UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 13, 2022 (April 7, 2022)
Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland | 814-01301 | 83-0711022 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 6400 Chicago, Illinois |
60606 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 258-8300
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
None | N/A | N/A |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company x
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 1.01 | Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement |
On April 7, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC (the “2022 Issuer”), an indirect, wholly owned, consolidated subsidiary of Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation (the “Company”) completed a $425 million asset-backed securitization (the “2022 Asset-Backed Securitization”). The 2022 Asset-Backed Securitization is a secured financing incurred by the 2022 Issuer, a subsidiary of the Company, which is consolidated by the Company and subject to its overall asset coverage requirement.
On the Closing Date and in connection with the 2022 Asset-Backed Securitization, the 2022 Issuer entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Jefferies LLC and KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., as the initial purchasers (the “Initial Purchasers”), pursuant to which the 2022 Issuer agreed to sell to the Initial Purchasers certain of the notes to be issued pursuant to an indenture as part of the 2022 Asset-Backed Securitization.
The notes offered in the 2022 Asset-Backed Securitization consist of $261,375,000 of Class A Senior Secured Notes, which bear interest at 4.05% (the “Class A Notes”), $44,625,000 of Class B Senior Secured Notes, which bear interest at 5.15% (the “Class B Notes”) and $36,125,000 of Class C Senior Secured Notes, which bear interest at 7.75% (the “Class C Notes” and collectively with the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes, the “Secured 2022 Notes”). The 2022 Issuer also issued $82,875,000 of Subordinated Notes, which do not bear interest (the “Subordinated 2022 Notes” and, together with the Secured 2022 Notes, the “2022 Notes”). The Notes are due on April 30, 2032. The Secured 2022 Notes were issued through a private placement through the Initial Purchasers. The Company retained all of the Class C Notes and the Subordinated 2022 Notes. The Subordinated 2022 Notes were retained for the purpose of satisfying the risk retention requirements pursuant to a subordinated note purchase agreement entered into as of the Closing Date.
The 2022 Asset Securitization is secured by a diversified portfolio of senior secured loans. Through April 22, 2024, all principal collections received on the underlying collateral may be used by the 2022 Issuer to purchase new collateral under the direction of Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC (“Monroe BDC Advisors”), in its capacity as collateral manager of the 2022 Issuer, in accordance with the Company’s investment strategy and subject to customary conditions set forth in the documents governing the 2022 Asset-Backed Securitization, allowing the Company to maintain the initial leverage in the 2022 Asset-Backed Securitization.
The 2022 Issuer used the proceeds from the 2022 Asset-Backed Securitization to, among other things, purchase certain portfolio company investments (“Collateral Obligations”) from the Company and, at the Company’s direction, MC Income Plus Financing SPV LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Warehouse Borrower”) pursuant to a loan sale agreement entered into on the Closing Date (the “Loan Sale Agreement”). In connection therewith, the Warehouse Borrower repaid certain outstanding indebtedness under the documents governing the credit facility entered into by the Warehouse Borrower.
Under the terms of the Loan Sale Agreement, the Company sold and/or contributed, and from time to time thereafter the Company will sell and/or contribute, its ownership interest in the portfolio company investments securing the 2022 Asset-Backed Securitization and participations in return for a purchase price equal to the market value of such portfolio company investments. Following these transfers, the 2022 Issuer holds all of the ownership interest in such portfolio company investments and participations. The Company made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Loan Sale Agreement.
The Secured 2022 Notes are the secured obligation of the 2022 Issuer, and the indenture governing the Secured 2022 Notes includes customary covenants and events of default. The 2022 Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state “blue sky” laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission or an applicable exemption from registration.
Monroe BDC Advisors serves as collateral manager to the 2022 Issuer under a collateral management agreement entered into on the Closing Date (the “Collateral Management Agreement”) and is entitled to receive a fee for providing these services; however Monroe BDC Advisors has elected to waive such fees.
Item 2.03 | Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation |
The information set forth under Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.
Item 9.01 | Financial Statement and Exhibits |
Exhibit No. | Description |
10.1 | Indenture, dated as of April 7, 2022, by and between Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee. |
10.2 | Collateral Management Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2022, by and between Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC, as Issuer, and Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC, as Collateral Manager. |
10.3 | Loan Sale Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2022, by and between Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation, as Seller, and Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC, as Buyer. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation |
Date: April 13, 2022 | By: | /s/ Lewis W. Solimene, Jr. |
Lewis W. Solimene, Jr. | ||
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary |
Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTION VERSION
INDENTURE
by and between
monroe
Capital INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, LLC,
Issuer,
and
U.S.
BANK Trust Company, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
Trustee
Dated as of April 7, 2022
Table of Contents
Page
ARTICLE I Definitions | 2 | ||
Section 1.1 | Definitions | 2 | |
Section 1.2 | Usage of Terms | 46 | |
Section 1.3 | Assumptions as to Assets | 46 | |
ARTICLE II The Notes | 49 | ||
Section 2.1 | Forms Generally | 49 | |
Section 2.2 | Forms of Notes | 49 | |
Section 2.3 | Authorized Amount; Stated Maturity; Denominations | 51 | |
Section 2.4 | Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating | 52 | |
Section 2.5 | Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange | 53 | |
Section 2.6 | Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Note | 66 | |
Section 2.7 | Payment of Principal and Interest and Other Amounts; Principal and Interest Rights Preserved | 67 | |
Section 2.8 | Persons Deemed Owners | 69 | |
Section 2.9 | Cancellation | 70 | |
Section 2.10 | DTC Ceases to be Depository | 70 | |
Section 2.11 | Non-Permitted Holders | 71 | |
Section 2.12 | Treatment and Tax Certification | 73 | |
Section 2.13 | Additional Issuance | 76 | |
ARTICLE III Conditions Precedent | 77 | ||
Section 3.1 | Conditions to Issuance of Notes on Closing Date | 77 | |
Section 3.2 | Conditions to Additional Issuance | 81 | |
Section 3.3 | Custodianship; Delivery of Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments | 82 | |
ARTICLE IV Satisfaction And Discharge | 84 | ||
Section 4.1 | Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture | 84 | |
Section 4.2 | Application of Trust Money | 85 | |
Section 4.3 | Repayment of Monies Held by Paying Agent | 85 | |
Section 4.4 | Liquidation of Assets | 85 | |
ARTICLE V Remedies | 86 | ||
Section 5.1 | Events of Default | 86 | |
Section 5.2 | Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment | 87 | |
Section 5.3 | Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee | 88 | |
Section 5.4 | Remedies | 90 | |
Section 5.5 | Optional Preservation of Assets | 92 | |
Section 5.6 | Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Notes | 93 | |
Section 5.7 | Application of Money Collected | 93 | |
Section 5.8 | Limitation on Suits | 94 | |
Section 5.9 | Unconditional Rights of Secured Note Holders to Receive Principal and Interest | 94 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
Section 5.10 | Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
94 | |
Section 5.11 | Rights and Remedies Cumulative | 95 | |
Section 5.12 | Delay or Omission Not Waiver | 95 | |
Section 5.13 | Control by Supermajority of Controlling Class | 95 | |
Section 5.14 | Waiver of Past Defaults | 95 | |
Section 5.15 | Undertaking for Costs | 96 | |
Section 5.16 | Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws | 96 | |
Section 5.17 | Sale of Assets | 96 | |
Section 5.18 | Action on the Notes | 97 | |
ARTICLE VI The Trustee | 98 | ||
Section 6.1 | Certain Duties and Responsibilities | 98 | |
Section 6.2 | Notice of Event of Default | 99 | |
Section 6.3 | Certain Rights of Trustee | 99 | |
Section 6.4 | Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Notes | 104 | |
Section 6.5 | May Hold Notes | 104 | |
Section 6.6 | Money Held in Trust | 104 | |
Section 6.7 | Compensation and Reimbursement | 104 | |
Section 6.8 | Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility | 105 | |
Section 6.9 | Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor | 106 | |
Section 6.10 | Acceptance of Appointment by Successor | 107 | |
Section 6.11 | Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business of Trustee | 107 | |
Section 6.12 | Co-Trustees | 108 | |
Section 6.13 | Certain Duties of Trustee Related to Delayed Payment of Proceeds | 109 | |
Section 6.14 | Authenticating Agents | 109 | |
Section 6.15 | Withholding | 110 | |
Section 6.16 | Representative for Holders of Secured Notes only; Agent for each other Secured Party and the Holders of the Subordinated Notes |
110 | |
Section 6.17 | Representations and Warranties of the Bank | 110 | |
ARTICLE VII Covenants | 111 | ||
Section 7.1 | Payment of Principal and Interest | 111 | |
Section 7.2 | Maintenance of Office or Agency | 111 | |
Section 7.3 | Money for Note Payments to be Held in Trust | 112 | |
Section 7.4 | Existence of the Issuer | 114 | |
Section 7.5 | Protection of Assets | 115 | |
Section 7.6 | Opinions as to Assets | 116 | |
Section 7.7 | Performance of Obligations | 116 | |
Section 7.8 | Negative Covenants | 116 | |
Section 7.9 | Statement as to Compliance | 118 | |
Section 7.10 | Issuer May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain Terms | 118 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
Section 7.11 | Successor Substituted | 120 | |
Section 7.12 | No Other Business | 120 | |
Section 7.13 | [Reserved] | 120 | |
Section 7.14 | Annual Rating Review | 120 | |
Section 7.15 | Reporting | 120 | |
Section 7.16 | [Reserved] | 120 | |
Section 7.17 | Certain Tax Matters | 121 | |
Section 7.18 | Purchase of Additional Collateral Obligations | 126 | |
Section 7.19 | Representations Relating to Security Interests in the Assets | 126 | |
ARTICLE VIII Supplemental Indentures | 129 | ||
Section 8.1 | Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders of Notes | 129 | |
Section 8.2 | Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders of Notes | 132 | |
Section 8.3 | Execution of Supplemental Indentures | 134 | |
Section 8.4 | Effect of Supplemental Indentures | 136 | |
Section 8.5 | Reference in Notes to Supplemental Indentures | 136 | |
Section 8.6 | Hedge Agreements | 136 | |
ARTICLE IX Redemption Of Notes | 137 | ||
Section 9.1 | Optional Redemption | 137 | |
Section 9.2 | Tax Redemption | 141 | |
Section 9.3 | Redemption Procedures | 141 | |
Section 9.4 | Notes Payable on Redemption Date | 142 | |
Section 9.5 | Clean-Up Call Redemption | 142 | |
ARTICLE X Accounts, Accountings And Releases | 144 | ||
Section 10.1 | Collection of Money | 144 | |
Section 10.2 | Collection Account | 144 | |
Section 10.3 | Transaction Accounts | 147 | |
Section 10.4 | Ownership of the Accounts | 149 | |
Section 10.5 | Reinvestment of Funds in Accounts; Reports by Trustee | 150 | |
Section 10.6 | Accountings | 151 | |
Section 10.7 | Release of Assets | 154 | |
Section 10.8 | Reports by Independent Accountants | 155 | |
