the Transaction for its own account and without a view to the distribution or resale thereof and (iv) the assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Transaction has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and is restricted under this Confirmation, the Securities Act and state securities laws.
(d) Each of Dealer and Counterparty agrees and acknowledges that Dealer is a financial institution, swap participant and financial participant within the meaning of Sections 101(22), 101(53C) and 101(22A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The parties hereto further agree and acknowledge that it is the intent of the parties that (A) this Confirmation is (i) a securities contract, as such term is defined in Section 741(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a settlement payment, within the meaning of Section 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) a swap agreement, as such term is defined in Section 101(53B) of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to which each payment and delivery hereunder or in connection herewith is a termination value, payment amount or other transfer obligation within the meaning of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and a transfer, as such term is defined in Section 101(54) of the Bankruptcy Code and a payment or other transfer of property within the meaning of Sections 362 and 546 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (B) that Dealer is entitled to the protections afforded by, among other sections, Sections 362(b)(6), 362(b)(17), 362(o), 546(e), 546(g), 548(d)(2), 555, 560 and 561 of the Bankruptcy Code.
(e) Counterparty shall deliver to Dealer an opinion of counsel, dated as of the Effective Date, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 3(a) of the Agreement; provided that, such opinion of counsel may contain customary exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, excepts and qualifications relating to indemnification provisions.
8. Other Provisions:
(a) Additional Termination Events.
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to Counterparty under the terms of the Convertible Securities as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Indenture that results in an acceleration of the Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be an Additional Termination Event with respect to which the Transaction is the sole Affected Transaction and Counterparty is the sole Affected Party, and Dealer shall be the party entitled to designate an Early Termination Date pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Make-Whole Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Relevant Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Relevant Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Relevant Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Relevant Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise,
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divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Relevant Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Relevant Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Relevant Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture taking into account any adjustments thereto pursuant to Section 13.03 of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Relevant Convertible Securities relating to such Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(iii) Within five Scheduled Trading Days promptly following any Repayment Event (as defined below), Counterparty shall notify Dealer of such Repayment Event and the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Securities subject to such Repayment Event (any such notice, a Repayment Notice); provided that such Repayment Notice shall contain an acknowledgement by Counterparty of its responsibilities under applicable securities laws, and in particular Section 9 and 10(b) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall remake the representations set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A), in each case in respect of such repurchase and delivery of such Repayment Notice; provided, further that, any Repayment Notice delivered to Dealer pursuant to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation shall deemed to be a Repayment Notice pursuant to this Confirmation and the terms of such Repayment Notice shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this Confirmation. The receipt by Dealer from Counterparty of any Repayment Notice shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph. Upon receipt of any such Repayment Notice, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following receipt of such Repayment Notice as an Early Termination Date with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Repayment Options) equal to the lesser of (A) (x) the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice, divided by USD1,000, minus (y) the number of Repayment Options (as defined in the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation), if any, that relate to such Convertible Securities (and for the purposes of determining whether any Options under this Confirmation or under the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation will be among the Repayment Options hereunder or under, and as defined in, the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation, the Convertible Securities specified in such Repayment Notice shall be allocated first to the Base Capped Call Transaction Confirmation until all Options thereunder are exercised or terminated), and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Repayment Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Repayment Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction and a Number of Options equal to the number of Repayment Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction. Repayment Event means that (i) any Convertible Securities are repurchased (whether in connection with or as a result of a fundamental change, howsoever defined, or for any other reason) by Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any Convertible Securities are delivered to Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries in exchange for delivery of any property or assets of such party (howsoever described), (iii) any principal of any of the Convertible Securities is repaid prior to the final maturity date of the Convertible Securities (for any reason other than as a result of an acceleration of the Convertible Securities that results in an Additional Termination Event pursuant to the preceding Section 8(a)(i)), or (iv) any Convertible Securities are exchanged by or for the benefit of the holders thereof for any other securities of Counterparty or any of its subsidiaries (or any other property, or any combination thereof) pursuant to any exchange offer or similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of Convertible Securities pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall not constitute a Repayment Event.
