EX-10.1 2 ash-ex101_7.htm EX-10.1 ash-ex101_7.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 









SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

Dated as of March 17, 2021

among

VARIOUS ENTITIES LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO,

as Originators,

ASHLAND LLC,

as Servicer,

and

CVG CAPITAL III LLC,

as Buyer

 

 

 


 

 

Contents

 

Clause

Subject Matter

Page

 

 

Article I AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE AND SELL

2

 

 

 

 

Section 1.1 Agreement To Purchase and Sell

2

 

Section 1.2 Timing of Purchases

4

 

Section 1.3 Consideration for Purchases

4

 

Section 1.4 Purchase and Sale Termination Date

4

 

Section 1.5 Intention of the Parties

4

 

 

 

Article II CALCULATION OF PURCHASE PRICE

4

 

 

 

 

Section 2.1 [Reserved]

4

 

Section 2.2 Calculation of Purchase Price

4

 

 

 

Article III CONTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE

5

 

 

 

 

Section 3.1 Initial Contribution of Receivables and Initial Purchase Price
Payment

5

 

Section 3.2 Subsequent Purchase Price Payments

6

 

Section 3.3 Settlement as to Specific Receivables and Dilution

7

 

Section 3.4 Letters of Credit

8

 

 

 

Article IV CONDITIONS OF PURCHASES; ADDITIONAL ORIGINATORS

9

 

 

 

 

Section 4.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Purchase

9

 

Section 4.2 Certification as to Representations and Warranties

10

 

Section 4.3 Additional Originators

10

 

 

 

Article V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ORIGINATORS

11

 

 

 

 

Section 5.1 Existence and Power

11

 

Section 5.2 Power and Authority; Due Authorization

11

 

Section 5.3 No Conflict or Violation

12

 

Section 5.4 Governmental Approvals

12

 

Section 5.5 Valid Sale

12

 

Section 5.6 Binding Effect of Agreement

12

 

Section 5.7 Accuracy of Information

13

 

Section 5.8 Actions, Suit

13

 

Section 5.9 No Material Adverse Effect

13

 

Section 5.10 Names and Location

13

 

Section 5.11 Margin Stock

14

 

Section 5.12 Eligible Receivables

14

 

Section 5.13 Credit and Collection Policy

14

 

Section 5.14 Investment Company Act

14

 

Section 5.15 Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance

14

 

Section 5.16 Financial Condition

14

 

Section 5.17 Taxes

14

 

Section 5.18 ERISA

15

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Section 5.19 Bulk Sales

15

 

Section 5.20 No Fraudulent Conveyance

15

 

Section 5.21 Ordinary Course of Business

15

 

Section 5.22 Good Title; Perfection

15

 

Section 5.23 Perfection Representations

16

 

Section 5.24 Reliance on Separate Legal Identity

17

 

Section 5.25 Opinions

17

 

Section 5.26 Enforceability of Contracts

17

 

Section 5.27 Nature of Pool Receivables

17

 

Section 5.28 Compliance with Applicable Laws

17

 

Section 5.29 Servicing Programs

17

 

Section 5.30 [Reserved]

17

 

Section 5.31 Compliance with Transaction Documents

17

 

Section 5.32 Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties by each
Originator

18

 

 

 

Article VI COVENANTS OF THE ORIGINATORS

18

 

 

 

 

Section 6.1 Covenants

18

 

Section 6.2 Separateness Covenants

24

 

 

 

Article VII ADDITIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS IN RESPECT OF RECEIVABLES

26

 

 

 

 

Section 7.1 Rights of the Buyer

26

 

Section 7.2 Responsibilities of the Originators

26

 

Section 7.3 Further Action Evidencing Purchases

26

 

Section 7.4 Application of Collections

27

 

Section 7.5 Performance of Obligations

27

 

 

 

Article VIII PURCHASE AND SALE TERMINATION EVENTS

27

 

 

 

 

Section 8.1 Purchase and Sale Termination Events

27

 

Section 8.2 Remedies

28

 

 

 

Article IX INDEMNIFICATION

28

 

 

 

 

Section 9.1 Indemnities by the Originators and the Servicer

28

 

 

 

Article X MISCELLANEOUS

31

 

 

 

 

Section 10.1 Amendments, etc

31

 

Section 10.2 Notices, etc

32

 

Section 10.3 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies

32

 

Section 10.4 Binding Effect; Assignability

32

 

Section 10.5 Governing Law

32

 

Section 10.6 Costs, Expenses and Taxes

33

 

Section 10.7 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION

33

 

Section 10.8 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

34

 

Section 10.9 Captions and Cross References; Incorporation by Reference

34

 

Section 10.10 Execution in Counterparts

34

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Section 10.11 Acknowledgment and Agreement

34

 

Section 10.12 No Proceeding

34

 

Section 10.13 Mutual Negotiations

35

 

Section 10.14 Joint and Several Liability

35

 

Section 10.15 Severability

35

 

 

 

SCHEDULES

 

 

Schedule I

List and Location of Each Originator

Schedule II

Location of Books and Records of Originators

Schedule III

Trade Names

Schedule IV

Notice Addresses

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibit A

[Reserved]

Exhibit B

Form of Intercompany Loan Agreement

Exhibit C

Form of Joinder Agreement

 

 

 

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This SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), dated as of March 17, 2021 is entered into among the VARIOUS ENTITIES LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO (collectively, the “Originators” and each, an “Originator”), ASHLAND LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company (“Ashland”), as initial Servicer (as defined below), and CVG CAPITAL III LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Buyer”).

DEFINITIONS

Unless otherwise indicated herein, capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement are defined in Article I of the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Receivables Purchase Agreement”), among the Buyer, as seller, Ashland, as initial Servicer (in such capacity, the “Servicer”), the Persons from time to time party thereto as Purchasers, Group Agents, LC Bank and LC Participants, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and PNC Capital Markets, LLC, as Structuring Agent. All references hereto to months are to calendar months unless otherwise expressly indicated. All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time. All terms used in Article 9 of the UCC in the State of New York, and not specifically defined herein, are used herein as defined in such Article 9. Unless the context otherwise requires, “or” means “and/or,” and “including” (and with correlative meaning “include” and “includes”) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding such term.

BACKGROUND

1.The Buyer is a special purpose limited liability company, all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of which are owned by certain Originators (such Originators, “Contributing Originators”).

2.The Originators generate Receivables in the ordinary course of their businesses.

3.The Originators wish to sell and/or, in the case of any Contributing Originators, contribute Receivables and the Related Rights to the Buyer, and the Buyer is willing to purchase and/or accept such Receivables and the Related Rights from the Originators, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

4.The Originators and the Buyer intend each such transaction to be a true sale and/or, in the case of any Contributing Originators, an absolute contribution and conveyance of Receivables and the Related Rights by each Originator to the Buyer, providing the Buyer with the full benefits of ownership of the Receivables, and the Originators and the Buyer do not intend the transactions hereunder to be characterized as a loan from the Buyer to any Originator.

5.The Buyer intends to sell the Receivables and the Related Rights to the Administrative Agent (for the ratable benefit of the Purchasers according to their Capital as increased or reduced from time to time) pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement.

Purchase and Sale Agreement


 

6.The parties hereto have entered into that certain Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2018 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified through the date hereof, the “Original PSA”).

7.This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety, as of the date hereof, the Original PSA.  Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement and the Receivables Purchase Agreement in accordance with their terms, the terms and provisions of the Original PSA shall, subject to this paragraph, be superseded hereby in their entirety.  Notwithstanding the foregoing and for the avoidance of doubt, (a) all indemnification obligations of the Originators under the Original PSA shall survive this Agreement, (b) all sales and contributions of Receivables and Related Rights under the Original PSA by the Originators to the Company are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall survive this Agreement and (c) the security interests granted by the Originators pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Original PSA shall remain in full force and effect and shall survive this Agreement as security for all obligations of the Originators under the Original PSA until such obligations have been finally and fully paid and performed.  Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, each reference to the Original PSA in any other document, instrument or agreement shall mean and be a reference to this Agreement.  Nothing contained herein, unless expressly herein stated to the contrary, is intended to amend, modify or otherwise affect any other instrument, document or agreement executed and or delivered in connection with the Original PSA.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein contained, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

Article I
AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE AND SELL

Section 1.1  Agreement To Purchase and Sell.  On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each Originator, severally and for itself, agrees to sell to the Buyer, and the Buyer agrees to purchase from such Originator, from time to time on or after the Closing Date, but before the Purchase and Sale Termination Date (as defined in Section 1.4), all of such Originator’s right, title and interest in and to:

(a)each Receivable (other than Contributed Receivables as defined in Section 3.1(a)) of such Originator that existed and was owing to such Originator at the closing of such Originator’s business on the Cut-Off Date (as defined below);

(b)each Receivable (other than Contributed Receivables) generated by such Originator from and including the Cut-Off Date to but excluding the Purchase and Sale Termination Date;

(c)all of such Originator’s interest in any goods (including Returned Goods), and documentation of title evidencing the shipment or storage of any goods (including Returned Goods), the sale of which gave rise to such Receivable;

(d)all instruments and chattel paper that may evidence such Receivable;

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(e)all other security interests or liens and property subject thereto from time to time purporting to secure payment of such Receivable, whether pursuant to the Contract related to such Receivable or otherwise, together with all UCC financing statements or similar filings relating thereto;

(f)solely to the extent applicable to such Receivable, all of such Originator’s rights, interests and claims under the related Contracts and all guaranties, indemnities, insurance and other agreements (including the related Contract) or arrangements of whatever character from time to time supporting or securing payment of such Receivable or otherwise relating to such Receivable, whether pursuant to the Contract related to such Receivable or otherwise;

(g)all books and records of such Originator to the extent specifically related to any of the foregoing, and all rights, remedies, powers, privileges, title and interest (but not obligations) in and to each Lock-Box and all Collection Accounts, into which any Collections or other proceeds with respect to such Receivables may be deposited, and any related investment property acquired with any such Collections or other proceeds (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC); and

(h)all Collections and other proceeds (as defined in the UCC) of any of the foregoing that are or were received by such Originator on or after the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, all funds which either are received by such Originator, the Buyer or the Servicer from or on behalf of the Obligors in payment of any amounts owed (including, without limitation, invoice price, finance charges, interest and all other charges) in respect of any of the above Receivables or are applied to such amounts owed by the Obligors (including, without limitation, any insurance payments that such Originator, the Buyer or the Servicer applies in the ordinary course of its business to amounts owed in respect of any of the above Receivables, and net proceeds of sale or other disposition of Returned Goods or other collateral of the Obligors in respect of any of the above Receivables or any other parties directly or indirectly liable for payment of such Receivables).