Section 10.9 | Reports to the Rating Agency and Additional Recipients | 156 | |
Section 10.10 | Procedures Relating to the Establishment of Accounts Controlled by the Trustee | 157 | |
Section 10.11 | Section 3(c)(7) Procedures | 157 | |
Section 10.12 | No Further Reporting Following the Redemption of the Secured Notes | 160 | |
ARTICLE XI Application Of Monies | 160 | ||
Section 11.1 | Disbursements of Monies from Payment Account | 160 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
ARTICLE XII SALE OF COLLATERAL OBLIGATIONS; PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL OBLIGATIONS | 166 | ||
Section 12.1 | Sales of Collateral Obligations | 166 | |
Section 12.2 | Purchase of Additional Collateral Obligations | 168 | |
Section 12.3 | Conditions Applicable to All Sale and Purchase Transactions | 170 | |
ARTICLE XIII Noteholders’ Relations | 172 | ||
Section 13.1 | Subordination | 172 | |
Section 13.2 | Standard of Conduct | 172 | |
ARTICLE XIV MISCELLANEOUS | 173 | ||
Section 14.1 | Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee | 173 | |
Section 14.2 | Acts of Holders | 174 | |
Section 14.3 | Notices, etc., to Trustee, the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Initial Purchasers, the Collateral Administrator, the Paying Agent and the Rating Agency | 175 | |
Section 14.4 | Notices to Holders; Waiver | 176 | |
Section 14.5 | Effect of Headings and Table of Contents | 177 | |
Section 14.6 | Successors and Assigns | 177 | |
Section 14.7 | Severability | 177 | |
Section 14.8 | Benefits of Indenture | 177 | |
Section 14.9 | Legal Holidays | 178 | |
Section 14.10 | Governing Law | 178 | |
Section 14.11 | Submission to Jurisdiction | 178 | |
Section 14.12 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 178 | |
Section 14.13 | Counterparts | 178 | |
Section 14.14 | Acts of Issuer | 179 | |
Section 14.15 | Confidential Information | 179 | |
Section 14.16 | [Reserved] | 181 | |
Section 14.17 | Communications with the Rating Agency | 181 | |
Section 14.18 | Notices to KBRA; Rule 17g-5 Procedures | 181 | |
Section 14.19 | Proceedings | 183 | |
ARTICLE XV Assignment Of Certain Agreements | 184 | ||
Section 15.1 | Assignment of Collateral Management Agreement | 184 |
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Schedules and Exhibits | |
Schedule 1 | List of Collateral Obligations |
Exhibit A | Forms of Notes |
A-1 | Form of Global Secured Note |
A-2 | Form of Global Subordinated Note |
A-3 | Form of Certificated Secured Note |
A-4 | Form of Certificated Subordinated Note |
Exhibit B | Forms of Transfer and Exchange Certificates |
B-1 | Form of Transferor Certificate for Transfer of Rule 144A Global Secured Note or Certificated Secured Note to Regulation S Global Secured Note |
B-2 | Form of Purchaser Representation Letter for Certificated Secured Notes |
B-3 | Form of Transferor Certificate for Transfer of Regulation S Global Secured Note or Certificated Secured Note to Rule 144A Global Secured Note |
B-4 | Form of Purchaser Representation Letter for Certificated Subordinated Notes |
B-5 | Form of Subordinated Note ERISA Certificate |
B-6 | Form of Transferee Certificate of Rule 144A Global Secured Note |
B-7 | Form of Transferee Certificate of Regulation S Global Secured Note |
B-8 | Form of Transferee Certificate of Regulation S Global Subordinated Note |
B-9 | Form of Transferor Certificate for Transfer of Certificated Subordinated Note or Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note to Regulation S Global Subordinated Note |
B-10 | Form of Transferor Certificate for Transfer of Certificated Subordinated Note or Regulation S Global Subordinated Note to Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note |
B-11 | Form of Transferee Certificate of Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note |
Exhibit C | [Reserved] |
Exhibit D | Form of Note Owner Certificate |
Exhibit E | Form of NRSRO Certification |
Exhibit F | Form of Notice of Contribution |
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INDENTURE, dated as of April 7, 2022, between MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer”), and U.S. BANK Trust Company, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as trustee (herein, together with its permitted successors and assigns in the trusts hereunder, the “Trustee”).
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
The Issuer is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture to provide for the Notes issuable as provided herein. The Issuer and the Trustee are entering into this Indenture for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged.
All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer in accordance with the agreement’s terms have been done.
GRANTING CLAUSE
The Issuer hereby Grants to the Trustee, for the benefit and security of the Holders of the Secured Notes, the Trustee, the Custodian, the Collateral Manager and the Collateral Administrator (collectively, the “Secured Parties”), all of its right, title and interest in, to and under, in each case, whether now owned or existing, or hereafter acquired or arising any and all accounts, chattel paper, deposit accounts, financial assets, general intangibles, instruments, investment property, letter-of-credit rights, documents, goods and supporting obligations and other assets in which the Issuer has an interest and specifically including: (a) the Collateral Obligations (listed, as of the Closing Date, in Schedule 1 to this Indenture) which the Issuer causes to be delivered to the Trustee (directly or through an intermediary or bailee) herewith and all payments thereon or with respect thereto, and all Collateral Obligations which are delivered to the Trustee in the future pursuant to the terms hereof and all payments thereon or with respect thereto, (b) each of the Accounts, and in each case any Eligible Investments purchased with funds on deposit in any of the Accounts, and all income from the investment of funds therein, (c) the Collateral Management Agreement as set forth in Article XV hereof, the Securities Account Control Agreement, any Loan Sale Agreement (including any Lien granted by a Seller to the Issuer thereunder) and the Collateral Administration Agreement (d) Risk Retention Letter (e) all Cash or Money delivered to the Trustee (or its bailee) from any source for the benefit of the Secured Parties or the Issuer, (f) any Equity Securities received by the Issuer; it being understood that Equity Securities may not be purchased by the Issuer but it is possible that the Issuer may receive an Equity Security in connection with an insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, debt restructuring or workout, (g) all accounts, chattel paper, deposit accounts, financial assets, general intangibles, payment intangibles, instruments, investment property, letter-of-credit rights, securities, money, documents, goods, commercial tort claims and securities entitlements, and other supporting obligations (as such terms are defined in the UCC), (h) any other property otherwise delivered to the Trustee by or on behalf of the Issuer (whether or not constituting Collateral Obligations, Equity Securities or Eligible Investments); and (i) all proceeds (as defined in the UCC) with respect to the foregoing; (the assets referred to in (a) through (i), are collectively referred to as the “Assets”).
The above Grant is made in trust to secure the Secured Notes, the Issuer’s other obligations to the Secured Parties under this Indenture, the other Transaction Documents, and certain other amounts payable by the Issuer as described herein. Except as set forth in the Priority of Payments and Article XI of this Indenture, the Secured Notes are secured by the Grant equally and ratably without prejudice, priority or distinction between any Secured Note and any other Secured Note by reason of difference in time of issuance or otherwise. The Grant is made to secure, in accordance with the priorities set forth in the Priority of Payments and Article XI of this Indenture, (i) the payment of all amounts due on the Secured Notes in accordance with their terms, (ii) the payment of all other sums (other than in respect of the Subordinated Notes) payable under this Indenture, (iii) the payment of amounts owing by the Issuer under the Collateral Management Agreement, the Collateral Administration Agreement and any Loan Sale Agreement and (iv) compliance with the provisions of this Indenture, all as provided herein (collectively, the “Secured Obligations”). The foregoing Grant shall, for the purpose of determining the property subject to the lien of this Indenture, be deemed to include any securities and any investments granted to the Trustee by or on behalf of the Issuer, whether or not such securities or investments satisfy the criteria set forth in the definitions of “Collateral Obligation” or “Eligible Investments”, as the case may be.
The Trustee acknowledges such Grant, accepts the trusts hereunder in accordance with the provisions hereof, and agrees to perform the duties herein in accordance with the terms hereof.
ARTICLE I
Definitions
Section 1.1 Definitions. Except as otherwise specified herein or as the context may otherwise require, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below for all purposes of this Indenture, and the definitions of such terms are equally applicable both to the singular and plural forms of such terms and to the masculine, feminine and neuter genders of such terms. The word “including” shall mean “including without limitation.” All references herein to designated “Articles”, “Sections”, “sub-sections” and other subdivisions are to the designated articles, sections, sub-sections and other subdivisions of this Indenture. The words “herein”, “hereof”, “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular article, section, sub-section or other subdivision.
“1940 Act”: The United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
“ABL Facility”: A lending facility pursuant to which the loans thereunder are secured by a perfected, first priority security interest in accounts receivable, inventory, machinery, equipment, real estate, oil and gas reserves, vessels or periodic revenues, where such collateral security consists of assets generated or acquired by the related Obligor in its business.
“Accountants’ Report”: An agreed upon procedures report of the firm or firms appointed by the Issuer pursuant to Section 10.8(b).
“Accounts”: (i) The Payment Account, (ii) the Collection Account, (iii) the Prefunding Account, (iv) the Custodial Account and (v) the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account.
“Accredited Investor”: The meaning set forth in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act.
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“Act” and “Act of the Holders”: The meanings specified in Section 14.2.
“Additional Collateral Obligations”: (i) Collateral Obligations purchased by the Issuer during the Reinvestment Period and (ii) Collateral Obligations that the Issuer committed to purchase during the Reinvestment Period.
“Additional Notes”: Any Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.13.
“Additional Notes Closing Date”: The closing date for the issuance of any Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.13 as set forth in an indenture supplemental to this Indenture pursuant to Section 8.1(a)(xi).
“Adjusted Pool Balance”: As of any date of determination:
(a) | the Pool Balance; plus |
(b) | without duplication, the Current Cash Balances; minus |
(c) | without duplication, the aggregate amounts by which the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Collateral Obligations exceeds any of the Concentration Limitations without duplication as applied by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion; minus |
(d) | without duplication, the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Delinquent Obligations; minus |
(e) | without duplication, the product of (i) the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Restructured Obligations as of the relevant date of determination multiplied by (ii) the Discount Percentage; |
provided that, with respect to any Collateral Obligation that satisfies more than one of the definitions of Defaulted Obligation, Delinquent Obligation, or Restructured Obligation, such Collateral Obligation shall, for the purposes of this definition, be treated as belonging to the category of Collateral Obligations which results in the lowest Adjusted Pool Balance on any date of determination.