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(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Confirmation, the receipt by Dealer from Counterparty, within the applicable time period set forth under Notice of Exercise above, of any Notice of Exercise in respect of the exercise of any Options that, according to such Notice of Exercise, relate to Relevant Convertible Securities that are Excluded Convertible Securities shall constitute an Additional Termination Event as provided in this paragraph and shall not result in the exercise of any Options. Upon receipt of any such Notice of Exercise, Dealer shall designate an Exchange Business Day following such Additional Termination Event as an Early Termination Date (and Dealer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to designate such Early Termination Date so that the related payment or delivery, as the case may be, hereunder in respect of the Applicable Conversion Options will occur on (or as promptly as reasonable practicable after) the related settlement for the conversion of the Excluded Convertible Securities) with respect to the portion of the Transaction corresponding to a number of Options (the Applicable Conversion Options) equal to the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of Excluded Convertible Securities specified in such Notice of Exercise, divided by USD1,000, and (B) the Number of Options as of the date Dealer designates such Early Termination Date and, as of such date, the Number of Options shall be reduced by the number of Applicable Conversion Options. Any payment hereunder with respect to such termination (the Early Conversion Unwind Payment) shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement as if (1) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Transaction (except that, for purposes of this Section 8(a)(iv), the provisions opposite the caption Applicable Limit above shall be deemed to be deleted from this Confirmation) and a Number of Options equal to the number of Applicable Conversion Options, (2) Counterparty were the sole Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event and (3) the terminated portion of the Transaction were the sole Affected Transaction (and, in determining the amount payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement, the Calculation Agent shall not take into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture); provided that, the Early Conversion Unwind Payment shall not be greater than (x) the Applicable Percentage multiplied by (y) the number of Applicable Conversion Options multiplied by (z) the excess of (I) the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture without taking into account any adjustments to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Indenture) pursuant to Section 13.03 or 13.04(h) of the Indenture), multiplied by the Applicable Limit Price on the settlement date for the cash and/or Shares to be delivered pursuant to Section 13.02 of the Indenture in respect of the Excluded Convertible Securities relating to such Early Conversion Unwind Payment, over (II) USD1,000.
(b) Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and on Certain Extraordinary Events. If Dealer shall owe Counterparty any amount pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above or Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, including, without limitation, any Conversion Unwind Payment, any Early Conversion Unwind Payment and any Repayment Unwind Payment (a Payment Obligation), Dealer shall satisfy any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination Alternative (as defined below) unless either (i) Counterparty shall have elected for Dealer to satisfy such Payment Obligation in cash in USD by (x) giving irrevocable telephonic notice to Dealer, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day, no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable and (y) remaking the representation set forth in Section 7(a)(i)(A) of this Confirmation on the date of such notice, confirmed in writing within one Scheduled Trading Day or (ii) in the event of (x) an Insolvency, a Nationalization or a Merger Event, in each case, in which the consideration or proceeds to be paid to holders of Shares consists solely of cash or (y) an Event of Default in which Counterparty is the Defaulting Party or a Termination Event in which Counterparty is the Affected Party, which Event of Default or Termination Event resulted from an event or events within Counterpartys control (other than any Additional Termination Event pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(a)(iii)), in either of which cases under the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), the provisions of Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Sections 12.6, 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as the case may be, shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this Section 8(b) in respect of such Payment Obligation. In the case of any such settlement by the Share Termination Alternative, the following provisions shall apply on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately following the relevant merger date, Announcement Date, Early Termination Date or date of cancellation or termination in respect of an Extraordinary Event, as applicable:
Share Termination Alternative: |
Applicable and means that Dealer shall deliver to Counterparty the Share Termination Delivery Property on the date on which the Payment Obligation would otherwise be due pursuant to Consequences of Merger Events/Tender Offers above, Section 12.7 or 12.9 of the Equity Definitions or Section 6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as applicable, or such later date as the Calculation Agent may reasonably determine (the Share Termination Payment Date), in satisfaction of the Payment Obligation. |
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Share Termination Delivery Property: |