All purchases and contributions hereunder shall be made without recourse, but shall be made pursuant to, and in reliance upon, the representations, warranties and covenants of the Originators set forth in this Agreement.  No obligation or liability to any Obligor on any Receivable is intended to be assumed by the Buyer hereunder, and any such assumption is expressly disclaimed.  The property, proceeds and rights described in clauses (c) through (h) above are herein referred to as the “Related Rights”, and the Buyer’s foregoing commitment to purchase Receivables and Related Rights is herein called the “Purchase Facility.”  Notwithstanding that clauses (c) through (h) describe interests related to Receivables sold to the Buyer, such properties, proceeds and rights as they relate to Contributed Receivables shall also constitute “Related Rights” of Contributed Receivables.

As used herein, “Cut-Off Date” means (a) with respect to any Originator a party hereto on the date hereof, August 31, 2012 and (b) with respect to any Originator that first becomes a party hereto after the date hereof, the calendar day prior to the date on which such Originator becomes a party hereto or such other date as the Buyer and such Originator agree to in writing.

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Section 1.2  Timing of Purchases.

(a)Cut-Off Date Purchases.  Each Originator’s entire right, title and interest in each Receivable that existed and was owing to such Originator as of the close of such Originator’s business on the applicable Cut-Off Date (other than the Contributed Receivables) and all Related Rights with respect thereto shall be, and shall be deemed to have been, sold by such Originator to the Company on such Cut-Off Date.

(b)Subsequent Purchases.  After the applicable Cut-Off Date, until the Purchase and Sale Termination Date, each Receivable and the Related Rights generated by each Originator shall be, and shall be deemed to have been, sold or contributed, as applicable, by such Originator to the Buyer immediately (and without further action) upon the creation of such Receivable.

Section 1.3  Consideration for Purchases.  On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Buyer agrees to make Purchase Price payments to the Originators and to reflect all capital contributions in accordance with Article III.

Section 1.4  Purchase and Sale Termination Date.  The “Purchase and Sale Termination Date” shall be the earlier to occur of (a) the date the Purchase Facility is terminated pursuant to Section 8.2(a) and (b) the Final Payout Date.

Section 1.5  Intention of the Parties.  It is the express intent of each Originator and the Buyer that each conveyance by such Originator to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement of the Receivables, including without limitation, all Receivables, if any, constituting general intangibles as defined in the UCC, and all Related Rights be construed as a valid and perfected sale (or contribution) and absolute assignment (without recourse except as provided herein) of such Receivables and Related Rights by such Originator to the Buyer (rather than the grant of a security interest to secure a debt or other obligation of such Originator) and that the right, title and interest in and to such Receivables and Related Rights conveyed to the Buyer be prior to the rights of and enforceable against all other Persons at any time, including, without limitation, lien creditors, secured lenders, purchasers and any Person claiming through such Originator.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) this Agreement also shall be deemed to be, and hereby is, a security agreement within the meaning of the UCC and (ii) each Originator shall be deemed to have granted to the Buyer as of the date of this Agreement, and such Originator hereby grants to the Buyer a security interest in, to and under all of such Originator’s right, title and interest in and to: (A) the Receivables and the Related Rights now existing and hereafter created by such Originator transferred or purported to be transferred hereunder, (B) all monies due or to become due and all amounts received with respect thereto and (C) all books and records of such Originator to the extent related to any of the foregoing.

Article II
CALCULATION OF PURCHASE PRICE

Section 2.1  [Reserved].  

Section 2.2  Calculation of Purchase Price.  The “Purchase Price” to be paid to each Originator on any Payment Date in accordance with the terms of Article III for the Receivables

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and the Related Rights that are purchased hereunder from such Originator shall be equal to the product of (i) the Outstanding Balance of such Receivables on the relevant Payment Date, times (ii) the Fair Market Value Discount.

Fair Market Value Discount” means a percentage rate equal to 99%, or such other rate as determined by the Originators from time to time.

Payment Date” means (i) the Closing Date and (ii) each Business Day thereafter that the Originators are open for business.

Prime Rate” means a per annum rate equal to the “U.S. Prime Rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal or if such information ceases to be published in The Wall Street Journal, such other publication as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

Article III
CONTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE

Section 3.1  Initial Contribution of Receivables and Initial Purchase Price Payment.

(a)On the Closing Date, each Contributing Originator shall, and hereby does, contribute to the capital of the Buyer Receivables and Related Rights consisting of each Receivable of such Contributing Originator that exists and is owing to such Contributing Originator on the Closing Date beginning with the oldest of such Receivables and continuing chronologically thereafter such that the equity (taking into account any cash contributions made on or prior to the Closing Date) held by each Contributing Originator in the Buyer in the aggregate, after giving effect to such contribution of Receivables (the value of which shall be determined based on the Purchase Price definition), shall be at least equal to the Required Capital Amount.  Each Receivable contributed by a Contributing Originator to the capital of the Buyer pursuant to this Section 3.1(a) and Section 3.2 below is herein referred to as a “Contributed Receivable”.

(b)On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Buyer agrees to pay to each Originator the Purchase Price for the purchase to be made from such Originator on the Closing Date (i) to the extent the Buyer has cash available therefor, partially in cash (in an amount to be agreed between the Buyer and such Originator) and, solely in the case of a Contributing Originator if elected by such Contributing Originator in its sole discretion, by accepting a contribution to the Buyer’s capital and (ii) the remainder by making an Intercompany Loan under the Intercompany Loan Agreement in the form of Exhibit B (each such Intercompany Loan Agreement, if more than one, as each may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, being herein collectively referred to as the “Intercompany Loan Agreement”) with an initial principal amount equal to the sum of (i) the remaining Purchase Price payable to such Originator not paid in cash or, in the case of a Contributing Originator, contributed to the Buyer’s capital and (ii) any “Deferred Purchase Price” outstanding under the Original PSA and owing to such Originator as of the date hereof.

As used herein, “Intercompany Loan” has the meaning set forth in the Intercompany Loan Agreement.

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Section 3.2  Subsequent Purchase Price Payments.  On each Payment Date subsequent to the Closing Date, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price to each Originator for the Receivables and the Related Rights generated by such Originator on such Payment Date:

(a)First, in cash to each Originator to the extent the Buyer has cash available therefor (and such payment is not prohibited under the Receivables Purchase Agreement) and/or, if requested by such Originator, by causing an LC Bank to issue one or more Letters of Credit in accordance with Section 3.4 and on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Article III and the Receivables Purchase Agreement;

(b)Second, solely in the case of a Contributing Originator, if elected by such Contributing Originator in its sole discretion, to the extent any portion of the Purchase Price remains unpaid, by accepting a contribution of such Receivables and the Related Rights to its capital in an amount equal to such remaining unpaid portion of such Purchase Price; and

(c)Third, to the extent any portion of the Purchase Price remains unpaid, the principal amount outstanding under the applicable Intercompany Loan shall be automatically increased by an amount equal to the lesser of (x) such remaining unpaid portion of such Purchase Price and (y) the maximum amount that could be made without rendering the Buyer’s Net Worth less than the Required Capital Amount;

provided, however, that (x) if more than one Originator is selling Receivables to the Buyer on the date of such purchase, the Buyer shall make any cash payments among the Originators in such a way as to minimize to the greatest extent practicable the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Intercompany Loans and (y) if on any Business Day, the entire Purchase Price for any Receivable is not paid by the Buyer as a result of any of the limitations set forth above (including due to any Contributing Originator electing not to contribute any remaining portion of the Purchase Price or the limitation set forth in Section 3.2(c)(y) above), any remaining unpaid portion of such Purchase Price shall be contributed to the Buyer in exchange for a limited liability company interest in the amount of such unpaid portion in accordance with the terms of the Buyer’s organizational documents; provided, further, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to require any Contributing Originator to make any capital contribution to the Buyer pursuant to Section 3.2(b) above.  

Net Worth” has the meaning set forth under “Seller’s Net Worth” in the Receivables Purchase Agreement.

All amounts paid by the Buyer to any Originator shall be allocated first to the payment of any Purchase Price then due and unpaid to such Originator, second to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on amounts due and outstanding under the applicable Intercompany Loan Agreement to such Originator and third to the repayment of the outstanding principal amount due and outstanding on under the Intercompany Loan Agreement to such Originator to the extent of such outstanding principal thereof as of the date of such payment, in each case before such amounts may be allocated for any other purpose. The Servicer shall make all appropriate record keeping entries with respect to any amounts outstanding under the Intercompany Loan Agreement as in effect and outstanding on Payment Dates to reflect the foregoing payments and payments and

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reductions made pursuant to Section 3.3, and the Servicer’s books and records shall constitute rebuttable presumptive evidence of the accuracy of the information so entered.