“Administrative Expense Cap”: An amount equal on any Payment Date (when taken together with any Administrative Expenses in the order of priority contained in the definition thereof paid during the period since the preceding Payment Date or in the case of the first Payment Date, the period since the Closing Date), to the sum of (a) 0.02% per annum (prorated for the related Interest Accrual Period on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed) of the Fee Basis Amount at the beginning of the Collection Period relating to such Payment Date and (b) U.S.$200,000 per annum (prorated for the related Interest Accrual Period on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months); provided that (1) in respect of any Payment Date after the third Payment Date following the Closing Date, if the aggregate amount of Administrative Expenses paid pursuant to Sections 11.1(a)(i)(A), 11.1(a)(ii)(A) and 11.1(a)(iii)(A) (including any excess applied in accordance with this proviso) on the three immediately preceding Payment Dates and during the related Collection Periods is less than the stated Administrative Expense Cap (without regard to any excess applied in accordance with this proviso) in the aggregate for such three preceding Payment Dates, then the excess may be applied to the Administrative Expense Cap with respect to the then-current Payment Date; and (2) in respect of the third Payment Date following the Closing Date, such excess amount shall be calculated based on the Payment Dates preceding such Payment Date.
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“Administrative Expenses”: The fees, expenses (including indemnities) and other amounts due or accrued with respect to any Payment Date (including, with respect to any Payment Date, any such amounts that were due and not paid on any prior Payment Date in accordance with the Priority of Payments) and payable in the following order by the Issuer: first, to the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.7 and the other provisions of this Indenture, second, to the Collateral Administrator pursuant to the Collateral Administration Agreement and the Bank and any of its Affiliates in any of their respective capacities under the Transaction Documents, third, on a pro rata basis, the following amounts (excluding indemnities) to the following parties: (i) the Independent accountants, agents (other than the Collateral Manager) and counsel of the Issuer for fees and expenses; (ii) the Rating Agency for fees and expenses (including any annual fee, amendment fees and surveillance fees) in connection with any rating of the Secured Notes or in connection with the rating of any Collateral Obligations; (iii) the Collateral Manager under this Indenture and the Collateral Management Agreement, including without limitation reasonable expenses of the Collateral Manager (including fees for its accountants, agents and counsel) incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of any Collateral Obligations, any other expenses incurred in connection with the Collateral Obligations and any other amounts payable pursuant to the Collateral Management Agreement but excluding the Aggregate Collateral Management Fee; (iv) the Independent Manager for any fees or expenses due under the management agreement between the Issuer and Independent Manager; and (v) any other Person in respect of any other fees or expenses permitted under this Indenture and the documents delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Indenture (including without limitation the payment of all legal and other fees and expenses incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of any Collateral Obligations and any other expenses incurred in connection with the Collateral Obligations) and the Notes, including but not limited to, amounts owed to the Issuer pursuant to Section 7.1 and any amounts due in respect of the listing of the Secured Notes on any stock exchange or trading system and fourth, on a pro rata basis, indemnities payable to any Person pursuant to any Transaction Document; provided that (x) amounts due in respect of actions taken on or before the Closing Date shall not be payable as Administrative Expenses but shall be payable only from the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes and (y) for the avoidance of doubt, amounts that are expressly payable to any Person under the Priority of Payments in respect of an amount that is stated to be payable as an amount other than as Administrative Expenses (including, without limitation, interest and principal in respect of the Notes) shall not constitute Administrative Expenses.
“Affiliate”: With respect to a Person, (i) any other Person who, directly or indirectly, is in control of, or controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person or (ii) any other Person who is a director, Officer, employee or general partner (a) of such Person, (b) of any subsidiary or parent company of such Person or (c) of any Person described in clause (i) above. For the purposes of this definition, “control” of a Person shall mean the power, direct or indirect, (x) to vote more than 50% of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or (y) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by contract or otherwise. For purposes of this definition, (1) no entity shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Issuer solely because the Independent Manager or any of its Affiliates acts as independent manager or special member for such entity, and (2) no entity shall be deemed an Affiliate of an Obligor solely because such Obligor and such entity are each controlled by the same or related holders of equity capital.
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“Agent Members”: Members of, or participants in, DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream.
“Aggregate Advance Rate”: (i) Until the end of the Prefunding Period, 80.50%, (ii) following the end of the Prefunding Period, up to and including the Reinvestment Period End Date, the percentage set forth in the following table, based on the number of Obligors and (iii) at any time after the Reinvestment Period End Date, the Aggregate Advance Rate achieved on the Reinvestment Period End Date, taking into account any traded but unsettled positions.
Obligor Count | Aggregate Advance Rate | |
20 and lower | 78.50%, | |
21 and higher | 80.50%, |
For purposes of determining the obligor count for the above table, the proceeds received upon the sale or other disposition of a Collateral Obligation or the final repayment of a Collateral Obligation shall be deemed to constitute an Obligor until all or a portion of such proceeds are reinvested in an Additional Collateral Obligation.
“Aggregate Borrowing Base”: An amount equal to the sum of (a) the product of the Aggregate Advance Rate multiplied by the Adjusted Pool Balance excluding Current Cash Balances therefrom (for any Payment Date, as of the related Determination Date) and (b) Current Cash Balances.
“Aggregate Borrowing Base Condition”: A condition satisfied as of any date of determination on which the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of Secured Notes (calculated after giving effect to any acquisition or substitution of any Additional Collateral Obligations, the sale of any Collateral Obligations and/or any payment on the Secured Notes occurring on such date of determination) is not greater than the Aggregate Borrowing Base.
“Aggregate Collateral Management Fee”: All accrued and unpaid Collateral Management Fees, Current Deferred Management Fees, Cumulative Deferred Management Fees and Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amounts (including accrued interest) due and payable to the Collateral Manager.
“Aggregate Coupon”: As of any Measurement Date, the sum of the products obtained by multiplying, in the case of each Fixed Rate Obligation (other than a Defaulted Obligation, Delinquent Obligation or Restructured Obligation), (i) the stated coupon on such Collateral Obligation expressed as a percentage and (ii) the outstanding principal balance of such Collateral Obligation; provided that the stated coupon of a Step-Up Obligation and a Step-Down Obligation will be the then-current coupon.
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“Aggregate Funded Spread”: As of any Measurement Date, the sum of: (a) in the case of each Floating Rate Obligation that bears interest at a spread over a Benchmark based index, (i) the stated interest rate spread on such Collateral Obligation above such index as of the immediately preceding Interest Determination Date multiplied by (ii) the outstanding principal balance of such Collateral Obligation (excluding the unfunded portion of any Delayed Draw Loan and any Revolving Loan); and (b) in the case of each Floating Rate Obligation that bears interest at a spread over an index other than a London interbank offered rate based index Benchmark, (i) the excess of the sum of such spread and such index over the Benchmark as of the immediately preceding Interest Determination Date (which spread or excess may be expressed as a negative percentage) multiplied by (ii) the outstanding principal balance of each such Collateral Obligation (excluding the unfunded portion of any Delayed Draw Loan and any Revolving Loan).
For purposes of calculating the Aggregate Funded Spread, (i) such calculation shall exclude any Delinquent Obligation until the obligor thereof has resumed the payment of cash interest in cash and (ii) the stated interest rate of a Collateral Obligation will be excluded from such calculation to the extent the Issuer or the Collateral Manager has actual knowledge that such payment of interest will not be made by the obligor thereof during the applicable period.
“Aggregate Outstanding Amount”: With respect to any of the Notes as of any date, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such Notes Outstanding on such date (including any Deferred Interest previously added to the principal amount of any of the Class C Notes that remains unpaid except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in the Indenture).
“Aggregate Principal Balance”: When used with respect to all or a portion of the Collateral Obligations or the Assets, the sum of the Principal Balances of all or of such portion of the Collateral Obligations or Assets, respectively.
“Alternative Method”: The meaning specified in Section 7.17(l).
“Approved Foreign Jurisdiction”: Each of the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and each Approved Tax Jurisdiction; provided that each such country has a foreign currency borrower credit rating that is at least “AA” by S&P.
“Approved Tax Jurisdiction”: Each of Bahamas, Bermuda, Luxembourg, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jersey, the Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands and the Marshall Islands; provided that each such country has a foreign currency borrower credit rating that is at least “AA” by S&P.
“Asset-backed Commercial Paper”: Commercial paper or other short-term obligations of a program that primarily issues externally rated commercial paper backed by assets or exposures held in a bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity.
“Assets”: The meaning assigned in the Granting Clause hereof.
“Assumed Reinvestment Rate”: The Benchmark (as determined on the most recent Interest Determination Date relating to an Interest Accrual Period beginning on a Payment Date or the Closing Date) minus 0.25% per annum; provided that the Assumed Reinvestment Rate shall not be less than 0.00%.
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“Authenticating Agent”: With respect to the Notes or a Class of the Notes, the Person designated by the Trustee to authenticate such Notes on behalf of the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.14 hereof.
“Bank”: U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its individual capacity and not as Trustee, or any successor thereto.
“Bankruptcy Code”: The federal Bankruptcy Code, Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time.
“Benchmark”: With respect to any Floating Rate Obligation, the applicable benchmark rate (which may be a Libor setting or a SOFR setting) currently in effect for such Floating Rate Obligation and determined in accordance with the related Underlying Instruments.
“Beneficial Ownership Certificate”: The meaning specified in Section 14.2(e).
“Benefit Plan Investor”: An employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of Title I of ERISA, a plan to which Section 4975 of the Code applies or an entity whose underlying assets include “plan assets” by reason of such an employee benefit plan’s or a plan’s investment in such entity.
“Bond Borrowing Base Condition”: A condition that will be satisfied as of any date of determination on which the Borrowing Base Condition is applicable, if the Class A Borrowing Base Condition, the Class B Borrowing Base Condition and the Aggregate Borrowing Base Condition are satisfied.
“Broadly Syndicated Loan”: A syndicated loan underwritten based upon the Obligor’s EBITDA where such EBITDA is greater than or equal to $50,000,000.
“Business Day”: Any day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday or (ii) a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by applicable law, regulation or executive order to close in New York, New York or in the city in which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is located or, for any final payment of principal, in the relevant place of presentation.
“Carried Defaulted Obligation”: Any Defaulted Obligation with respect to which the Issuer has delivered to the Collateral Manager an Officer’s certificate confirming that the Issuer will receive payments of principal or a Contribution either (a) in cash in an amount equal to the Principal Balance of such Defaulted Obligation or (b) of one or more Additional Collateral Obligations to substitute for such Defaulted Obligation, which Additional Collateral Obligations will have an aggregate Principal Balance no less than the Principal Balance of such Defaulted Obligation.
“Cash”: Such funds denominated in currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be legal tender for payment of all public and private debts, including funds standing to the credit of an Account.
“Certificate of Authentication”: The meaning specified in Section 2.1.
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“Certificated Notes”: The meaning specified in Section 2.2(b)(iv).
“Certificated Secured Notes”: The meaning specified in Section 2.2(b)(iii).
“Certificated Security”: The meaning specified in Section 8-102(a)(4) of the UCC.
“Certificated Subordinated Note”: The meaning specified in Section 2.2(b)(iv).
“Class”: In the case of the (x) Secured Notes, all of the Secured Notes having the same Interest Rate, Stated Maturity and class designation and (y) Subordinated Notes, all of the Subordinated Notes. With respect to any exercise of voting rights, any pari passu Classes of Notes that are entitled to vote on a matter will vote together as a single Class.