A number of Share Termination Delivery Units, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, equal to the Payment Obligation divided by the Share Termination Unit Price. The Calculation Agent shall adjust the Share Termination Delivery Property by replacing any fractional portion of the aggregate amount of a security therein with an amount of cash equal to the value of such fractional security based on the values used to calculate the Share Termination Unit Price. | |
Share Termination Unit Price: |
The value of property contained in one Share Termination Delivery Unit on the date such Share Termination Delivery Units are to be delivered as Share Termination Delivery Property, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its discretion by commercially reasonable means and notified by the Calculation Agent to Dealer at the time of notification of the Payment Obligation. | |
Share Termination Delivery Unit: |
In the case of a Termination Event, Event of Default, Delisting or Additional Disruption Event, one Share or, in the case of an Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, one Share or a unit consisting of the number or amount of each type of property received by a holder of one Share (without consideration of any requirement to pay cash or other consideration in lieu of fractional amounts of any securities) in such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event, as applicable. If such Insolvency, Nationalization or Merger Event involves a choice of consideration to be received by holders, such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive the maximum possible amount of cash. | |
Failure to Deliver: |
Applicable | |
Other applicable provisions: |
If Share Termination Alternative is applicable, the provisions of Sections 9.8, 9.9, 9.11 (except that the Representation and Agreement contained in Section 9.11 of the Equity Definitions shall be modified by excluding any representations therein relating to restrictions, obligations, limitations or requirements under applicable securities laws arising as a result of the fact that Counterparty is the issuer of the Shares or any portion of the Share Termination Delivery Units) and 9.12 of the Equity Definitions will be applicable as if Physical Settlement applied to the Transaction, except that all references to Shares shall be read as references to Share Termination Delivery Units. |
(c) Disposition of Hedge Shares. Counterparty hereby agrees that if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of Dealer, based on advice of counsel, any Shares acquired by Dealer for the purpose of hedging its obligations pursuant to the Transaction, other than any such Shares that were, at the time of acquisition by Dealer, restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (any such Shares, the Hedge Shares), cannot be sold in the public market by Dealer without registration under the Securities Act, Counterparty shall, at its election: (i) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a registered offering, make available to Dealer an effective registration statement under the Securities Act to cover the resale of such Hedge Shares and (A) enter into an agreement substantially similar to underwriting agreements for registered secondary offerings of a substantially similar size, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, (B) provide accountants comfort letters in customary form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size, (C) provide disclosure opinions of nationally recognized outside counsel to Counterparty reasonably acceptable to Dealer, (D) provide other customary opinions, certificates and closing documents customary in form for registered offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size and (E) afford Dealer a reasonable opportunity to conduct a due diligence investigation with respect to Counterparty customary in scope for underwritten offerings of equity securities of a substantially similar size; provided, however, that if Dealer, in its reasonable discretion, is not satisfied with access to due diligence materials, the results of its due diligence investigation, or the procedures and documentation for the registered offering referred to above, then clause (ii) or clause (iii) of this Section 8(c) shall apply at the election of Counterparty; (ii) in order to allow Dealer to sell the Hedge Shares in a private placement, enter into a private placement agreement substantially similar to private placement purchase agreements customary for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, in form and
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substance reasonably satisfactory to Dealer, including customary representations, covenants, blue sky and other governmental filings and/or registrations, indemnities to Dealer, due diligence rights (for Dealer or any designated buyer of the Hedge Shares from Dealer), opinions and certificates and such other documentation as is customary for private placements agreements for private placements of equity securities of a substantially similar size, all reasonably acceptable to Dealer (in which case, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments to the terms of the Transaction that are necessary, in its reasonable judgment, to compensate Dealer for any discount from the public market price of the Shares incurred on the sale of Hedge Shares in a private placement); or (iii) purchase the Hedge Shares from Dealer at the VWAP Price on such Exchange Business Days, and in the amounts, requested by Dealer. VWAP Price means, on any Exchange Business Day, the per Share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page ECPG <equity> AQR (or any successor thereto) in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Exchange Business Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one Share on such Exchange Business Day, as determined by the Calculation Agent using a volume-weighted method).