If, on any Business Day, the Buyer is unable to pay the Purchase Price for Receivables and Related Rights pursuant to this Section 3.2, then the Originators shall on such Business Day provide written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent.

Section 3.3  Settlement as to Specific Receivables and Dilution.

(a)If, (i) on the day of purchase of any Receivable from an Originator hereunder, any of the representations or warranties set forth in Sections 5.5, 5.12, 5.20, 5.22, 5.23, 5.26 or 5.27 are not true with respect to such Receivable or (ii) as a result of any action or inaction (other than solely as a result of the failure to collect such Receivable due to a discharge in bankruptcy or similar insolvency proceeding or other credit related reasons with respect to the relevant Obligor) of such Originator, on any subsequent day, any of such representations or warranties set forth in Sections 5.5, 5.12, 5.20, 5.22, 5.23, 5.26 or 5.27 is no longer true with respect to such Receivable, then the Purchase Price for such Receivable shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Outstanding Balance of such Receivable and shall be accounted to such Originator as provided in clause (c) below; provided, that if the Buyer thereafter receives payment on account of the Outstanding Balance of such Receivable, the Buyer promptly shall deliver such funds to such Originator.

(b)If, on any day, the Outstanding Balance of any Receivable purchased or contributed hereunder is reduced or canceled as a result of any Dilution, then the Purchase Price with respect to such Receivable shall be reduced by the amount of such net reduction or dispute and shall be accounted to such Originator as provided in clause (c) below.

(c)Any reduction in the Purchase Price of any Receivable pursuant to clause (a) or (b) above shall be applied as a credit for the account of the Buyer against the Purchase Price of Receivables subsequently purchased by the Buyer from such Originator hereunder; provided, however if there have been no purchases of Receivables from such Originator (or insufficiently large purchases of Receivables prior to the Settlement Date immediately following any such reduction in the Purchase Price of any Receivable) to create a Purchase Price sufficient to so apply such credit against, the amount of such credit:

(i)to the extent of any outstanding principal balance under the Intercompany Loan payable to such Originator, shall be deemed to be a payment under, and shall be deducted from the outstanding principal amount due under the Intercompany Loan payable to such Originator; and

(ii)after making any deduction pursuant to clause (i) above, shall be paid in cash to the Buyer by such Originator on such Settlement Date subject to the following proviso;

provided, further, that at any time (x) when an Event of Termination or an Unmatured Event of Termination exists under the Receivables Purchase Agreement or (y) on or after the Purchase and Sale Termination Date, the amount of any such credit shall be paid by such Originator to the Buyer in cash by deposit of immediately available funds into a Collection Account for application by the

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Servicer to the same extent as if Collections of the applicable Receivable in such amount had actually been received on such date.

Section 3.4  Letters of Credit.

(a)An Originator may request that the Purchase Price for Receivables sold on a Payment Date be paid by the Buyer procuring the issuance of a Letter of Credit by an LC Bank. Upon the request of an Originator, and on the terms and conditions for issuing Letters of Credit under the Receivables Purchase Agreement (including any limitations therein on the amount of any such issuance), the Buyer agrees to cause such LC Bank to issue, on the Payment Dates specified by such Originator, Letters of Credit on behalf of the Buyer (and, if applicable, on behalf of, or for the account of, such Originator or an Affiliate of such Originator) in favor of the beneficiaries elected by such Originator or Affiliate of such Originator, with the consent of the Buyer. The aggregate stated amount of the Letters of Credit being issued on any Payment Date on behalf of any Originator or an Affiliate of such Originator shall constitute a credit against the aggregate Purchase Price otherwise payable by the Buyer to such Originator on such Payment Date pursuant to Section 3.2. To the extent that the aggregate stated amount of the Letters of Credit being issued on any Payment Date exceeds the aggregate Purchase Price payable by the Buyer to an Originator on such Payment Date, such excess shall be deemed to be a (i) reduction in the outstanding principal balance of (and, to the extent necessary, the accrued but unpaid interest on) the Intercompany Loan payable to such Originator, to the extent the outstanding principal balance (and accrued interest) is greater than such excess and/or (ii) a reduction in the Purchase Price payable on the Payment Dates immediately following the date any such Letter of Credit is issued. In the event that any such Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Section 3.4 (i) expires or is cancelled or otherwise terminated with all or any portion of its stated amount undrawn, (ii) has its stated amount decreased (for a reason other than a drawing having been made thereunder) or (iii) the Buyer’s Reimbursement Obligation in respect thereof is reduced for any reason other than by virtue of a payment made in respect of a drawing thereunder, then an amount equal to such undrawn amount or such reduction, as the case may be, shall either be paid in cash to such Originator on the next Payment Date or, if the Buyer does not then have cash available therefor, shall be deemed to be (x) solely in the case of a Contributing Originator, if elected by such Contributing Originator in its sole discretion, a contribution to the capital of the Buyer, and (y) otherwise, added to the outstanding principal balance of the Intercompany Loan issued to such Originator. Under no circumstances shall any Originator (or any Affiliate thereof (other than the Buyer)) have any reimbursement or recourse obligations in respect of any Letter of Credit.

(b)In the event that any Originator requests that any purchases be paid for by the issuance of a Letter of Credit hereunder, such Originator shall on a timely basis provide the Buyer with such information as is necessary for the Buyer to obtain such Letter of Credit from the applicable LC Bank, and shall notify the Buyer, the Servicer, each Group Agent and the Administrative Agent of the allocations described in clause (a) above. Such allocations shall be binding on the Buyer and the applicable Originator, absent manifest error.

(c)Each Originator agrees to be bound by the terms of each Letter of Credit Application referenced in the Receivables Purchase Agreement and that each Letter of Credit shall be subject either to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (2007 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600, and any amendments or revisions

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thereof adhered to by the applicable LC Bank or the International Standby Practices (ISP98-International Chamber of Commerce Publication Number 590), and any amendments or revisions thereof adhered to by the applicable LC Bank, as determined by such LC Bank, in each case subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Receivables Purchase Agreement.

Article IV
CONDITIONS OF PURCHASES; ADDITIONAL ORIGINATORS

Section 4.1  Conditions Precedent to Initial Purchase.  The initial purchase hereunder is subject to the condition precedent that the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Purchaser shall have received, on or before the Closing Date, the following, each (unless otherwise indicated) dated the Closing Date, and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Purchaser:

(a)a copy of the resolutions or unanimous written consent of the board of directors or other governing body of each Originator, approving this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered by it and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of such Originator;

(b)good standing certificates for each Originator issued as of a recent date acceptable to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) by the Secretary of State (or similar official) of the jurisdiction of such Originator’s organization or formation, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c)a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Originator, certifying the names and true signatures of the officers authorized on such Person’s behalf to sign this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered by it (on which certificate the Servicer, the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Purchaser may conclusively rely until such time as the Servicer, the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Purchaser shall receive from such Person a revised certificate meeting the requirements of this clause (c));

(d)the certificate or articles of incorporation or other organizational document of each Originator (including all amendments and modifications thereto) duly certified by the Secretary of State (or similar official) of the jurisdiction of such Originator’s organization as of a recent date, together with a copy of the by-laws or other governing documents of such Originator (including all amendments and modifications thereto), as applicable, each duly certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Originator;

(e)proper financing statements (Form UCC-1) that have been duly authorized and name each Originator as the debtor/seller and the Buyer as the buyer/assignor (and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Purchasers, as secured party/assignee) of the Receivables generated by such Originator as may be necessary or, in the Buyer’s or the Administrative Agent’s reasonable opinion, desirable under the UCC of all appropriate

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jurisdictions to perfect the Buyer’s security interest in such Receivables and the Related Rights in which a security interest has been assigned to it hereunder;

(f)a written search report from a Person satisfactory to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) listing all effective financing statements that name the Originators as debtors or sellers and that are filed in all jurisdictions in which filings may be made against such Person pursuant to the applicable UCC, together with copies of such financing statements (none of which, except for those described in the foregoing clause (e) (and/or released or terminated, as the case may be, prior to the date hereof), shall cover any Receivable or any Related Rights which are to be sold to the Buyer hereunder), and tax and judgment lien search reports (including, without limitation, liens of the PBGC) from a Person satisfactory to the Buyer and the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) showing no evidence of such liens filed against any Originator;

(g)favorable opinions of counsel to the Originators, in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser;

(h)a copy of the Intercompany Loan Agreement entered into by each Originator and the Buyer, duly executed by such Originator and the Buyer; and

(i)evidence of the execution and delivery by each of the parties thereto of each of the other Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered by it in connection herewith.

Section 4.2  Certification as to Representations and Warranties.  Each Originator, by accepting the Purchase Price related to each purchase or contribution of Receivables generated by such Originator, shall be deemed to have certified that the representations and warranties of such Originator contained in Article V, as from time to time amended in accordance with the terms hereof, are true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation or warranty contains a materiality qualification and, in such case, such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such day, with the same effect as though made on and as of such day (except for representations and warranties which apply to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation or warranty contains a materiality qualification and, in such case, such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as made) as of such earlier date).