“Class A Advance Rate”: (a) with respect to any date of determination up to and including the end of the Prefunding Period, 61.50%; (b) with respect to any date of determination following the end of the Prefunding Period, up to and including the last day of the Reinvestment Period, the percentage applicable on such date based upon the obligor count existing upon such date as set forth in the following table; and (c) with respect to any date of determination following the last day of the Reinvestment Period, the Class A Advance Rate determined pursuant to clause (b) above on the last day of the Reinvestment Period, taking into account for this purpose any Collateral Obligations that the Issuer has entered into a binding commitment to originate or purchase but that had not settled by the last day of the Reinvestment Period:
Obligor Count | Class A Advance Rate | |||
20 and lower | 59.50 | % | ||
21 and higher | 61.50 | % |
For purposes of determining the obligor count for the above table, the proceeds received upon the sale or other disposition of a Collateral Obligation or the final repayment of a Collateral Obligation shall be deemed to constitute an Obligor until all or a portion of such proceeds are reinvested in an Additional Collateral Obligation.
“Class A Borrowing Base”: With respect to any date of determination, the sum of (a) the product of the Class A Advance Rate multiplied by the Adjusted Pool Balance excluding Current Cash Balances therefrom (for any Payment Date, as of the last day of the related Determination Date) and (b) Current Cash Balances.
“Class A Borrowing Base Condition”: A condition satisfied as of any date of determination on which the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class A Notes (calculated after giving effect to any acquisition or substitution of any Additional Collateral Obligations, the sale of any Collateral Obligations and/or any payment on the Class A Notes occurring on such date of determination) is no greater than the Class A Borrowing Base.
“Class A Noteholders”: The Holders of the Class A Notes.
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“Class A Notes”: The Class A Senior Secured Notes issued on the Closing Date pursuant to this Indenture and having the characteristics specified in Section 2.3.
“Class A Principal Distribution Amount”: With respect to any Payment Date, the greater of (a) the excess, if any, of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class A Notes (calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date) over the Class A Borrowing Base and (b) zero.
“Class B Advance Rate”: (a) with respect to any date of determination up to and including the end of the Prefunding Period, 72.00%; (b) with respect to any date of determination following the end of the Prefunding Period, up to and including the last day of the Reinvestment Period, the percentage applicable on such date based upon the obligor count existing upon such date as set forth in the following table; and (c) with respect to any date of determination following the last day of the Reinvestment Period, the Class B Advance Rate determined pursuant to clause (b) above on the last day of the Reinvestment Period, taking into account for this purpose any Collateral Obligations that the Issuer has entered into a binding commitment to originate or purchase but that had not settled by the last day of the Reinvestment Period:
Obligor Count | Class B Advance Rate | |||
20 and lower | 70.00 | % | ||
21 and higher | 72.00 | % |
For purposes of determining the obligor count for the above table, the proceeds received upon the sale or other disposition of a Collateral Obligation or the final repayment of a Collateral Obligation shall be deemed to constitute an Obligor until all or a portion of such proceeds are reinvested in an Additional Collateral Obligation.
“Class B Borrowing Base”: An amount equal to the sum of (a) the product of the Class B Advance Rate multiplied by the Adjusted Pool Balance excluding Current Cash Balances therefrom (for any Payment Date, as of the related Determination Date) and (b) Current Cash Balances.
“Class B Borrowing Base Condition”: A condition satisfied as of any date of determination on which the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes (calculated after giving effect to any acquisition or substitution of any Additional Collateral Obligations, the sale of any Collateral Obligations and/or any payment on the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes occurring on such date of determination) is no greater than the Class B Borrowing Base.
“Class B Noteholders”: The Holders of the Class B Notes.
“Class B Notes”: The Class B Senior Secured Notes issued on the Closing Date pursuant to this Indenture and having the characteristics specified in Section 2.3.
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“Class B Principal Distribution Amount”: With respect to any Payment Date, the greater of (a) the excess, if any, of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class A Notes and Class B Notes (calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date) over the Class B Borrowing Base minus the Class A Principal Distribution Amount paid on such Payment Date and (b) zero.
“Class C Noteholders”: The Holders of the Class C Notes.
“Class C Notes”: The Class C Senior Secured Notes issued on the Closing Date pursuant to this Indenture and having the characteristics specified in Section 2.3.
“Class C Principal Distribution Amount”: with respect to any Payment Date, the greater of (a) the excess, if any, of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Secured Notes (calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date) over the Aggregate Borrowing Base minus the Class A Principal Distribution Amount and the Class B Principal Distribution Amount paid on such Payment Date and (b) zero.
“Clean-Up Call Date”: The first Payment Date on which the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Notes is less than or equal to 20% of the Initial Outstanding Amount plus the aggregate unpaid principal amount of any additional Notes issued after the Closing Date, measured, in each case, as of the applicable date of issuance of such additional Notes.
“Clean-Up Call Purchase Price”: The meaning specified in Section 9.5(b).
“Clean-Up Call Redemption”: The meaning specified in Section 9.5(a).
“Clearing Agency”: An organization registered as a “clearing agency” pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act.
“Clearing Corporation”: (i) Clearstream, (ii) DTC, (iii) Euroclear and (iv) any entity included within the meaning of “clearing corporation” under Section 8-102(a)(5) of the UCC.
“Clearing Corporation Security”: Securities which are in the custody of or maintained on the books of a Clearing Corporation or a nominee subject to the control of a Clearing Corporation and, if they are Certificated Securities in registered form, properly endorsed to or registered in the name of the Clearing Corporation or such nominee.
“Clearstream”: Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, a corporation organized under the laws of the Duchy of Luxembourg (formerly known as Cedelbank, société anonyme).
“Closing Date”: April 7, 2022.
“Code”: The United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Collateral Administration Agreement”: An agreement dated as of the Closing Date among the Issuer, the Collateral Manager and the Collateral Administrator, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
“Collateral Administrator”: U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as collateral administrator under the Collateral Administration Agreement, and any successor thereto.
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“Collateral Balance”: With respect to any date of determination, the sum, without duplication, of (a) the Pool Balance (including, for this purpose, the principal balance of each Carried Defaulted Obligation but only until such time as the payments of principal or Contributions referred to in the definition thereof have been received by the Issuer) as of such date, plus (b) the amounts on deposit in the Prefunding Account and the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account, Principal Proceeds on deposit in the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount and Principal Proceeds on deposit in the Principal Collection Subaccount available to purchase Additional Collateral Obligations (in each case, including Eligible Investments therein) and the amounts anticipated to be deposited into the Principal Collection Subaccount on the Payment Date immediately succeeding such date of determination.
“Collateral Management Agreement”: The agreement dated as of the Closing Date, between the Issuer and the Collateral Manager relating to the management of the Collateral Obligations and the other Assets by the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
“Collateral Management Fee”: The fee payable to the Collateral Manager in arrears on each Payment Date (prorated for the related Interest Accrual Period) pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Collateral Management Agreement and Section 11.1 of this Indenture, in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum (calculated on the basis of the actual number of days in the applicable Collection Period divided by 360) of the Fee Basis Amount at the beginning of the Collection Period relating to such Payment Date.
“Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amount”: To the extent the Collateral Management Fee is not paid on a Payment Date due to insufficient Interest Proceeds or Principal Proceeds (and such fee was not voluntarily deferred or waived by the Collateral Manager), the Collateral Management Fee due on such Payment Date (or the unpaid portion thereof, as applicable). Such amount is automatically deferred for payment on the succeeding Payment Date, with interest at the rate specified in the Collateral Management Agreement, as certified to the Trustee by the Collateral Manager (with a copy to the Collateral Administrator), in accordance with the Priority of Payments.
“Collateral Manager”: Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, until a successor Person shall have become the Collateral Manager pursuant to the provisions of the Collateral Management Agreement, and thereafter “Collateral Manager” shall mean such successor Person.
“Collateral Manager Notes”: Any Notes owned by the Collateral Manager, an Affiliate thereof, or any account, fund, client or portfolio established and controlled by the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof or for which the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof acts as the investment adviser or with respect to which the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof exercises discretionary control.
“Collateral Manager Standard”: The standard of care applicable to the Collateral Manager set forth in the Collateral Management Agreement.
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“Collateral Obligation”: A Senior Secured Loan (including, but not limited to, interests in Recurring Revenue Loans, Broadly Syndicated Loans and Middle Market Loans acquired by way of a purchase or assignment), or a Participation Interest therein, that as of the date the Issuer commits to the acquisition of such obligation:
(i) | is not (A) an Equity Security or (B) by its terms convertible into or exchangeable for an Equity Security; |
(ii) | is not a Synthetic Security; |
(iii) | is an interest in a Recurring Revenue Loan, Broadly Syndicated Loan or Middle Market Loan; |
(iv) | is U.S. Dollar denominated and is neither convertible by the Obligor thereunder into, nor payable in, any other currency; |
(v) | has an original term to maturity of no more than 96 months; |
(vi) | is not (A) a Defaulted Obligation or (B) a Delinquent Obligation; |
(vii) | provides for a fixed amount of principal payable in Cash on scheduled payment dates and/or at maturity and does not by its terms provide for earlier amortization or prepayment at a price of less than par; |
(viii) | has payments that do not and will not subject the Issuer to withholding tax or other similar tax (except for withholding taxes pursuant to FATCA or withholding or other similar taxes on commitment fees or similar fees or fees that by their nature are commitment fees or similar fees) unless the related obligor is required to make “gross up” payments that ensure that the net amount actually received by the Issuer (after payment of all such taxes) will equal the full amount that the Issuer would have received had no such taxes been imposed; |
(ix) | will not require the Issuer or the pool of Assets to be registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act; |
(x) | does not mature after the Stated Maturity of the Secured Notes; |
(xi) | in the case of a Recurring Revenue Loan, has at least one financial covenant, is not in default of any financial covenant past any applicable cure period, has an Internal Monroe Rating of at least 2 and has a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 50%; |
(xii) | in the case of a Middle Market Loan, has at least one financial covenant, is not in default of any financial covenant past any applicable cure period, has an Internal Monroe Rating of at least 2, has an EBITDA greater than $5,000,000 and has a maximum loan-to-value ratio of less than 65%; |
(xiii) | in the case of a Broadly Syndicated Loan, has no financial covenant, has an Internal Monroe Rating of at least 2, has an EBITDA greater than $50,000,000 and has a maximum loan-to-value ratio of less than 65%; |
(xiv) | other than in the case of a Fixed Rate Obligation, accrues interest at a floating rate determined by reference to (a) the Dollar prime rate or federal funds rate, (b) a benchmark rate or (c) an interbank offered rate, commercial deposit rate or any other index; |
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(xv) | does not pay interest less frequently than annually; |
(xvi) | is not an interest in a grantor trust; |
(xvii) | is issued by a Non-Emerging Market Obligor; |
(xviii) | is not an obligation of a Portfolio Company; |
(xix) | is not a commodity forward contract; |
(xx) | does not include or support a letter of credit; |
(xxi) | is not a Second Lien Loan; |
(xxii) | (xxii) is not (A) an obligation under an ABL Facility, (B) subject to material non-credit related risks as determined by the Collateral Manager, (C) a Real Estate Loan, (D) a Margin Stock, (E) a Structured Finance Obligation, (F) a Bond (other than senior secured notes), (G) an interest only obligation, a Step-Down Obligation or a Step-Up Obligation, or (H) an obligation having a rating including an “f”, “p”, “pi”, “t” or “sf” subscript from S&P or another NRSRO; and |
(xxiii) | if such Collateral Obligation is a Participation Interest, then such Participation Interest is acquired from (1)(a) a Selling Institution incorporated or organized under the laws of the United States (or any state thereof) or any U.S. branch of a Selling Institution incorporated or organized outside the United States or (b) with respect to Collateral Obligations the Obligors of which are organized or incorporated in an Approved Foreign Jurisdiction (other than an Approved Tax Jurisdiction), a Selling Institution organized or incorporated in an Approved Foreign Jurisdiction (other than an Approved Tax Jurisdiction); and, for so long as KBRA is a Rating Agency, (2) a Selling Institution which satisfies the S&P Counterparty Criteria. |
“Collection Account”: The trust account established pursuant to Section 10.2 which consists of the Principal Collection Subaccount, the Interest Collection Subaccount and the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount.