(d) Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on or prior to any day on which Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, give Dealer a written notice of such repurchase (a Repurchase Notice) if, following such repurchase, the Notice Percentage as determined on the date of such Repurchase Notice is (i) greater than 9.0% and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Notice Percentage included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or, in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than the Notice Percentage as of the date hereof). The Notice Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Number of Shares and the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. In the event that Counterparty fails to provide Dealer with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in the manner specified in this Section 8(d) then Counterparty agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Dealer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons (Dealer and each such person being an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable securities laws, including without limitation, Section 16 of the Exchange Act, relating to or arising out of such failure. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold harmless any Indemnified Party, then Counterparty shall contribute, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability. In addition, Counterparty will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred (after notice to Counterparty) in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense or settlement of any pending or threatened claim or any action, suit or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such claim, action, suit or proceeding is initiated or brought by or on behalf of Counterparty. This indemnity shall survive the completion of the Transaction contemplated by this Confirmation and any assignment and delegation of the Transaction made pursuant to this Confirmation or the Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any permitted assignee of Dealer.
(e) Transfer and Assignment.
(i) Either party may transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Transaction with the prior written consent of the non-transferring party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. For the avoidance of doubt, Dealer may condition its consent on any of the following, without limitation: (i) the receipt by Dealer of opinions and documents reasonably satisfactory to Dealer in connection with such assignment, (ii) such assignment being effected on terms reasonably satisfactory to Dealer with respect to any legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Dealer, (iii) Counterparty continuing to be obligated to provide notices hereunder relating to the Convertible Securities and continuing to be obligated with respect to Disposition of Hedge Shares and Repurchase Notices above, (iv) Counterparty not being released from its indemnification obligations under Section 8(d) of this Confirmation, (v) such assignment only being to a third party that is a United States person (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), (vi) Dealer not being, as a result of such assignment, required to pay the transferee on any payment date an amount under Section 2(d)(i)(4) of the Agreement greater than an amount Dealer would have been required to pay to Counterparty in the absence of such assignment, (vii) there not being an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event as a result of such assignment, (viii) without limiting the generality of clause (v), Counterparty causing the transferee to make such Payee Tax Representations and to provide such tax documentation as may be reasonably requested by Dealer to permit Dealer to determine that the results described in clauses (vi) and (vii) will not occur upon or after such assignment and (ix) Counterparty being responsible for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Dealer in
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connection with such assignment. In addition, Dealer may transfer or assign without any consent of the Counterparty its rights and obligations hereunder and under the Agreement (1) in whole or in part to any affiliate of Dealer of credit quality at least equivalent to that of Dealer as of the Trade Date, (2) in whole or in part to any other affiliate of Dealer with respect to which Counterparty shall have received a full guaranty of such affiliates obligations from Dealer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Counterparty or (3) if at the time of such transfer or assignment an Excess Ownership Position exists, in part to any other third party with a rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness equal to or better than the lesser of (I) the credit rating of Dealer at the time of the transfer and (II) A- by Standard and Poors Rating Group, Inc. or its successor (S&P), or A3 by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) or, if either S&P or Moodys ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent or better rating by a substitute rating agency mutually agreed by Counterparty and Dealer, in the case of this clause (3), to the extent that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists after giving effect to such partial transfer or assignment, in each case of the immediately preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3), only if an Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Termination Event will not occur as a result of such transfer or assignment.