Section 4.3  Additional Originators.  Additional Persons may be added as Originators hereunder, with the prior written consent of the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser (which consents may be granted or withheld in their sole discretion); provided that the following conditions are satisfied or waived in writing by the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser on or before the date of such addition:

(a)the Servicer shall have given the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice of such proposed addition and the identity of the proposed additional Originator and shall have provided such other information with respect to such proposed additional Originator as the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser may reasonably request;

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(b)such proposed additional Originator shall have executed and delivered to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser an agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (a “Joinder Agreement);

(c)such proposed additional Originator shall have delivered to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Purchaser each of the documents with respect to such Originator described in Section 4.1, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent (as the Buyer’s assignee) and each Purchaser;

(d)no Purchase and Sale Termination Event or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(e)no Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination shall have occurred and be continuing.

Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ORIGINATORS

In order to induce the Buyer to enter into this Agreement and to make purchases hereunder, each Originator (and solely with respect to Section 5.21, the Buyer) hereby represents and warrants with respect to itself that each representation and warranty concerning it or the Receivables sold by it hereunder that is contained in the Receivables Purchase Agreement is true and correct in all material respects (unless any such representation or warranty is qualified as to materiality, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) as if made on and as of such day, except to the extent that any thereof expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (unless any such representation or warranty is qualified as to materiality, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such earlier date, and hereby makes the representations and warranties set forth in this Article V:

Section 5.1  Existence and Power.  Such Originator (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or formation, (ii) has full power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its business as such properties are currently owned and such business is presently conducted and (iii) is duly qualified to do business, is in good standing as a foreign entity and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in all jurisdictions in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, licenses or approvals, except in each case, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.2  Power and Authority; Due Authorization.  Such Originator (i) has all necessary power and authority to (A) execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, (B) perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and (C) grant a security interest in the Receivables and the Related Rights to the Buyer on the terms and subject to the conditions herein provided and (ii) has duly authorized by all necessary action such grant and the execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions provided for in, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.  

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Section 5.3  No Conflict or Violation.  The execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof, will not (i) conflict with, result in any breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under its organizational documents or any indenture, sale agreement, credit agreement, loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other agreement or instrument to which such Originator is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any Adverse Claim upon any of the Receivables or Related Rights, pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, credit agreement, loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other agreement or instrument other than this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or (iii) conflict with or violate any Applicable Law except to the extent that any such conflict, breach, default, Adverse Claim or violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.4  Governmental Approvals.  Except where the failure to obtain or make such authorization, consent, order, approval or action could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, all authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of, or other actions by, any Governmental Authority that are required to be obtained by such Originator in connection with the grant of a security interest in the Receivables and the Related Rights to the Buyer hereunder or the due execution, delivery and performance by such Originator of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party and the consummation by such Originator of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.

Section 5.5  Valid Sale.  Each sale of Receivables and the Related Rights made by such Originator pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a valid sale (or, with respect to any Contributing Originator, contribution), transfer and assignment of Receivables and Related Rights to the Buyer, enforceable against creditors of, and purchasers from, such Originator, except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

Section 5.6  Binding Effect of Agreement.  This Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of such Originator, enforceable against such Originator in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

Section 5.7  Accuracy of Information.  None of the written information (including e-mail) heretofore, contemporaneously or hereafter furnished by such Originator or any of its agents or advisors to Buyer, any Purchaser, any Group Agent, any LC Bank, any LC Participant or the Administrative Agent for purposes of or in connection with any Transaction Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby contains or will contain any statement which is untrue or misleading in any material respect on the date as of which such information is provided, dated

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or certified, and no such item of information contains or will contain any untrue statement of material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, as the case may be; provided that any such information delivered subsequent to any other written information and on the same subject matter shall, solely to the extent each such item of information is delivered to the same addressee, supersede such earlier delivered information unless the applicable Originator shall expressly state otherwise in writing.  No written information (including e-mail) (subject to the proviso of the preceding sentence) contained in any report or certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading on the date as of which such information is dated or certified.  With respect to any projections, budgets and other forward looking financial information, it is understood and agreed that (i) any forward-looking information furnished by the such Originator is subject to inherent uncertainties and contingencies, which may be beyond the control of such Person, (ii) no assurance is given by any Originator that the results or forecast in any such forward-looking information will be realized and (iii) the actual results may differ from the forecast results set forth in such forward-looking information and such differences may be material.  Furthermore, no representation or warranty is made with respect to information of a general economic or general industry nature.  Notwithstanding anything in the forgoing paragraph, it is understood and agreed that this Section 5.7 shall not apply to any matters addressed by Section 5.12.

Section 5.8  Actions, Suit.  Such Originator is not in violation of any order of any Governmental Authority that would, individually or in the aggregate with all such other violations, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There are no actions, suits, litigation or proceedings pending or, to its knowledge, threatened in writing against or affecting such Originator or any of its Affiliates or their respective properties, in or before any Governmental Authority, as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.9  No Material Adverse Effect.  Since December 31, 2020, there has been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to such Originator.

Section 5.10  Names and Location.  Except as described in Schedule III, such Originator has not used any corporate names, trade names or assumed names since the date occurring five calendar years prior to the Closing Date other than its name set forth on the signature pages hereto.  Such Originator is “located” (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC) in the jurisdiction specified in Schedule I and since the date occurring five calendar years prior to the Closing Date, has not been “located” (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC) in any other jurisdiction (except as specified in Schedule I).  The office(s) where such Originator keeps its records concerning the Receivables is at the address(es) set forth on Schedule II.

Section 5.11  Margin Stock.  Such Originator is not engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock in a manner that could reasonably be expected to result in a violation of Regulations T, U and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and no Purchase Price

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payments or proceeds under this Agreement will be used to purchase or carry any margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock.

Section 5.12  Eligible Receivables.  Each Receivable included as an Eligible Receivable in the calculation of the Net Receivables Pool Balance as of any date is an Eligible Receivable as of such date.

Section 5.13  Credit and Collection Policy.  Such Originator has complied in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Receivable sold by it hereunder and each related Contract.

Section 5.14  Investment Company Act.  Such Originator is not, and is not controlled by, an “investment company” registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act.

Section 5.15  Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance.  Such Originator is not a Sanctioned Person.  Such Originator, either in its own right or through any third party, (i) does not have any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (ii) neither does business in or with, nor derives any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; or (iii) does not engage in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law.

Section 5.16  Financial Condition.  

(a)The audited consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 and the related statements of income and shareholders’ equity of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter then ended, copies of which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent and the Purchasers, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the period ended on such date, all in accordance with GAAP.

(b)On the date hereof, and on the date of each purchase hereunder (both before and after giving effect to such purchase), such Originator is, and will be on such date, Solvent and no Insolvency Proceeding with respect to such Originator is, or will be on such date, pending or threatened.

Section 5.17  Taxes.  Such Originator has (i) timely filed all Tax returns (federal, state, foreign and local) and reports required by Applicable Law to have been filed by it and (ii) paid, or caused to be paid, all Taxes, assessments and governmental charges thereby shown to be owing by it, other than any such Taxes, assessments or charges that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP have been established except in each case to the extent such failure to pay or file could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Event.

Section 5.18  ERISA. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, no steps have been taken by any Person to terminate any Pension Plan the assets of which are not sufficient to satisfy all of any Originator’s benefit

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liabilities (as determined under Title IV of ERISA), no contribution failure has occurred or is expected to occur with respect to any Pension Plan sufficient to give rise to a lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA, and each Pension Plan has been administered in all material respects in compliance with its terms and applicable provision of ERISA and the Code.

Section 5.19  Bulk Sales.  No transaction contemplated by this Agreement requires compliance by it with any bulk sales act or similar law.    

Section 5.20  No Fraudulent Conveyance.  No sale or contribution hereunder constitutes a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under any United States federal or applicable state bankruptcy or insolvency laws or is otherwise void or voidable under such or similar laws or principles or for any other reason.

Section 5.21  Ordinary Course of Business.  Each of the Originators and the Buyer represents and warrants as to itself that each remittance of Collections by or on behalf of such Originator to the Buyer under this Agreement will have been (i) in payment of an obligation incurred by such Originator in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of such Originator and the Buyer and (ii) made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of such Originator and the Buyer.

Section 5.22  Good Title; Perfection.  

(a)Immediately preceding its sale or contribution of each Receivable hereunder, such Originator was the owner of such Receivable and Related Rights sold or contributed or purported to be sold or contributed, as the case may be, free and clear of any Adverse Claims, and each such sale or contribution hereunder constitutes a valid sale or contribution, transfer and assignment of all of such Originator’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables and Related Rights sold or contributed by it, free and clear of any Adverse Claims; and

(b)On or before the date hereof and before the generation by such Originator of any new Receivable to be sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed hereunder, all financing statements and other documents, if any, required to be recorded or filed in order to perfect and protect the Buyer’s security interest in Receivables and Related Rights to be sold or otherwise conveyed hereunder against all creditors of and purchasers from such Originator will have been duly filed in each filing office necessary for such purpose, and all filing fees and taxes, if any, payable in connection with such filings shall have been paid in full;

provided, however, that such Originator does not make any representation as to whether any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable has been perfected solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America).  

(c)Upon the creation of each new Receivable sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed or purported to be conveyed hereunder and on the Closing Date for then existing Receivables, the Buyer shall have a valid and perfected first priority security interest in each Receivable sold to it hereunder, free and clear of any Adverse Claim.

Section 5.23  Perfection Representations.