“Collection Period”: (i) With respect to the first Payment Date, the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending at the close of business on the tenth Business Day prior to the first Payment Date; and (ii) with respect to any other Payment Date, the period commencing on the day immediately following the prior Collection Period and ending (a) in the case of the final Collection Period preceding the Stated Maturity of the Secured Notes, on the day of such Stated Maturity, (b) in the case of the final Collection Period preceding an Optional Redemption, Tax Redemption or Clean-Up Call Redemption in whole of the Notes, on the Redemption Date and (c) in any other case, at the close of business on the tenth Business Day prior to the Payment Date; provided that, with respect to any Payment Date after the date on which no Secured Notes are Outstanding, “Collection Period” shall mean the period commencing on the third Business Day prior to the preceding Payment Date (or in the case of the first Payment Date following the date in which the Secured Notes are no longer Outstanding, commencing on the day immediately following the prior Collection Period) and ending on (but excluding) the third Business Day prior to such Payment Date.
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“Commitment Shortfall”: The amount by which:
(a) the aggregate Unfunded Amount exceeds
(b) amounts on deposit in the Collection Account, including Eligible Investments credited thereto, representing Principal Proceeds.
“Commodity Exchange Act”: The United States Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended.
“Concentration Limitations”: Limitations that operate to exclude from the Adjusted Pool Balance, on any date of determination on or after the Closing Date, the aggregate amount, without duplication, of the Collateral Obligations (excluding, only from the numerator for purposes of the following computations, the Aggregate Principal Balance of any Delinquent Obligations and Defaulted Obligations, and the product of (i) the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Restructured Obligations as of the relevant date of determination multiplied by (ii) the Discount Percentage, in each case fitting any of the categories specified below and the denominator of any component of the Concentration Limitations shall be the Collateral Balance, which includes the principal balance of all Delinquent Obligations and Restructured Obligations and the principal balance of Carried Defaulted Obligations prior to such time as amounts with respect thereto are deposited into the Principal Collection Subaccount or Reinvestment Collection Subaccount, as applicable) owned by the Issuer that is in excess of any of the requirements set forth below, calculated in each case as required by Section 1.3 herein:
(i) not more than 5% of the Collateral Balance may consist of obligations issued by a single Obligor and its Affiliates;
(ii) not more than 23% of the Collateral Balance may consist of obligations issued by the 5 Obligors and their respective Affiliates whose Collateral Obligations have the highest Aggregate Principal Balance;
(iii) not more than 44% of the Collateral Balance may consist of obligations issued by the 10 Obligors and their respective Affiliates whose Collateral Obligations have the highest Aggregate Principal Balance;
(iv) not more than 15% of the Collateral Balance may consist of Participation Interests;
(v) not more than 15% of the Collateral Balance may consist of obligations issued by Obligors that are not Domiciled in the United States of America;
(vi) not more than 5% of the Collateral Balance may consist of obligations with scheduled payments thereunder occurring less frequently than quarterly;
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(vii) not more than 10% of the Collateral Balance (including, solely for the purpose of this item (vii) the amount of any unfunded commitment under any Delayed Draw Loans or Revolving Loans) may consist of the outstanding principals balances of and unfunded commitments under Delayed Draw Loans or Revolving Loans; and
(viii) not more than 10% of the Collateral Balance may consist of Broadly Syndicated Loans.
To the extent that a single Collateral Obligation fits into more than one of the above categories, the Collateral Manager will apply the Concentration Limitations, in its discretion, to avoid reducing the Adjusted Pool Balance multiple times with respect to the same excluded portion of such Collateral Obligation.
“Confidential Information”: The meaning specified in Section 14.15(b).
“Contribution”: The meaning specified in Section 11.1(e).
“Contributor”: The meaning specified in Section 11.1(e).
“Controlling Class”: The Class A Notes so long as any Class A Notes are Outstanding; then the Class B Notes so long as any Class B Notes are Outstanding; then the Class C Notes so long as any Class C Notes are Outstanding; and then the Subordinated Notes.
“Controlling Person”: A Person (other than a Benefit Plan Investor) who has discretionary authority or control with respect to the assets of an entity or any Person who provides investment advice for a fee (direct or indirect) with respect to such assets or an affiliate of any such Person. For this purpose, an “affiliate” of a Person includes any Person, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Person. “Control,” with respect to a Person other than an individual, means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of such Person, and “Controlling” shall have the meaning correlative to the foregoing.
“Controlling Real Estate Equity Interest”: A controlling equity interest in a Person whose assets consist primarily of interests in real property.
“Corporate Trust Office”: The designated corporate trust office of the Trustee at which the Trustee administers this Indenture, currently located at (a) for Note transfer purposes and for presentment and surrender of the Notes for final payment thereon, 111 Fillmore Avenue East, St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-1402, Attention: Bondholder Services – EP-MN-WS2N, Attention: Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC and (b) for all other purposes, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, One Federal Street, Third Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Attention: Global Corporate Trust/CDO, Reference: Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC, email: Monroe.Capital.Boston@usbank.com, lynora.caulfield@usbank.com, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders, the Collateral Manager and the Issuer or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee.
“Covered Audit Adjustment”: The meaning specified in Section 7.17(l).
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“Credit Risk Obligation”: Any Collateral Obligation that in the Collateral Manager’s commercially reasonable business judgment has a significant risk of declining in credit quality or market value.
“Cumulative Deferred Management Fee”: All or a portion of the previously deferred Collateral Management Fees or Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amounts (including accrued interest prior to the Payment Date on which the payment of such Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amount was deferred by the Collateral Manager), which may be declared due and payable by the Collateral Manager on any Payment Date (with written notice to the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator).
“Current Cash Balances”: As of any date of determination, the sum of the amounts on deposit in the Prefunding Account, Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account, Principal Proceeds on deposit in the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount and Principal Proceeds on deposit in the Principal Collection Subaccount available to purchase Additional Collateral Obligations (in each case, including Eligible Investments therein) and the amounts anticipated to be deposited into the Principal Collection Subaccount on the related Payment Date immediately succeeding such date of determination.
“Current Deferred Management Fee”: With respect to a Payment Date, all or a portion of the Collateral Management Fees or Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amounts (including accrued interest), due and owing to the Collateral Manager the payment of which is voluntarily deferred (for payment on a subsequent Payment Date), without interest, by the Collateral Manager (with written notice to the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator).
“Current Pay Obligation”: Any Collateral Obligation (other than a DIP Collateral Obligation) that would otherwise be treated as a Defaulted Obligation but as to which no payments are due and payable that are unpaid and with respect to which the Collateral Manager has certified to the Trustee (with a copy to the Collateral Administrator) in writing that it believes, in its reasonable business judgment, that the Obligor of such Collateral Obligation (a) is current on all interest payments, principal payments and other amounts due and payable thereunder and will continue to make scheduled payments of interest thereon and will pay the principal thereof and all other amounts due and payable thereunder by maturity or as otherwise contractually due, (b) if the Obligor is subject to a bankruptcy proceeding, it has been the subject of an order of a bankruptcy court that permits it to make the scheduled payments on such Collateral Obligation and all interest payments, principal payments and other amounts due and payable thereunder have been paid in Cash when due, and (c) the Collateral Obligation has a Market Value of at least 80% of its par value.
“Custodial Account”: The custodial account established pursuant to Section 10.3(b).
“Custodian”: The meaning specified in the first sentence of Section 3.3(a) with respect to items of collateral referred to therein, and each entity with which an Account is maintained, as the context may require, each of which shall be a Securities Intermediary.
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“Cutoff Date”: With respect to (i) the initial Collateral Obligations, the later of the Closing Date or the settlement date with respect to the conveyance to the Issuer of such Collateral Obligation or (ii) any Additional Collateral Obligation, the related settlement date with respect to the conveyance to or acquisition by the Issuer of such Collateral Obligation.
“Default”: Any Event of Default or any occurrence that is, or with notice or the lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
“Defaulted Obligation”: Any Collateral Obligation included in the Assets as to which the earliest of the following has occurred:
(a) | any payment, or any part of any payment (taking into account any waivers or modifications granted on such Loan) has become 120 days or more delinquent; |
(b) | the Collateral Manager has accelerated such Collateral Obligation, and such acceleration has not been rescinded; |
(c) | the related Obligor or others have instituted proceedings to have such Obligor adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent or placed into receivership and such proceedings have not been stayed or dismissed or such Obligor has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code; or |
(d) | the Collateral Manager has determined in accordance with its customary practices that the Collateral Obligation is defaulted; |
provided that (x) a Collateral Obligation shall not constitute a Defaulted Obligation pursuant to clauses (c) or (d) above if such Collateral Obligation (or, in the case of a Participation Interest, the underlying Loan) is a Current Pay Obligation (provided that the Aggregate Principal Balance of Current Pay Obligations exceeding 5% of the Pool Balance will be treated as Defaulted Obligations) and (y) a Collateral Obligation shall not constitute a Defaulted Obligation pursuant to any of clauses (b), (c) and (d) above if such Collateral Obligation (or, in the case of a Participation Interest, the underlying Loan) is a DIP Collateral Obligation.
Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, the Collateral Manager shall give the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator prompt written notice should any Collateral Obligation become a Defaulted Obligation. Until so notified or until a Trust Officer of the Trustee obtains actual knowledge that a Collateral Obligation has become a Defaulted Obligation, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have any notice or knowledge that a Collateral Obligation has become a Defaulted Obligation.