(ii) At any time at which any Excess Ownership Position exists, if Dealer, in its discretion, is unable to effect a transfer or assignment to a third party in accordance with the requirements set forth above after using its commercially reasonable efforts on pricing terms and within a time period reasonably acceptable to Dealer such that an Excess Ownership Position no longer exists, Dealer may designate any Scheduled Trading Day as an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion (the Terminated Portion) of the Transaction, such that such Excess Ownership Position no longer exists. In the event that Dealer so designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion of the Transaction, a payment or delivery shall be made pursuant to Section 6 of the Agreement and Section 8(b) of this Confirmation as if (i) an Early Termination Date had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms identical to the Terminated Portion of the Transaction, (ii) Counterparty shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to such partial termination and (iii) such portion of the Transaction shall be the only Terminated Transaction. Excess Ownership Position means any of the following: (i) the Equity Percentage exceeds 9.0%, (ii) Dealer or any affiliate or associate of Dealer would own in excess of 14.0% of the outstanding Shares for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iii) Dealer, Dealer Group (as defined below) or any person whose ownership position would be aggregated with that of Dealer or Dealer Group (Dealer, Dealer Group or any such person, a Dealer Person) under any federal, state or local laws, regulations or regulatory orders applicable to ownership of Shares (Applicable Laws), owns, beneficially owns, constructively owns, controls, holds the power to vote or otherwise meets a relevant definition of ownership in excess of a number of Shares equal to (x) the number of Shares that would give rise to reporting or registration obligations (except for any filings of Form 13F, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act) or other requirements (including obtaining prior approval by a state or federal regulator) of a Dealer Person under Applicable Laws and with respect to which such requirements have not been met or the relevant approval has not been received minus (y) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the date of determination. The Equity Percentage as of any day is the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (A) the numerator of which is the number of Shares that Dealer and any of its affiliates or any other person subject to aggregation with Dealer, for purposes of the beneficial ownership test under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, or of any group (within the meaning of Section 13) of which Dealer is or may be deemed to be a part (Dealer and any such affiliates, persons and groups, collectively, Dealer Group), beneficially owns (within the meaning of Section 13 of the Exchange Act), without duplication, on such day and (B) the denominator of which is the number of Shares outstanding on such day (including, solely for such purpose, Shares that would be deemed outstanding pursuant to the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) if such sentence were applicable to the calculation of clause (B) of the definition of Equity Percentage).
(f) Staggered Settlement. If upon advice of counsel with respect to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including any requirements relating to Dealers hedging activities hereunder, Dealer reasonably determines that it would not be advisable to deliver, or to acquire Shares to deliver, any or all of the Shares to be delivered by Dealer on the relevant Settlement Date, Dealer may, by notice to Counterparty on or prior to any Settlement Date (a Nominal Settlement Date), elect to deliver the Shares on two or more dates (each, a Staggered Settlement Date) or at two or more times on the Nominal Settlement Date as follows:
19
(i) in such notice, Dealer will specify to Counterparty the related Staggered Settlement Dates (each of which will be on or prior to such Nominal Settlement Date, but not prior to the beginning of the related Observation Period (as defined in the Indenture, subject to the provision set forth opposite the caption Convertible Security Settlement Method above)) and/or delivery times (during any single Staggered Settlement Date) and how it will allocate the Shares it is required to deliver under Delivery Obligation (above) among the Staggered Settlement Dates and/or delivery times; and
(ii) the aggregate number of Shares that Dealer will deliver to Counterparty hereunder on all such Staggered Settlement Dates (including on one or more delivery times on any single Staggered Settlement Date) will equal the number of Shares that Dealer would otherwise be required to deliver on such Nominal Settlement Date.
(g) Right to Extend. Dealer may postpone any Exercise Date or Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, with respect to some or all of the relevant Options (in which event the Calculation Agent shall make appropriate adjustments to the Delivery Obligation), if Dealer determines in its good faith and reasonable discretion, based on advice of counsel in the case of the immediately following clause (ii), that such extension is reasonably necessary or appropriate to (i) preserve Dealers hedging or hedge unwind activity hereunder in light of existing liquidity conditions in the cash market, the stock loan market or any other relevant market or (ii) to enable Dealer to effect purchases of Shares in connection with its hedging, hedge unwind or settlement activity hereunder in a manner that would, if Dealer were Counterparty or an affiliated purchaser of Counterparty, be in compliance with applicable legal, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements, or with related policies and procedures applicable to Dealer; provided that, no such Exercise Date, Settlement Date or any other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer may be postponed or extended more than 50 Trading Days (as defined in the Indenture) after the original Exercise Date, Settlement Date or other date of valuation or delivery by Dealer, as the case may be.