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(a)This Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest in the Originator’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables and Related Rights which (A) security interest has been perfected and is enforceable against creditors of and purchasers from such Originator and (B) will be free of all Adverse Claims;

(b)The Receivables constitute “accounts” or “general intangibles” within the meaning of Section 9-102 of the UCC;

(c)Prior to the sale of, or grant of security interest in, the Receivables and Related Rights pursuant to this Agreement, such Originator owned and had good and marketable title to such Receivables and Related Rights free and clear of any Adverse Claim;

(d)All appropriate financing statements, financing statement amendments and continuation statements have been filed in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under Applicable Law in order to perfect (and continue the perfection of) the sale of the Receivables and Related Rights from each Originator to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement;

(e)Other than the security interest granted to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, such Originator has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in (other than those released on the Closing Date or any other date on which a Receivable is sold or otherwise conveyed hereunder), or otherwise conveyed any of the Receivables or Related Rights except as permitted by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.  Such Originator has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements filed against such Originator that include a description of collateral covering the Receivables and Related Rights other than any financing statement (i) in favor of the Administrative Agent or (ii) that has been terminated or amended to reflect the release of any security interest in the Receivables and Related Rights.  Such Originator is not aware of any judgment lien, ERISA lien or tax lien filings against such Originator that is not released simultaneously or prior to its transfer hereunder; and

(f)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the representations contained in this Section 5.23 shall be continuing and remain in full force and effect until the Final Payout Date;

provided, however, that such Originator does not make any representation as to whether any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable has been perfected solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America).  

Section 5.24  Reliance on Separate Legal Identity.  Such Originator acknowledges that each of the Purchasers and the Administrative Agent are entering into the Transaction Documents to which they are parties in reliance upon the Buyer’s identity as a legal entity separate from such Originator.

Section 5.25  Opinions.  The facts regarding such Originator, the Receivables sold by it hereunder, the Related Security and the related matters set forth or assumed in each of the opinions of counsel delivered in connection with this Agreement and the Transaction Documents are true and correct in all material respects.

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Section 5.26  Enforceability of Contracts.  Each Contract related to any Receivable sold or contributed by such Originator hereunder is effective to create, and has created, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the related Obligor to pay the outstanding balance of such Receivable, enforceable against the Obligor in accordance with its terms, without being subject to any defense, deduction, offset or counterclaim and such Originator has fully performed its obligations under such Contract except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

Section 5.27  Nature of Pool Receivables.  All Pool Receivables sold or contributed by such Originator:  (i) were originated by such Originator in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) were sold to Buyer for fair consideration and reasonably equivalent value and (iii) represent all, or a portion of the purchase price of merchandise, insurance or services within the meaning of Section 3(c)(5)(A) of the Investment Company Act.  The purchase of Pool Receivables with the proceeds of Investments made under the Receivables Purchase Agreement would constitute a “current transaction” for purposes of Section 3(a)(3) of the Securities Act.

Section 5.28  Compliance with Applicable Laws.  Each Originator is in compliance with the requirements of all laws, rules and regulations applicable to its property or business operations, except in such instance where any failure to comply therewith, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.29  Servicing Programs.  No license or approval is required for the Servicer’s or the Buyer’s use of any software or other computer program used by such Originator in the servicing of the Receivables, other than those which have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

Section 5.30  [Reserved].

Section 5.31  Compliance with Transaction Documents.  Each Originator has complied with all of the terms, covenants and agreements contained in the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

Section 5.32  Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties by each Originator.  On each day that a new Receivable is created, and when sold or contributed to the Buyer hereunder, such Originator shall be deemed to have certified that all representations and warranties set forth in this Article V are true and correct in all material respects (unless such representation or warranty contains a materiality qualification and, in such case, such representation or warranty shall be true and correct as made) on and as of such day (except for representations and warranties which apply as to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such earlier date).  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the representations contained in this Article shall be continuing and remain in full force and effect until the Final Payout Date.

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Article VI
COVENANTS OF THE ORIGINATORS

Section 6.1  Covenants.  From the date hereof until the Final Payout Date, each Originator will, unless the Administrative Agent and the Buyer shall otherwise consent in writing, perform the following covenants:

(a)Financial Reporting.  Each Originator will maintain a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and each Originator shall furnish to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser such information  as the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser may from time to time reasonably request relating to such system to the extent related to the Receivables or Related Rights.

(b)Notices.  Such Originator will notify the Buyer and the Administrative Agent in writing of any of the following events promptly upon (but in no event later than five (5) Business Days after) a Financial Officer or other officer learning of the occurrence thereof, with such notice describing the same, and if applicable, the steps being taken by the Person(s) affected with respect thereto:

(i)Notice of Purchase and Sale Termination Event, Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event, Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination.  A statement of a Financial Officer of such Originator setting forth details of any Purchase and Sale Termination Event (as defined in Section 8.1) or Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event (as defined in Section 8.1) that has occurred and is continuing and the action that such Originator proposes to take with respect thereto.

(ii)[Reserved].

(iii)Litigation.  The institution of any litigation, arbitration proceeding or governmental proceeding with respect to such Originator, the Buyer, the Servicer, the Performance Guarantor, or any other Originator, that with respect to any Person other than the Buyer, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(iv)Adverse Claim.  (A) Any Person shall obtain an Adverse Claim upon Receivables or Related Rights or any portion thereof, (B) any Person other than an Originator, the Buyer, the Servicer or the Administrative Agent shall obtain any rights or direct any action with respect to any Collection Account (or related Lock-Box) or (C) any Obligor shall receive any change in payment instructions with respect to Pool Receivable(s) from a Person other than an Originator, the Servicer or the Administrative Agent.

(v)Name Changes.  Any change in such Originator’s name, jurisdiction of organization or any other change requiring the amendment of UCC financing statements.

(vi)Change in Accountants or Accounting Policy.  Any change in (i) the external accountants of such Originator, the Servicer, any other Originator or the Parent or (ii) any material accounting policy of such Originator that is relevant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (it being understood

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that any change to the manner in which such Originator accounts for the Receivables shall be deemed “material” for such purpose).

(c)Conduct of Business; Preservation of Existence.  Each Originator will carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted and will do all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, its franchises, authority to do business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted, licenses, patents, trademarks, copyrights and other proprietary rights; provided however, that nothing in this paragraph (c) shall prevent any transaction permitted by paragraph (o) below or not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.

(d)Compliance with Laws.  Each Originator will comply with the requirements of all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject, except in such instance where any failure to comply therewith, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e)Furnishing of Information and Inspection of Receivables.  Each Originator will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser from time to time such information with respect to the Pool Receivables as the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser may reasonably request in writing.  Each Originator will, at such Originator’s expense, during regular business hours upon reasonable prior written notice, permit the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and/or any Purchaser or their respective agents or representatives to (i) examine and make copies of and abstracts from all books and records relating to the Pool Receivables or other Support Assets, (ii) visit the offices and properties of such Originator for the purpose of examining such books and records, and (iii) discuss matters relating to the Pool Receivables, other Support Assets or such Originator’s performance under hereunder or under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party with any of the officers, directors or employees of such Originator and its independent accountants, in each case, having knowledge of such matters; provided, that unless an Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, each Originator shall be required to reimburse the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and Purchasers, together, for their out-of-pocket expenses of only one (1) such review (pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement) in any twelve-month period.

(f)Payments on Receivables, Collection Accounts.  Each Originator will, at all times, instruct all Obligors to deliver payments on the Pool Receivables to a Collection Account or a Lock-Box. If any payments on the Pool Receivables or other Collections are received by an Originator, the Buyer or the Servicer, it shall hold (or cause such Originator, the Buyer or the Servicer to hold) such payments in trust for the benefit of the Buyer (and the Administrative Agent and the Purchasers as the Buyer’s assignees) and promptly (but in any event within two (2) Business Days after receipt) remit such funds into a Collection Account.  The Originators will cause each Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of each applicable Account Control Agreement. The Originators shall not permit funds other than (i) Collections on Pool Receivables and (ii) other Support Assets to be deposited into any Collection Account. If any other funds that do not constitute Collections on Pool Receivables are deposited into any Collection Account, the Originators will cause the Servicer to, within two (2) Business Days, identify and transfer such

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funds out of the Collection Account to (or pursuant to the instructions of) the Person entitled to such funds. The Originators will not, and will not permit any other Person, to commingle Collections with any other funds in any Collection Account.  The Originators shall only add (or permit the Servicer to add) a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box), or a bank at which the Lock-Box is located (the “Lock-Box Bank”) to those listed in the Receivables Purchase Agreement, if the Administrative Agent has received notice of such addition and an executed and acknowledged copy of an Account Control Agreement (or an amendment thereto) in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent from the applicable Lock-Box Bank.  The Originators shall only terminate (or permit the Servicer to terminate) a Lock-Box Bank or close a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box), in each case, with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

(g)Sales, Liens, etc.  Except as otherwise provided herein, no Originator will sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or create or suffer to exist any Adverse Claim upon (including, without limitation, the filing of any financing statement) or with respect to, any Pool Receivable or other Related Rights, or assign any right to receive income in respect thereof.

(h)Extension or Amendment of Pool Receivables.  Except as otherwise permitted by the Receivables Purchase Agreement, no Originator will, or will permit the Servicer to, alter the delinquency status or adjust the Outstanding Balance or otherwise modify the terms of any Pool Receivable in any material respect, or amend, modify or waive, in any material respect, any term or condition of any related Contract.  Each Originator shall at its expense comply in all material respects with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Contracts related to the Pool Receivables, and comply in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contract.