“Deferred Interest”: With respect to the Class C Notes and the applicable Priority of Payments, so long as any Class A Notes or Class B Notes are Outstanding, any payment of interest due pursuant to the applicable Priority of Payments on the Class C Notes that is not available to be paid in accordance with the applicable Priority of Payments on any Payment Date.
“Delayed Draw Loan”: A Collateral Obligation that (a) requires the Issuer to make one or more future advances to the Obligor under the Underlying Instruments relating thereto, (b) specifies a maximum amount that can be borrowed on one or more fixed borrowing dates, and (c) does not permit the re-borrowing of any amount previously repaid by the Obligor thereunder; but any such Collateral Obligation shall be a Delayed Draw Loan only until all commitments by the Issuer to make advances to the Obligor expire or are terminated or are reduced to zero.
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“Delinquent Obligation”: A Collateral Obligation that is more than 45 days delinquent in payment (taking into account any waivers or modifications granted on such Loan).
“Deliver” or “Delivered” or “Delivery”: The taking of the following steps:
(i) in the case of each Certificated Security (other than a Clearing Corporation Security), Instrument and Participation Interest in which the underlying loan is represented by an Instrument,
(a) | causing the delivery of such Certificated Security or Instrument to the Custodian by registering the same in the name of the Custodian or its affiliated nominee or by endorsing the same to the Custodian or in blank; |
(b) | causing the Custodian to indicate continuously on its books and records that such Certificated Security or Instrument is credited to the applicable Account; and |
(c) | causing the Custodian to maintain continuous possession of such Certificated Security or Instrument; |
(ii) in the case of each Uncertificated Security (other than a Clearing Corporation Security),
(a) | causing such Uncertificated Security to be continuously registered on the books of the issuer thereof to the Custodian; and |
(b) | causing the Custodian to indicate continuously on its books and records that such Uncertificated Security is credited to the applicable Account; |
(iii) in the case of each Clearing Corporation Security,
(a) | causing the relevant Clearing Corporation to credit such Clearing Corporation Security to the securities account of the Custodian, and |
(b) | causing the Custodian to indicate continuously on its books and records that such Clearing Corporation Security is credited to the applicable Account; |
(iv) in the case of each security issued or guaranteed by the United States of America or agency or instrumentality thereof and that is maintained in book-entry records of a Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) (each such security, a “Government Security”),
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(a) | causing the creation of a Security Entitlement to such Government Security by the credit of such Government Security to the securities account of the Custodian at such FRB, and |
(b) | causing the Custodian to indicate continuously on its books and records that such Government Security is credited to the applicable Account; |
(v) in the case of each Security Entitlement not governed by clauses (i) through (iv) above,
(a) | causing a Securities Intermediary (x) to indicate on its books and records that the underlying Financial Asset has been credited to the Custodian’s securities account, (y) to receive a Financial Asset from a Securities Intermediary or acquire the underlying Financial Asset for a Securities Intermediary, and in either case, accepting it for credit to the Custodian’s securities account or (z) to become obligated under other law, regulation or rule to credit the underlying Financial Asset to a Securities Intermediary’s securities account, |
(b) | causing such Securities Intermediary to make entries on its books and records continuously identifying such Security Entitlement as belonging to the Custodian and continuously indicating on its books and records that such Security Entitlement is credited to the Custodian’s securities account, and |
(c) | causing the Custodian to indicate continuously on its books and records that such Security Entitlement (or all rights and property of the Custodian representing such Security Entitlement) is credited to the applicable Account; |
(vi) in the case of Cash or Money,
(a) | causing the delivery of such Cash or Money to the Trustee for credit to the applicable Account or to the Custodian, |
(b) | if delivered to the Custodian, causing the Custodian to treat such Cash or Money as a Financial Asset maintained by such Custodian for credit to the applicable Account in accordance with the provisions of Article 8 of the UCC or causing the Custodian to deposit such Cash or Money to a deposit account over which the Custodian has control (within the meaning of Section 9-104 of the UCC), and |
(c) | causing the Custodian to indicate continuously on its books and records that such Cash or Money is credited to the applicable Account; and |
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(vii) in the case of each general intangible (including any Participation Interest in which neither the Participation Interest nor the underlying loan is represented by an Instrument), causing the filing of a Financing Statement in the office of the Secretary of the State of Delaware.
In addition, the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer will obtain any and all consents required by the Underlying Instruments relating to any general intangibles for the transfer of ownership and/or pledge hereunder (except to the extent that the requirement for such consent is rendered ineffective under Section 9-406 of the UCC).
“Delivery Certificate”: An Officer’s certificate of the Collateral Manager to the effect that immediately before the Delivery of the Collateral Obligations:
(A) the information with respect to each Collateral Obligation in the Schedule of Collateral Obligations is true and correct and such schedule is complete with respect to each such Collateral Obligation;
(B) each Collateral Obligation in the Schedule of Collateral Obligations satisfies the requirements of the definition of “Collateral Obligation”; and
(C) the Issuer purchased or entered into each Collateral Obligation in the Schedule of Collateral Obligations in compliance with Section 12.2.
“Determination Date”: With respect to (i) any Payment Date other than a Redemption Distribution Date, the last day of the immediately preceding Collection Period and (ii) the determination of whether Interest Proceeds and Principal Proceeds can be transferred to the Payment Account and applied pursuant to the Priority of Payments in connection with a Redemption Distribution Date, the Business Day preceding such Redemption Distribution Date.
“DIP Collateral Obligation”: A loan made to a debtor-in-possession pursuant to Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code having the priority allowed by either Section 364(c) or 364(d) of the Bankruptcy Code and fully secured by senior liens.
“Discount Percentage”: With respect to Middle Market Loans and Broadly Syndicated Loans, 50% and, with respect to Recurring Revenue Loans, 65%.
“Distribution Report”: The meaning specified in Section 10.6(a).
“Dollar” or “U.S.$”: A dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be legal tender for all debts, public and private.
“Domicile” or “Domiciled”: With respect to any Obligor with respect to a Collateral Obligation:
(a) its country of organization;
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(b) if it is organized in a Tax Jurisdiction, each of such jurisdiction and the country in which, in the Collateral Manager’s good faith estimate, a substantial portion of its operations are located or from which a substantial portion of its revenue is derived, in each case directly or through subsidiaries (which shall be any jurisdiction and country known at the time of designation by the Collateral Manager to be the source of the majority of revenues, if any, of such Obligor); or
(c) if its payment obligations in respect of such Collateral Obligation are guaranteed by a person or entity that is organized in the United States or Canada, then the United States or Canada.
“DTC”: The Depository Trust Company, its nominees, and their respective successors.
“Due Date”: Each date on which any payment is due on an Asset in accordance with its terms.
“EBA” The European Banking Authority (including any successor or replacement organization thereto).
“EIOPA” The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (including any successor or replacement organization thereto).
“Eligible Investment Required Ratings”: (a) Such obligation or security has a short-term credit rating of at least “A-1” from S&P and, in the case of any obligation or security with a maturity of greater than 60 days, a long-term credit rating of at least “AA-” by S&P, and (b) to the extent that Fitch is rating any Notes then Outstanding, for obligations or securities (i) with remaining maturities up to 30 days, such obligation or security has a short-term credit rating of at least “F1” or a long-term credit rating of at least “A” from Fitch or (ii) with remaining maturities of more than 30 days but not in excess of 60 days, such obligation or security has a short-term credit rating of “F1+” or a long-term credit rating of at least “AA-” from Fitch.
“Eligible Investments”: Either (a) Cash or (b) any Dollar investment that is a “cash equivalent” for purposes of the loan securitization exclusion under the Volcker Rule and at the time it is Delivered (directly or through an intermediary or bailee), is one or more of the following obligations or securities:
(i) direct Registered obligations of, and Registered obligations the timely payment of principal and interest on which is fully and expressly guaranteed by, the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the obligations of which are expressly backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America and which obligations of such agency or instrumentality satisfy the Eligible Investment Required Ratings;
(ii) demand and time deposits in, certificates of deposit of, bank deposit products of, trust accounts with, bankers’ acceptances issued by, or federal funds sold by any depository institution or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof and subject to supervision and examination by federal and/or state banking authorities, in each case payable within 183 days after issuance, so long as the commercial paper and/or the debt obligations of such depository institution or trust company at the time of such investment or contractual commitment providing for such investment have the Eligible Investment Required Ratings;
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(iii) commercial paper or other short-term obligations (other than Asset-backed Commercial Paper and extendible commercial paper) with the Eligible Investment Required Ratings and that either bear interest or are sold at a discount from the face amount thereof and have a maturity of not more than 183 days from their date of issuance; and
(iv) registered money market funds that have, at all times, credit ratings of “AAAm” by S&P or otherwise the highest rating assigned by any other NRSRO, respectively (provided that such equivalent ratings shall comply with S&P’s then current criteria);
provided that (1) Eligible Investments purchased with funds in the Collection Account shall be held until maturity except as otherwise specifically provided herein and shall include only such obligations, other than those referred to in clause (iv) above, as mature (or are putable at par to the issuer thereof) no later than the earlier of (a) 60 days from the date of purchase and (b) the Business Day prior to the next Payment Date unless such Eligible Investments are issued by the Trustee in its capacity as a banking institution, in which event such Eligible Investments may mature on such Payment Date; and (2) none of the foregoing obligations shall constitute Eligible Investments if (a) such obligation has an “f”, “r”, “p”, “pi”, “q”, “t” or “sf” subscript assigned to the rating by S&P, (b) all, or substantially all, of the remaining amounts payable thereunder consist of interest and not principal payments, (c) payments with respect to such obligations or proceeds of disposition are subject to withholding taxes by any jurisdiction (other than withholding taxes pursuant to FATCA) unless the payor is required to make “gross-up” payments that cover the full amount of any such withholding tax on an after-tax basis, (d) such obligation is secured by real property, (e) such obligation is purchased at a price greater than 100% of the principal or face amount thereof, (f) such obligation is subject of a tender offer, voluntary redemption, exchange offer, conversion or other similar action, (g) in the Collateral Manager’s judgment, such obligation is subject to material non-credit related risks, (h) such obligation is a Structured Finance Obligation or (i) such obligation is represented by a certificate of interest in a grantor trust. Eligible Investments may include, without limitation, those investments issued by or made with the Bank or for which the Bank or the Trustee or an Affiliate of the Bank or the Trustee is the obligor or depository institution, or provides services and receives compensation.
“Enforcement Event”: The meaning specified in Section 11.1(a)(iii).
“Equity Security”: Any security (other than any security received in connection with a restructuring or insolvency (other than common stock)) that at the time of acquisition, conversion or exchange is not eligible for purchase by the Issuer as a Collateral Obligation and is not an Eligible Investment.
“ERISA”: The United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
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“ESMA”: The European Securities and Markets Authority (including any successor or replacement organization thereto).
“EU Securitisation Laws”: The EU Securitisation Regulation, together with any supplementary regulatory technical standards, implementing technical standards and any official guidance published in relation thereto by the European Supervisory Authorities, and any implementing laws or regulations, each as in force on the Closing Date.