(h) Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the Calculation Agent is called upon to make an adjustment pursuant to the terms of this Confirmation or the Definitions to take into account the effect of an event, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustment by reference to the effect of such event on the Hedging Party.
(i) Disclosure. Effective from the date of commencement of discussions concerning the Transaction, Counterparty and each of its employees, representatives, or other agents may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to Counterparty relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
(j) Designation by Dealer. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing Dealer to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any Shares or other securities to or from Counterparty, Dealer may designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to perform Dealer obligations in respect of the Transaction and any such designee may assume such obligations. Dealer shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty solely to the extent of any such performance.
(k) No Netting and Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement (including without limitation Section 6(f) thereof, which shall not apply with respect to the Transaction) and this Confirmation or any other agreement between the parties to the contrary, neither party shall net or set off its obligations under the Transaction against its rights against the other party under any other transaction or instrument.
(l) Equity Rights. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that this Confirmation is not intended to convey to it rights with respect to the Transaction that are senior to the claims of common stockholders in the event of Counterpartys bankruptcy. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the preceding sentence shall not apply at any time other than during Counterpartys bankruptcy to any claim arising as a result of a breach by Counterparty of any of its obligations under this Confirmation or the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this Confirmation is not secured by any collateral that would otherwise secure the obligations of Counterparty herein under or pursuant to any other agreement.
(m) Early Unwind. In the event the sale by Counterparty of the Additional Securities is not consummated with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any reason by the close of business in New York on the Premium Payment Date (or such later date as agreed upon by the parties, which in no event shall be later than April 18, 2014) (the Premium Payment Date or such later date being the Early Unwind Date), the Transaction shall automatically terminate (the Early Unwind), on the Early Unwind Date and the Transaction and all of the respective rights and obligations of Dealer and Counterparty thereunder shall be cancelled and terminated. Following such termination and cancellation, each party shall be released and discharged by the other party from and agrees not to make any claim against the other party with respect to any obligations or liabilities of either party arising out of and to be performed in connection with the Transaction either prior to or after the Early Unwind Date; provided
20
that, unless such Early Unwind Date occurred as a result of a breach of the Purchase Agreement by the Initial Purchasers, Counterparty shall purchase from Dealer on the Early Unwind Date all Shares purchased by Dealer or one or more of its affiliates in connection with the Transaction at the then prevailing market price. Dealer and Counterparty represent and acknowledge to the other that, subject to the proviso included in this Section 8(m), upon an Early Unwind, all obligations with respect to the Transaction shall be deemed fully and finally discharged.
(n) Payment by Counterparty. In the event that, following payment of the Premium, (i) an Early Termination Date occurs or is designated with respect to the Transaction as a result of a Termination Event or an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 5(a)(ii) or 5(a)(iv) of the Agreement) and, as a result, Counterparty owes to Dealer an amount calculated under Section 6(e) of the Agreement, or (ii) Counterparty owes to Dealer, pursuant to Section 12.7 or Section 12.9 of the Equity Definitions, an amount calculated under Section 12.8 of the Equity Definitions, such amount shall be deemed to be zero.
(o) Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. In connection with Section 739 of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 (WSTAA), the parties hereby agree that neither the enactment of WSTAA or any regulation under the WSTAA, nor any requirement under WSTAA or an amendment made by WSTAA, shall limit or otherwise impair either partys otherwise applicable rights to terminate, renegotiate, modify, amend or supplement this Confirmation or the Agreement, as applicable, arising from a termination event, force majeure, illegality, increased costs, regulatory change or similar event under this Confirmation, the Definitions incorporated herein, or the Agreement (including, but not limited to, rights arising from Change in Law, an Excess Ownership Position or Illegality (as defined in the Agreement)).