(i)Fundamental Changes.  Each Originator shall not make any change in such Originator’s name, location or making any other change in such Originator’s identity or corporate structure that could impair or otherwise render any UCC financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement or the Receivables Purchase Agreement “seriously misleading” as such term (or similar term) is used in the applicable UCC, in each case, unless the Buyer and the Administrative Agent have each (A) received 10 Business Days’ prior notice thereof, (B) received executed copies of all documents, certificates and opinions (including, without limitation, opinions relating to bankruptcy and UCC matters) as the Buyer or the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request and (C) been reasonably satisfied that all other action to perfect and protect the interests of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Purchasers, in and to the Receivables to be sold by it hereunder and other Related Rights, as reasonably requested by the Buyer or the Administrative Agent shall have been taken by, and at the expense of, such Originator (including the filing of any UCC financing statements, the receipt of certificates and other requested documents from public officials and all such other actions required pursuant to Section 7.3).

(j)Change in Credit and Collection Policy.  No Originator will make any change in the Credit and Collection Policy that could impair the collectability of any Eligible Receivable in any material respect or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents.  At least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date any material change in or amendment to the Credit

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and Collection Policy is made, each Originator will deliver a copy of the updated Credit and Collection Policy to the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser.

(k)Records.  Each Originator will maintain and implement (or cause the Servicer to maintain and implement) administrative and operating procedures (including an ability to recreate records evidencing Pool Receivables and related Contracts in the event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain (or cause the Servicer to keep and maintain) all documents, books, records, computer tapes and disks and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all Pool Receivables (including records adequate to permit the daily identification of each Pool Receivable and all Collections of and adjustments to each existing Pool Receivable).

(l)Ownership Interest, Etc.  Each Originator shall (and shall cause the Servicer to), at its expense, take all action necessary or reasonably desirable to establish and maintain a valid and enforceable ownership or security interest in the Pool Receivables, the Related Rights and Collections with respect thereto, and a first priority perfected security interest in the Support Assets, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim, in favor of the Buyer (and the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Purchasers), as the Buyer’s assignee), including taking such action to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the interest of the Buyer (and the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Purchasers), as the Buyer’s assignee) as the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser may reasonably request; provided, however, that such Originator shall not be required to perfect any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America).  In order to evidence the security interests of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, such Originator shall, from time to time take such action, or execute and deliver such instruments as may be necessary (including, without limitation, such actions as are reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent) to maintain and perfect, as a first-priority interest, the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Receivables, Related Security and Collections; provided, however, that such Originator shall not be required to perfect any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America).  Such Originator shall, from time to time, within the time limits established by law, prepare and present to the Administrative Agent for the Administrative Agent’s authorization and approval, all financing statements, amendments, continuations or initial financing statements in lieu of a continuation statement, or other filings necessary to continue, maintain and perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest as a first-priority interest.  The Administrative Agent’s approval of such filings shall authorize such Originator to file such financing statements under the UCC without the signature of such Originator, any Originator or the Administrative Agent where allowed by Applicable Law.  Notwithstanding anything else in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, such Originator shall not have any authority to file a termination, partial termination, release, partial release, or any amendment that deletes the name of a debtor or excludes Support Assets of any such financing statements filed in connection with the Transaction Documents, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

(m)Further Assurances.  Each Originator hereby authorizes and hereby agrees from time to time, at its own expense, promptly to execute (if necessary) and deliver all further

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instruments and documents, and to take all further actions, that may be necessary or desirable, or that the Buyer, the Servicer, any Purchaser or the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the purchases and contributions made hereunder or under the Receivables Purchase Agreement and/or security interest granted pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or to enable the Buyer or the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Purchasers) to exercise and enforce their respective rights and remedies hereunder, under the Receivables Purchase Agreement or under any other Transaction Document.  Without limiting the foregoing, such Originator hereby authorizes, and will, upon the request of the Buyer or the Administrative Agent, at such Originator’s own expense, execute (if necessary) and file such financing statements or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments and documents, that may be necessary or desirable, or that the Buyer or Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to perfect, protect or evidence any of the foregoing.

(n)Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, etc. No Originator shall consolidate or merge with or into, or sell, lease or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to, any other Person, unless (i) no Event of Termination would be expected to occur as a result of such transaction and (ii) if the surviving entity of such merger or the lessee or acquirer of such assets is not already an Originator, such Person executes and delivers to the Administrative Agent an agreement by which such Person assumes the obligations of the applicable Originator hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, or confirms that such obligations remain enforceable against it, together with such certificates and opinions of counsel as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.  

(o)Frequency of Billing.  Prepare and deliver (or cause to be prepared and delivered) invoices with respect to all Receivables in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policies, but in any event no less frequently than as required under the Contract related to such Receivable.

(p)Receivables Not to Be Evidenced by Promissory Notes or Chattel Paper.  No Originator shall take any action to cause or permit any Receivable created, acquired or originated by it to become evidenced by any “instrument” or “chattel paper” (as defined in the applicable UCC) without the prior written consent of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent.  

(q)Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance.  Such Originator will not become a Sanctioned Person.  Such Originator, either in its own right or through any third party, will not (a) have any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (b) do business in or with, or derive any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (c) engage in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law or (d) use the proceeds from the sale of the Receivables to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.  Such Originator shall comply with all Anti-Terrorism Laws.  Such Originator shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event.  

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(r)Legend.  Each Originator (or the Servicer on its behalf) shall have indicated on the most recent, and have taken all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that there shall be placed on each subsequent, data processing report that it generates which are of the type that a proposed purchaser or lender would use to evaluate the Receivables, that the Receivables and related Contracts have been sold in accordance with this Agreement and further sold by Buyer pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, and none of the Originators or Servicer shall change or remove such notation without the consent of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent.

(s)Buyer’s Tax Status.  Neither Servicer nor any Originator shall take or cause any action to be taken that could result in the Buyer (i) being treated other than as (A) a “disregarded entity” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation § 301.7701-3 for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is disregarded as separate from a United States person (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) or (B) a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of the beneficial owners of which are “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) or (ii) becoming an association taxable as a corporation or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

(t)Insurance.  Such Originator will maintain in effect, at such Originator’s expense, such casualty and liability insurance as such Originator deems appropriate in its good faith business judgment.

(u)Intercompany Loans, Etc.  Such Originator will not sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, or create or suffer to exist any Adverse Claim upon (including, without limitation, the filing of any financing statement) or with respect to, the Intercompany Loan Agreement.

(v)Other Additional Information.  Such Originator will provide to the Administrative Agent and the Purchasers such information and documentation as may reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser from time to time for purposes of compliance by the Administrative Agent or such Purchaser with applicable laws (including without limitation the PATRIOT Act and other “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations), and any reasonable policy or procedure implemented by the Administrative Agent or such Purchaser to comply therewith.

(w)Employee Benefit Plans. Each Originator shall:

(i)maintain, and, if applicable, cause each of their respective ERISA Affiliates, to maintain, each Pension Plan and each Foreign Pension Plan in compliance with all applicable requirements of law, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;

(ii)make, and cause each of their respective ERISA Affiliates to make, on a timely basis, all required contributions to any Multiemployer Plan, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and

(iii)not, and not permit any of their respective ERISA Affiliates to, (x) seek a waiver of the minimum funding standards of ERISA, (y) terminate or withdraw from

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any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan or (z) take any other action with respect to any Pension Plan that would reasonably be expected to entitle the PBGC to terminate, impose liability (other than timely payment of PBGC premiums) in respect of, or cause a trustee to be appointed to administer, any Pension Plan, unless the actions or events described in clauses (x), (y) and (z) would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 6.2  Separateness Covenants.  Each Originator hereby acknowledges that this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are being entered into in reliance upon the Buyer’s identity as a legal entity separate from such Originator and its Affiliates.  Therefore, from and after the date hereof, each Originator shall take all reasonable steps necessary to make it apparent to third Persons that the Buyer is an entity with assets and liabilities distinct from those of such Originator and any other Person, and is not a division of such Originator, its Affiliates or any other Person.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and in addition to and consistent with the other covenants set forth herein, such Originator shall take such actions as shall be required in order that:

(a)such Originator shall not be involved in the day to day management of the Buyer;

(b)such Originator shall maintain separate records and books of account from the Buyer and otherwise will observe corporate formalities and have a separate area from the Buyer for its business (which may be located at the same address as the Buyer);

(c)the financial statements and books and records of such Originator shall be prepared after the date of creation of the Buyer to reflect and shall reflect the separate existence of the Buyer; provided, that the Buyer’s assets and liabilities may be included in a consolidated financial statement issued by an Affiliate of the Buyer; provided, however, that any such consolidated financial statement or the notes thereto shall make clear that the Buyer’s assets are not available to satisfy the obligations of such Affiliate;

(d)except as permitted by the Receivables Purchase Agreement, (i) such Originator shall maintain its assets (including, without limitation, deposit accounts) separately from the assets (including, without limitation, deposit accounts) of the Buyer and (ii) the Buyer’s assets, and records relating thereto, have not been, are not, and shall not be, commingled with those of the Buyer;

(e)such Originator shall not act as an agent for the Buyer (except in the capacity of Servicer or a Sub-Servicer);

(f)such Originator shall not conduct any of the business of the Buyer in its own name (except in the capacity of Servicer or a Sub-Servicer);

(g)such Originator shall not pay any liabilities of the Buyer out of its own funds or assets;

(h)such Originator shall maintain an arm’s-length relationship with the Buyer;

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(i)such Originator shall not assume or guarantee or become obligated for the debts of the Buyer or hold out its credit as being available to satisfy the obligations of the Buyer;

(j)such Originator shall not acquire obligations of the Buyer (other than the Intercompany Loans);

(k)[reserved];

(l)such Originator shall identify and hold itself out as a separate and distinct entity from the Buyer;

(m)such Originator shall correct any known misunderstanding respecting its separate identity from the Buyer;

(n)such Originator shall not enter into, or be a party to, any transaction with the Buyer, except in the ordinary course of its business and on terms which are intrinsically fair and not less favorable to it than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated third party;

(o)such Originator shall not pay the salaries of the Buyer’s employees, if any; and

(p)to the extent not already covered in paragraphs (a) through (o) above, such Originator shall comply and/or act in accordance with all of the other separateness covenants set forth in Section 7.03 of the Receivables Purchase Agreement.