“EU Securitisation Regulation”: Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 relating to a European framework for simple, transparent and standardized securitisation, as amended (including by Regulation (EU) 2021/557).
“EU/UK Retention Provider”: The Fund.
“EU/UK Retention Requirements”: The requirement in each of the Securitisation Regulations that the originator, sponsor or original lender will retain, on an ongoing basis, a material net economic interest of not less than five per cent. determined in accordance with Article 6 of the applicable Securitisation Regulation.
“Euroclear”: Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.
“European Supervisory Authorities”: Together, the EBA, ESMA and EIOPA.
“Event of Default”: The meaning specified in Section 5.1.
“Excess Weighted Average Coupon”: A percentage equal as of any date of determination to a number obtained by multiplying (a) the excess, if any, of the Weighted Average Coupon over the Minimum Weighted Average Coupon by (b) the number obtained by dividing the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Fixed Rate Obligations by the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Floating Rate Obligations.
“Exchange Act”: The United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“FATCA”: Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, any final or temporary, current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b) of the Code, or any U.S. or non-U.S. fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with either the implementation of such Sections of the Code or analogous provisions of non-U.S. law.
“Federal Reserve Board”: The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
“Fee Basis Amount”: As of any date of determination, the sum of (a) the Pool Balance, (b) the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Defaulted Obligations, (c) the amounts on deposit in any Account (including Eligible Investments therein) representing Principal Proceeds and (d) the aggregate amount of all Principal Financed Accrued Interest.
“Financial Asset”: The meaning specified in Section 8-102(a)(9) of the UCC.
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“Financing Statements”: The meaning specified in Section 9-102(a)(39) of the UCC.
“First Interest Determination End Date”: October 20, 2022.
“Fitch”: Fitch Ratings, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“Fixed Rate Obligation”: Any Collateral Obligation that bears a fixed rate of interest.
“Floating Rate Obligation”: Any Collateral Obligation that bears a floating rate of interest.
“FRB”: The meaning specified in the definition of the terms “Deliver”, “Delivered” or “Delivery”.
“Fund”: Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation, a Maryland corporation.
“GAAP”: The meaning specified in Section 6.3(j).
“Global Notes”: The Global Secured Notes and the Global Subordinated Notes.
“Global Secured Note”: Any Regulation S Global Secured Note or Rule 144A Global Secured Note.
“Global Subordinated Note”: Any Regulation S Global Subordinated Note or Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note.
“Government Security”: The meaning specified in the definition of the terms “Deliver”, “Delivered” or “Delivery”.
“Grant” or “Granted”: To grant, bargain, sell, convey, assign, transfer, mortgage, pledge, create and grant a security interest in and right of setoff against, deposit, set over and confirm. A Grant of the Assets, or of any other instrument, shall include all rights, powers and options (but none of the obligations) of the granting party thereunder, including, the immediate continuing right to claim for, collect, receive and receipt for principal and interest payments in respect of the Assets, and all other Monies payable thereunder, to give and receive notices and other communications, to make waivers or other agreements, to exercise all rights and options, to bring Proceedings in the name of the granting party or otherwise, and generally to do and receive anything that the granting party is or may be entitled to do or receive thereunder or with respect thereto.
“Indenture”: This instrument as originally executed and, if from time to time supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, as so supplemented or amended.
“Independent”: As to any Person, any other Person (including, in the case of an accountant or lawyer, a firm of accountants or lawyers, and any member thereof, or an investment bank and any member thereof) who (i) does not have and is not committed to acquire any material direct or any material indirect financial interest in such Person or in any Affiliate of such Person, and (ii) is not connected with such Person as an Officer, employee, promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, partner, manager, director or Person performing similar functions. “Independent” when used with respect to any accountant may include an accountant who audits the books of such Person if in addition to satisfying the criteria set forth above, the accountant is independent with respect to such Person within the meaning of Rule 101 of the Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. For purposes of this definition, no manager or director of any Person will fail to be Independent solely because such Person acts as an independent manager or independent director thereof or of any such Person’s Affiliates.
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Whenever any Independent Person’s opinion or certificate is to be furnished to the Trustee, such opinion or certificate shall state that the signer has read this definition and that the signer is Independent within the meaning hereof.
Any pricing service, certified public accountant or legal counsel that is required to be Independent of another Person under this Indenture must satisfy the criteria above with respect to the Issuer, the Collateral Manager and their Affiliates.
“Independent Fiduciary”: The meaning specified in Section 2.5(d).
“Independent Manager”: A natural person who, (A) for the five-year period prior to his or her appointment as Independent Manager, has not been, and during the continuation of his or her service as Independent Manager is not: (i) an employee, director, stockholder, member, manager, partner or officer or direct or indirect legal or beneficial owner (or a Person who controls, whether directly, indirectly, or otherwise any of the foregoing) of the Issuer, the member of the Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates (other than his or her service as a special member or an independent manager of the Issuer or other Affiliates that are structured to be “bankruptcy remote”); (ii) a customer, consultant, creditor, contractor or supplier (or a Person who controls, whether directly, indirectly, or otherwise any of the foregoing) of the Issuer, the member of the Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates (other than his or her service as a special member or an independent manager of the Issuer); (iii) affiliated with a tax-exempt entity that receives significant contributions from the member of the Issuer or any of its Affiliates; or (iv) any member of the immediate family of a person described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above (other than with respect to clause (i), (ii) or (iii) relating to his or her service as (y) an Independent Manager of the Issuer or (z) an independent manager of any Affiliate of the Issuer which is a bankruptcy remote limited purpose entity), and (B) has, (i) prior experience as an Independent Manager for a corporation or limited liability company whose charter documents required the unanimous consent of all Independent Managers thereof before such corporation or limited liability company could consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it or could file a petition seeking relief under any applicable federal or state law relating to bankruptcy and (ii) at least three years of employment experience with one or more entities that provide, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, advisory, management or placement services to issuers of securitization or structured finance instruments, agreements or securities.
“Information Agent”: The Collateral Administrator.
“Initial Outstanding Amount”: The aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Notes Outstanding as of the Closing Date.
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“Initial Pool Balance”: The Pool Balance of the Initial Collateral Obligations as of the Closing Date.
“Initial Purchasers”: Jefferies and KBCM, each in its capacity as initial purchaser of and placement agent for the Class A Notes, the Class B Notes and the Class C Notes under the Purchase Agreement.
“Initial Rating”: With respect to the Secured Notes, the rating or ratings, if any, indicated in Section 2.3.
“Initial Subordinated Noteholder”: The Fund, in its capacity as initial Subordinated Noteholder, together with its successors and assigns.
“Institutional Accredited Investor”: An Accredited Investor identified in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.
“Instrument”: The meaning specified in Section 9-102(a)(47) of the UCC.
“Interest Accrual Period”: (i) With respect to the initial Payment Date following the Closing Date (or, in the case of a Refinancing or Notes issued in connection with an additional issuance, the first Payment Date following the Refinancing or the date of such additional issuance, respectively), the period from and including the Closing Date (or, in the case of a Refinancing, the date of issuance of the replacement notes or debt obligations) to but excluding such Payment Date; and (ii) with respect to each succeeding Payment Date, the period from and including the immediately preceding Payment Date to but excluding such Payment Date.
“Interest Collection Subaccount”: The meaning specified in Section 10.2(a).
“Interest Determination Date”: (a) With respect to the first Interest Accrual Period (x) for the period from and including the Closing Date to but excluding the First Interest Determination End Date, the second U.S. Government Securities Business Day preceding the Closing Date and (y) for the period from and including the First Interest Determination End Date to but excluding the first Payment Date, the second U.S. Government Securities Business Day preceding the First Interest Determination End Date and (b) with respect to each Interest Accrual Period thereafter, the second U.S. Government Securities Business Day preceding the first day of each Interest Accrual Period.
“Interest Proceeds”: With respect to any Collection Period or Determination Date, without duplication, the sum of:
(a) | all payments of interest and delayed compensation (representing compensation for delayed settlement) received in Cash by the Issuer during the related Collection Period on the Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments, including the accrued interest received in connection with a sale thereof during the related Collection Period, less any such amount that represents Principal Financed Accrued Interest; |
(b) | all principal and interest payments received by the Issuer during the related Collection Period on Eligible Investments purchased with Interest Proceeds; |
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(c) | all amendment and waiver fees, late payment fees and other fees received by the Issuer during the related Collection Period, except for those in connection with (a) the lengthening of the maturity of the related Collateral Obligation or (b) except with respect to call premiums or prepayment fees, the reduction of the par amount of the related Collateral Obligation, in each case, as determined by the Collateral Manager with notice to the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator; |
(d) | any Principal Proceeds designated by the Collateral Manager (with notice to the Collateral Administrator) as Interest Proceeds in connection with any Refinancing pursuant to which the Secured Notes are being refinanced in whole; |
(e) | commitment fees and other similar fees received by the Issuer during such Collection Period in respect of Revolving Loans and Delayed Draw Loans; and |
(f) | any Contributions made to the Issuer which are designated as Interest Proceeds as permitted by this Indenture; |
provided that any amounts received in respect of any Defaulted Obligation will constitute Principal Proceeds (and not Interest Proceeds) until the aggregate of all collections in respect of such Defaulted Obligation since it became a Defaulted Obligation equals the par value of such Collateral Obligation at the time it became a Defaulted Obligation.
“Interest Rate”: With respect to each Class of Secured Notes, the per annum stated interest rate payable on such Class with respect to each Interest Accrual Period equal to the rate specified in Section 2.3.
“Internal Monroe Rating”: For any Loan, the rating assigned thereto by the Collateral Manager under the five-level numeric rating system used by the Collateral Manager to rate the credit profile on Loans, as described in the Collateral Manager’s Credit and Collection Policies, applied consistently and in good faith.
“Intervening Event”: With respect to any Trading Plan, the prepayment of any Collateral Obligation included in such Trading Plan or any change in any characteristic of any Collateral Obligation (or the obligor thereof) relevant to any Investment Criteria, in each case to the extent beyond the Issuer’s or the Collateral Manager’s control, so long as no other Collateral Obligation (or obligor thereof) included in such Trading Plan had any change in any characteristic relevant to any Investment Criteria since the first day of the related Trading Plan Period.
“Investment Advisers Act”: The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
“Investment Criteria”: The criteria specified in Section 12.2.
“IRS”: The U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Issuer”: The Person named as such on the first page of this Indenture until a successor Person shall have become the Issuer pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Issuer” shall mean such successor Person.
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“Issuer Order” and “Issuer Request”: A written order or request (which may be a standing order or request) dated and signed in the name of the Issuer or by a Responsible Officer of the Issuer or by the Collateral Manager by a Responsible Officer thereof, on behalf of the Issuer. An order or request provided in a facsimile, email or other electronic communication by a Responsible Officer of the Issuer or by a Responsible Officer of the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer shall constitute an Issuer Order, in each case except to the extent the Trustee requests otherwise.