(p) Regulatory Provisions. Counterparty represents and warrants that it has received and read and understands the document titled Risk Disclosure Statement for Over-The-Counter Derivative Option Transactions heretofore provided by Dealer to Counterparty.
(q) Terms relating to the Agent. Dealer is not registered as a broker or dealer under the Exchange Act. Agent has acted solely as agent for Dealer and Counterparty to the extent required by law in connection with the Transaction and has no obligations, by way of issuance, endorsement, guarantee or otherwise, with respect to the performance of either party under the Transaction. The parties agree to proceed solely against each other, and not against Agent, in seeking enforcement of their rights and obligations with respect to the Transaction, including their rights and obligations with respect to payment of funds and delivery of securities.
(r) Broker. Agent may have been paid a fee by Dealer in connection with the Transaction. Further details will be furnished upon written request.
(s) Time of Dealing. The time of the Transaction will be furnished by Agent upon written request.
(t) Hedging and Market Activity of Dealer. Counterparty acknowledges and agrees that:
(i) During the term of the Transaction, Dealer and its affiliates may buy or sell Shares or other securities or buy or sell options or futures contracts or enter into swaps or other derivative securities in order to adjust Dealers hedge position with respect to the Transaction.
(ii) Dealer and its affiliates may also be active in the market for the Shares other than in connection with hedging activities in relation to the Transaction.
(iii) Dealer shall make its own determination as to whether, when or in what manner any hedging or market activities in Counterpartys securities shall be conducted and shall do so in a manner that it deems in good faith to be appropriate to hedge its price and market risk with respect to the price at which this Transaction settles.
(iv) Any market activities of Dealer and its affiliates with respect to the Shares may affect the market price and volatility of the Shares, as well as the price at which this Transaction settles, each in a manner that may be adverse to Counterparty.
21
(u) Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF COUNTERPARTY AND DEALER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS) ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR THE ACTIONS OF DEALER OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
(v) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. THIS CONFIRMATION AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS CONFIRMATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK IN CONNECTION WITH ALL MATTERS RELATING HERETO AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN, AND ANY CLAIM OF INCONVENIENT FORUM WITH RESPECT TO, THESE COURTS.
(w) Amendments to Equity Definitions.
(i) Section 11.2(a) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words a material.
(ii) Section 11.2(c) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (x) replacing the words a diluting or concentrative with an and (y) deleting the phrase (provided that no adjustments will be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares) and replacing it with the phrase (and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than in the case of a Share split, reverse Share split or equivalent transaction, adjustments may be made to account solely for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate or liquidity relative to the relevant Shares).
(iii) Section 11.2(e)(vii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by deleting the words that may have a diluting or concentrative and replacing them with the words that is the result of a corporate event involving Issuer or its securities that may have a material.
(iv) Section 12.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby amended by (1) deleting from the fourth line thereof the word or after the word official and inserting a comma therefor, and (2) deleting the semi-colon at the end of subsection (B) thereof and inserting the following words therefor or (C) at Dealers option, the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1) through (9) of the ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer.
22
Counterparty hereby agrees (a) to check this Confirmation carefully and immediately upon receipt so that errors or discrepancies can be promptly identified and rectified and (b) to confirm that the foregoing (in the exact form provided by Dealer) correctly sets forth the terms of the agreement between Dealer and Counterparty with respect to the Transaction, by manually signing this Confirmation or this page hereof as evidence of agreement to such terms and providing the other information requested herein and immediately returning an executed copy to Rafal A. Nowak, Equity Derivatives Legal Department, Facsimile No. 212-278-7365.
Yours faithfully, | ||
SOCIETE GENERALE | ||
By: |
/s/ Judy Liu | |
Name: Judy Liu | ||
Title: OTC Documentation Manager |
[Signature Page to Additional Capped Call Confirmation]
Confirmed and Acknowledged as of the date first above written:
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Paul Grinberg | |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Additional Capped Call Confirmation]
Annex A
Premium: USD 764,820.00
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