Article VII
ADDITIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
IN RESPECT OF RECEIVABLES

Section 7.1  Rights of the Buyer.   Each Originator hereby authorizes the Buyer, the Servicer or their respective designees or assignees under the Receivables Purchase Agreement (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent) to take any and all steps in such Originator’s name necessary or desirable, in their respective determination, to collect all amounts due under any and all Receivables sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed or purported to be conveyed by it hereunder, including, without limitation, endorsing the name of such Originator on checks and other instruments representing Collections and enforcing such Receivables and the provisions of the related Contracts that concern payment and/or enforcement of rights to payment; provided, however, the Administrative Agent shall not take any of the foregoing actions unless an Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing.

Section 7.2  Responsibilities of the Originators.  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding:

(a)Each Originator shall perform its obligations hereunder, and the exercise by the Buyer or its designee of its rights hereunder shall not relieve such Originator from such obligations.

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(b)None of the Buyer, the Servicer, the Purchasers or the Administrative Agent shall have any obligation or liability to any Obligor or any other third Person with respect to any Receivables, Contracts related thereto or any other related agreements, nor shall the Buyer, the Servicer, the Purchasers or the Administrative Agent be obligated to perform any of the obligations of such Originator thereunder.

(c)Each Originator hereby grants to the Administrative Agent an irrevocable power-of-attorney, with full power of substitution, coupled with an interest, during the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Termination to take in the name of such Originator all steps necessary or advisable to endorse, negotiate or otherwise realize on any writing or other right of any kind held or transmitted by such Originator or transmitted or received by the Buyer (whether or not from such Originator) in connection with any Receivable sold, contributed or otherwise conveyed or purported to be conveyed by it hereunder or Related Right.

Section 7.3  Further Action Evidencing Purchases.  On or prior to the Closing Date, each Originator shall mark its master data processing records evidencing Pool Receivables and Contracts with an identification that indicates that the Pool Receivables have been pledged in accordance with this Agreement and cause each Originator so to identify its master data processing records with such an identification, and none of the Originators or Servicer shall change or remove such notation without the consent of the Buyer and the Administrative Agent. Each Originator agrees that from time to time, at its expense, it will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action that the Buyer, the Servicer, the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser may reasonably request in order to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the Receivables and Related Rights purchased by the Buyer hereunder, or to enable the Buyer to exercise or enforce any of its rights hereunder or under any other Transaction Document. Each Originator hereby authorizes the Buyer or its designee or assignee (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent) to file one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto and assignments thereof, relative to all or any of the Receivables and Related Rights sold or otherwise conveyed or purported to be conveyed by it hereunder and now existing or hereafter generated by such Originator.  If any Originator fails to perform any of its agreements or obligations under this Agreement, the Buyer or its designee or assignee (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent) may (but shall not be required to) itself perform, or cause the performance of, such agreement or obligation, and the expenses of the Buyer or its designee or assignee (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent) incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by such Originator.

Section 7.4  Application of Collections.  Any payment by an Obligor in respect of any indebtedness owed by it to any Originator shall, except as otherwise specified by such Obligor or required by Applicable Law and unless otherwise instructed by the Servicer (with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent) or the Administrative Agent, be applied as a Collection of any Receivable or Receivables of such Obligor to the extent of any amounts then due and payable thereunder (such application to be made starting with the oldest outstanding Receivable or Receivables) before being applied to any other indebtedness of such Obligor.

Section 7.5  Performance of Obligations.  Each Originator shall (i) perform all of its obligations under the Contracts related to the Receivables generated by such Originator to the same extent as if interests in such Receivables had not been transferred hereunder, and the exercise by

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the Buyer or the Administrative Agent of its rights hereunder shall not relieve any Originator from any such obligations and (ii) pay when due any taxes, including, without limitation, any sales taxes payable in connection with the Receivables generated by such Originator and their creation and satisfaction.

Article VIII
PURCHASE AND SALE TERMINATION EVENTS

Section 8.1  Purchase and Sale Termination Events.  Each of the following events or occurrences described in this Section 8.1 shall constitute a “Purchase and Sale Termination Event” (each event which with notice or the passage of time or both would become a Purchase and Sale Termination Event being referred to herein as an “Unmatured Purchase and Sale Termination Event”):

(a)the Termination Date shall have occurred;

(b)any Originator shall fail to make when due any payment or deposit to be made by it under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party and such failure shall remain unremedied for three (3) Business Days;

(c)any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by any Originator (or any of its officers) under or in connection with this Agreement, any other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, or any other information or report delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove to have been incorrect or untrue in any material respect when made or deemed made or delivered and is not cured promptly (but in any case not later than 15 days after notice or knowledge); provided, that such circumstance shall not constitute a Purchase and Sale Termination Event if such representation or warranty, or such information or report, is part of an Information Package, is corrected promptly (but not later than five (5) Business Days) after the Originator has knowledge or receives notice thereof; provided, further that no breach of a representation or warranty set forth in Sections 5.5, 5.12, 5.13, 5.20, 5.22, 5.23, 5.26 or 5.27 shall constitute a Purchase and Sale Termination Event pursuant to this clause (c) if credit has been given for a reduction of the Purchase Price, the outstanding principal balance of the applicable Intercompany Loan has been reduced or the applicable Originator has made a cash payment to the Buyer, in any case, as required pursuant to Section 3.3(c) with respect to such breach;

(d)any Originator shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party on its part to be performed or observed and such failure shall continue unremedied for thirty (30) days after the such Originator has knowledge or receives written notice thereof; or

(e)any Insolvency Proceeding shall be instituted against any Originator and such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for, it or for any substantial part of its property) shall occur.

Section 8.2  Remedies.

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(a)Optional Termination.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Purchase and Sale Termination Event, the Buyer (and not the Servicer), with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent shall have the option, by notice to the Originators (with a copy to the Administrative Agent and the Purchasers), to declare the Purchase Facility terminated.

(b)Remedies Cumulative.  Upon any termination of the Purchase Facility pursuant to Section 8.2(a), the Buyer (and the Administrative Agent as Buyer’s assignee) shall have, in addition to all other rights and remedies under this Agreement, all other rights and remedies provided under the UCC of each applicable jurisdiction and other Applicable Laws, which rights shall be cumulative.

Article IX
INDEMNIFICATION

Section 9.1  Indemnities by the Originators and the Servicer.  Without limiting any other rights that the Buyer may have hereunder or under Applicable Law, each Originator and the Servicer, jointly and severally, hereby agrees to indemnify the Buyer, each of its officers, directors, employees, agents, employees and respective assigns, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser (each of the foregoing Persons being individually called a “Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party”), forthwith on demand, from and against any and all damages, claims, losses, judgments, liabilities, penalties and related costs and expenses (including Attorney Costs) (all of the foregoing being collectively called “Purchase and Sale Indemnified Amounts”) awarded against or incurred by any of them arising out of, relating to or in connection with:

(a)the breach of any representation or warranty made or deemed made by such Originator (or any employee, officer or agent of such Originator) under or in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, or any information or report delivered by or on behalf of such Originator pursuant hereto or thereto which shall have been untrue or incorrect when made or deemed made or delivered;

(b)the transfer by such Originator of any interest in any Pool Receivable or Related Right other than the transfer of any Pool Receivable and Related Security to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement and the grant of a security interest to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement;

(c)the failure by such Originator to comply with the terms of any Transaction Document or with any Applicable Law with respect to any Pool Receivable or the related Contract; or the failure of any Pool Receivable or the related Contract to conform to any such Applicable Law;

(d)the lack of an enforceable ownership interest, or a first priority perfected lien, in the Pool Receivables (and all Related Security) originated by such Originator against all Persons (including any bankruptcy trustee or similar Person), in either case, free and clear of any Adverse Claim;

(e)the failure to have filed, or any delay in filing, financing statements, financing statement amendments, continuation statements or other similar instruments or

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documents under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction or other Applicable Laws with respect to any Pool Receivable or the Related Rights;

(f)any suit or claim related to the Pool Receivables originated by such Originator (including any products liability or environmental liability claim arising out of or in connection with the property, products or services that are the subject of any Pool Receivable originated by such Originator);

(g)any dispute, claim, offset or defense (other than discharge in bankruptcy) of the Obligor to the payment of any Receivable in the Receivables Pool (including a defense based on such Receivable’s or the related Contract’s not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms) or any other claim resulting from the sale of the property, products or services to such Receivable or the furnishing or failure to furnish such property, products or services;

(h)any failure of such Originator to perform any its duties or obligations in accordance with the provisions hereof and of each other Transaction Document related to Pool Receivables or to timely and fully comply with the Credit and Collection Policy in regard to each Pool Receivable;

(i)the commingling of Collections of Pool Receivables at any time with other funds;

(j)the failure or delay to provide any Obligor with an invoice or other evidence of indebtedness;

(k)any investigation, litigation or proceeding (actual or threatened) related to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or in respect of any Pool Receivable or any Related Rights;

(l)any claim brought by any Person other than a Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party arising from any activity by such Originator or any Affiliate of such Originator in servicing, administering or collecting any Pool Receivable;

(m)the failure by such Originator to pay when due any Taxes, including, without limitation, sales, excise or personal property taxes;

(n)any dispute, claim, offset or defense (other than discharge in bankruptcy of the Obligor) of the Obligor to the payment of any Pool Receivable (including, without limitation, a defense based on such Pool Receivable or the related Contract not being a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms), or any other claim resulting from the sale of goods or the rendering of services related to such Pool Receivable or the furnishing or failure to furnish any such goods or services or other similar claim or defense not arising from the financial inability of any Obligor to pay undisputed indebtedness;

(o)any product liability claim arising out of or in connection with goods or services that are the subject of any Receivable generated by such Originator;

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(p)any tax or governmental fee or charge, all interest and penalties thereon or with respect thereto, and all out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including without limitation Attorney Costs in defending against the same, which are required to be paid by reason of the purchase or ownership of the Receivables generated by such Originator or any Related Rights connected with any such Receivables;

(q)any liability under Section 5.03 of the Receivables Purchase Agreement or arising from a breach of Section 7.01(w) or Section 8.01(y) of the Receivables Purchase Agreement; or

(r)any action taken by the Administrative Agent as attorney-in-fact for such Originator pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document;

provided that such indemnity shall not be available to any Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of a Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party or (y) constitute recourse with respect to a Pool Receivable by reason of the bankruptcy or insolvency, or the financial or credit condition or financial default, of the related Obligor.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, solely for purposes of such Originator’s indemnification obligations in this Article IX, any representation, warranty or covenant qualified by the occurrence or non-occurrence of a material adverse effect or similar concepts of materiality shall be deemed to be not so qualified.

If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold it harmless, then the Originators, jointly and severally, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of such Originator and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and such Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in the matters contemplated by this Agreement as well as the relative fault of such Originator and its Affiliates and such Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party with respect to such loss, claim, damage or liability and any other relevant equitable considerations.  The reimbursement, indemnity and contribution obligations of such Originator under this Section shall be in addition to any liability which such Originator may otherwise have, shall extend upon the same terms and conditions to Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of such Originator and the Purchase and Sale Indemnified Parties.  Any indemnification or contribution under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Article X
MISCELLANEOUS

Section 10.1  Amendments, etc.

(a)The provisions of this Agreement may from time to time be amended, modified or waived, if such amendment, modification or waiver is in writing and executed by the

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Buyer, the Servicer and each Originator, with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Purchasers.

(b)No failure or delay on the part of the Buyer, the Servicer, any Originator, the Administrative Agent or any third-party beneficiary in exercising any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right.  No notice to or demand on the Buyer, the Servicer or any Originator in any case shall entitle it to any notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.  No waiver or approval by the Buyer, the Administrative Agent or the Servicer under this Agreement shall, except as may otherwise be stated in such waiver or approval, be applicable to subsequent transactions.  No waiver or approval under this Agreement shall require any similar or dissimilar waiver or approval thereafter to be granted hereunder.

(c)The Transaction Documents contain a final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, superseding all prior oral or written understandings.

Section 10.2  Notices, etc.  All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall, unless otherwise stated herein, be in writing (including electronic mail communication) and shall be delivered or sent by electronic mail, or by overnight mail, to the intended party at the mailing or electronic mail address of such party set forth under its name on Schedule IV hereof or at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties hereto or in the case of the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser, at their respective address for notices pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement.  All such notices and communications shall be effective (i) if delivered by overnight mail, when received, and (ii) if transmitted by electronic mail, when sent, receipt confirmed by telephone or electronic means (with confirmation of receipt by the recipient, which confirmation shall not include any automatic replies or read receipts).

Section 10.3  No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.  The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.  Without limiting the foregoing, Servicer and each Originator hereby authorizes the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser (collectively, the “Set-off Parties”), at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Termination Event, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off, against any obligations of Servicer or such Originator to such Set-off Party arising in connection with the Transaction Documents (including, without limitation, amounts payable pursuant to Section 9.1) that are then due and payable or that are not then due and payable but have accrued, any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and any and all indebtedness at any time owing by, any Set-off Party to or for the credit or the account of Servicer or such Originator.

Section 10.4  Binding Effect; Assignability.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Buyer and each Originator and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  No Originator may assign any of its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Buyer, the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser, except as

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otherwise herein specifically provided.  This Agreement shall create and constitute the continuing obligations of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the parties hereto shall agree.  The rights and remedies with respect to any breach of any representation and warranty made by any Originator pursuant to Article V and the indemnification and payment provisions of Article IX and Section 10.6 shall be continuing and shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 10.5  Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES HERETO, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY OTHER CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF), EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE PERFECTION OF A SECURITY INTEREST OR REMEDIES HEREUNDER, IN RESPECT OF ANY PARTICULAR COLLATERAL ARE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 10.6  Costs, Expenses and Taxes.  In addition to the obligations of the Originators under Article IX, each Originator, severally and for itself alone, and Servicer, jointly and severally with each Originator, agrees to pay on written demand:

(a)to the Buyer (and any successor and permitted assigns thereof) and any third-party beneficiary of the Buyer’s rights hereunder all reasonable documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement (together with all amendments, restatements, supplements, consents and waivers, if any, from time to time hereto), including, without limitation, (i) the Attorney Costs for the Buyer (and any successor and permitted assigns thereof) and any third-party beneficiary of the Buyer’s rights hereunder with respect thereto and with respect to advising any such Person as to their rights and remedies under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) subject to Section 6.1(e) reasonable and documented accountants’, auditors’ and consultants’ fees and expenses for the Buyer (and any successor and permitted assigns thereof) and any third-party beneficiary of the Buyer’s rights hereunder incurred in connection with the administration and maintenance of this Agreement or advising any such Person as to their rights and remedies under this Agreement or as to any actual or reasonably claimed breach of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document;

(b)to the Buyer (and any successor and permitted assigns thereof) and any third-party beneficiary of the Buyer’s rights hereunder all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including Attorney Costs), of any such Person incurred in connection with the enforcement of any of their respective rights or remedies under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents; and

(c)all stamp, franchise and other taxes and fees payable in connection with the execution, delivery, filing and recording of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to be delivered hereunder, and agrees to indemnify each Purchase and Sale Indemnified Party against any liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omitting to pay such taxes and fees.

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Section 10.7  SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION.  (a) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY NEW YORK STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, AND EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT.  THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT THEY MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING.  THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

(b)EACH PARTY HERETO CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES OF SUCH PROCESS TO IT AT ITS ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SCHEDULE IV.  NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 10.7 SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

Section 10.8  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT.

Section 10.9  Captions and Cross References; Incorporation by Reference.  The various captions (including, without limitation, the table of contents) in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.  References in this Agreement to any underscored Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit are to such Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit of this Agreement, as the case may be.  The Schedules and Exhibits hereto are hereby incorporated by reference into and made a part of this Agreement.

Section 10.10  Execution in Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart hereof by facsimile or other electronic means shall be equally effective as delivery of an originally executed counterpart.

Section 10.11  Acknowledgment and Agreement.  By execution below, each Originator expressly acknowledges and agrees that all of the Buyer’s rights, title, and interests in, to, and under this Agreement (but not its obligations), shall be assigned by the Buyer to the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Purchasers) pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, and each Originator consents to such assignment.  Each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees

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that the Purchasers and the Administrative Agent are third-party beneficiaries of the rights of the Buyer arising hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents to which any Originator is a party, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, during the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Termination under the Receivables Purchase Agreement, the Administrative Agent, and not the Buyer, shall have the sole right to exercise all such rights and related remedies.

Section 10.12  No Proceeding.  Each Originator hereby agrees that it will not institute, or join any other Person in instituting, against the Buyer any Insolvency Proceeding for at least one year and one day following the Final Payout Date.  Each Originator further agrees that notwithstanding any provisions contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Buyer shall not, and shall not be obligated to, pay any amount in respect of any Intercompany Loan or otherwise to such Originator pursuant to this Agreement unless the Buyer has received funds which may, subject to Section 3.01 of the Receivables Purchase Agreement, be used to make such payment.  Any amount which the Buyer does not pay pursuant to the operation of the preceding sentence shall not constitute a claim (as defined in §101 of the Bankruptcy Code) against or corporate obligation of the Buyer by such Originator for any such insufficiency unless and until the provisions of the foregoing sentence are satisfied.  The agreements in this Section 10.12 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 10.13  Mutual Negotiations.  This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are the product of mutual negotiations by the parties thereto and their counsel, and no party shall be deemed the draftsperson of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any provision hereof or thereof or to have provided the same.  Accordingly, in the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity of any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, such inconsistency or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any party because of such party’s involvement in the drafting thereof.

Section 10.14  Joint and Several Liability.  Each of the representations, warranties, covenants, obligations, indemnities and other undertakings of any Originator hereunder shall be made jointly and severally, and are joint and several liabilities of each of the Originators hereunder.

Section 10.15  Severability.  Any provisions of this Agreement which are prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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

 

 

CVG CAPITAL III LLC,

 

as Buyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ William Whitaker

 

 

Name: William Whitaker

 

 

Title:  President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASHLAND LLC,

 

as Servicer and as an Originator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ William Whitaker

 

 

Name: William Whitaker

 

 

Title:  Vice President & Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASHLAND SPECIALTY INGREDIENTS G.P.,

 

as an Originator

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ William Whitaker

 

 

Name: William Whitaker

 

 

Title:  Vice President – Finance/Controller