“Issuer’s Website”: The internet website of the Issuer, initially located at www.structuredfn.com access to which is limited to KBRA and to NRSRO’s that have provided an NRSRO Certification.
“Jefferies”: Jefferies LLC.
“Junior Class”: With respect to a particular Class of Notes, each Class of Notes that is subordinated to such Class, as indicated in Section 2.3.
“KBCM”: KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.
“KBRA”: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC and any successor or successors thereto.
“Knowledgeable Employee”: The meaning set forth in Rule 3c-5(a)(4) promulgated under the 1940 Act.
“Level 1 Portfolio Test”: Each of (i) the Minimum Floating Spread Test when measured against the Minimum Floating Spread specified in clause (a) of the definition thereof and (ii) the Weighted Average Life Test when measured against the Weighted Average Life specified in clause (a) of the definition of Weighted Average Life Test.
“Level 2 Portfolio Test”: Each of (i) the Minimum Floating Spread Test when measured against the Minimum Floating Spread specified in clause (b) of the definition thereof and (ii) the Weighted Average Life Test when measured against the Weighted Average Life specified in clause (b) of the definition of Weighted Average Life Test.
“LIBOR”: The London interbank offered rate.
“Limited Liability Company Agreement”: The Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Issuer, dated as of the Closing Date, by the Fund, as sole member, and the Independent Manager.
“Loan”: Any obligation for the payment or repayment of borrowed money that is documented by a term loan agreement, revolving loan agreement or other similar credit agreement.
“Loan Sale Agreement”: collectively, (i) the Loan Sale and Contribution Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by the Fund, as seller, and the Issuer, as buyer, and (ii) each assignment and acceptance agreement between the Issuer and a Seller relating to the sale of Collateral Obligations from such Seller to the Issuer from time to time.
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“Majority”: With respect to any Class or Classes of Notes, the holders of more than 50% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Class or Classes, as applicable.
“Margin Stock”: “Margin Stock” as defined under Regulation U issued by the Federal Reserve Board, including any debt security which is by its terms convertible into “Margin Stock.”
“Market Value”: The market value provided by a nationally recognized independent pricing service engaged by the Collateral Manager or, if unavailable or determined by the Collateral Manager to be unreliable, the par value of such Collateral Obligation as of a date on or about the pricing date.
“Maturity”: With respect to any Note, the date on which the unpaid principal of such Note becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
“Measurement Date”: (i) Any day on which a purchase of a Collateral Obligation occurs, (ii) any Determination Date, (iii) the date as of which the information in any Distribution Report prepared under this Indenture is calculated, and (iv) with five Business Days’ prior written notice, any Business Day requested by the Rating Agency.
“Merging Entity”: The meaning specified in Section 7.10.
“Middle Market Loan”: A Loan (other than a Broadly Syndicated Loan) underwritten based upon the Obligor’s cash flows or EBITDA.
“Minimum Floating Spread”: (a) For purposes of compliance with the Level 1 Portfolio Test 550 basis points and (b) for purposes of compliance with the Level 2 Portfolio Test 450 basis points.
“Minimum Floating Spread Test”: The test that is satisfied on any date of determination if the Weighted Average Floating Spread plus the Excess Weighted Average Coupon equals or exceeds the applicable level of the Minimum Floating Spread.
“Minimum Weighted Average Coupon”: If any of the Collateral Obligations are Fixed Rate Obligations, 7.00%.
“Money”: The meaning specified in Section 1-201(24) of the UCC.
“Moody’s”: Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“Net Purchased Loan Balance”: As of any date of determination, an amount equal to (a) the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Collateral Obligations acquired by the Issuer prior to such date, calculated as of the respective Cutoff Dates of such Collateral Obligations, minus (b) the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Collateral Obligations sold to or repurchased or substituted by, or otherwise transferred to, the Fund prior to such date.
“Non-Call End Date”: April 7, 2023.
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“Non-Emerging Market Obligor”: An Obligor that is Domiciled in (a) the United States of America, (b) any country that has a foreign currency government bond rating of at least “Aa3” by Moody’s and foreign currency issuer credit rating of at least “AA” by S&P or (c) a Tax Jurisdiction.
“Non-Permitted ERISA Holder”: The meaning specified in Section 2.11(d).
“Non-Permitted Holder”: The meaning specified in Section 2.11(b).
“Noteholder” or “Holder”: With respect to any Note, the Person whose name appears on the Register as the registered holder of such Note.
“Notes”: Collectively, the Secured Notes and the Subordinated Notes authorized by, and authenticated and delivered under, this Indenture (as specified in Section 2.4) or any supplemental indenture (and including any Additional Notes issued hereunder pursuant to Section 2.13).
“NRSRO”: A nationally recognized statistical rating organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act.
“NRSRO Certification”: A certification substantially in the form of Exhibit E executed by a NRSRO in favor of the Issuer that states that such NRSRO has provided the Issuer with the appropriate certifications under Exchange Act Rule 17g-5(e) and that such NRSRO has access to the Issuer’s Website.
“Obligor”: With respect to any Collateral Obligation, any Person or Persons obligated to make payments pursuant to or with respect to such Collateral Obligation, including any guarantor thereof, but excluding, in each case, any such Person that is an obligor or guarantor that is in addition to the primary obligors or guarantors with respect to the assets, cash flows or credit on which the related Collateral Obligation is principally underwritten.
“Offer”: The meaning specified in Section 10.7(c).
“Offering”: The offering of any Notes pursuant to the relevant Offering Circular.
“Offering Circular”: Each offering circular relating to the offer and sale of the Notes, including any supplements thereto.
“Officer”: (a) With respect to any corporation, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of such entity, (b) with respect to the Issuer and any limited liability company, any managing member or manager thereof or any person to whom the rights and powers of management thereof are delegated in accordance with the limited liability company agreement of such limited liability company and (c) with respect to the Collateral Manager, any manager of the Collateral Manager or any duly authorized officer of the Collateral Manager (as indicated on an incumbency certificate delivered to the Trustee) with direct responsibility for the administration of the Collateral Management Agreement and this Indenture and also, with respect to a particular matter, any other duly authorized officer of the Collateral Manager to whom such matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
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“Opinion of Counsel”: A written opinion addressed to the Trustee and, if required by the terms hereof, the Rating Agency, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (and, if so addressed, the Rating Agency), of an attorney admitted to practice, or a nationally or internationally recognized and reputable law firm one or more of the partners of which are admitted to practice, before the highest court of any State of the United States or the District of Columbia, which attorney or law firm, as the case may be, may, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, be counsel for the Issuer, and which attorney or law firm, as the case may be, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee. Whenever an Opinion of Counsel is required hereunder, such Opinion of Counsel may rely on opinions of other counsel who are so admitted and so satisfactory, which opinions of other counsel shall accompany such Opinion of Counsel and shall be addressed to the Trustee (and, if required by the terms hereof, the Rating Agency) or shall state that the Trustee (and, if required by the terms hereof, the Rating Agency) shall be entitled to rely thereon.
“Optional Redemption”: A redemption of the Notes in accordance with Section 9.1.
“Origination Measurement Date”: The date of each commitment of the Issuer or originator to acquire a Collateral Obligation, together with the Closing Date.
“Origination Requirement”: The requirement which will be satisfied if, on any Origination Measurement Date, the aggregate principal balance of all Collateral Obligations in respect of which the EU/UK Retention Provider is acting as an “originator” for purposes of EU Securitisation Laws or UK Securitisation Laws, as applicable; divided by the aggregate principal balance of all Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments that represent Principal Proceeds owned by the Issuer (including any Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments that represent Principal Proceeds that the Issuer has made a binding commitment to acquire), is greater than 50%.
“Other Plan Law”: Any state, local, federal, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are substantially similar to the prohibited transaction provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
“Outstanding”: With respect to the Notes or the Notes of any specified Class, as of any date of determination, all of the Notes or all of the Notes of such Class, as the case may be, theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
(i) Notes theretofore canceled by the Registrar or delivered to the Registrar for cancellation in accordance with the terms of Section 2.9 or registered in the Register on the date this Indenture is discharged in accordance with Article IV;
(ii) Notes or portions thereof for whose payment or redemption funds in the necessary amount have been theretofore irrevocably deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust for the Holders of such Notes pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(ii); provided that if such Notes or portions thereof are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(iii) Notes in exchange for or in lieu of which other Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, unless proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that any such Notes are held by a “protected purchaser” (within the meaning of Section 8-303 of the UCC); and
(iv) Notes alleged to have been mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen for which replacement Notes have been issued as provided in Section 2.6;
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provided that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Aggregate Outstanding Amount of any Class of Notes have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, (a) Notes owned by the Issuer or (only in the case of a vote on (i) the removal of the Collateral Manager for “cause” and (ii) the waiver of any event constituting “cause”, in each case, unless all Notes of such Class are Collateral Manager Notes) Collateral Manager Notes shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that (x) in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Notes that a Trust Officer of the Trustee actually knows, based solely on transfer certificates received pursuant to the terms of Section 2.5, to be so owned shall be so disregarded and (y) if all Notes of such Class are Collateral Manager Notes, Collateral Manager Notes shall not be so disregarded and (b) Notes so owned that have been pledged in good faith shall be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Notes and that the pledgee is not one of the Persons specified above.
“Partial Refinancing Interest Proceeds”: In connection with a Refinancing in part by Class of one or more Classes of Secured Notes, with respect to each such Class, Interest Proceeds up to the amount of accrued and unpaid interest on such Class, but only to the extent that such Interest Proceeds would be available under the Priority of Payments to pay accrued and unpaid interest on such Class on the date of a Refinancing of such Class or, in the case of a Refinancing occurring on a date other than a Payment Date (without giving effect to clause (ii) of the definition thereof), only to the extent that the Collateral Manager determines that such Interest Proceeds would be available under the Priority of Payments to pay accrued and unpaid interest on such Class on the next Payment Date, taking into account Scheduled Distributions on the Assets that are expected to be received prior to the next Determination Date.
“Participation Interest”: An undivided 100% participation interest in a loan that, at the time of acquisition, or the Issuer’s commitment to acquire the same, satisfies each of the following criteria: (i) such participation would constitute a Collateral Obligation were it acquired directly, (ii) the seller of the participation is the lender on the loan, (iii) the aggregate participation in the loan does not exceed the principal amount or commitment of such loan, (iv) such participation does not grant, in the aggregate, to the participant in such participation a greater interest than the seller holds in the loan or commitment that is the subject of the participation, (v) the entire purchase price for such participation is paid in full (without the benefit of financing from the Selling Institution or its affiliates) at the time of its acquisition (or, in the case of a participation in a Revolving Loan or Delayed Draw Loan, at the time of the funding of such Loan), (vi) the participation provides the participant all of the economic benefit and risk of the whole or part of the loan or commitment that is the subject of the loan participation, and (vii) such participation is documented under a Loan Syndications and Trading Association, Loan Market Association or similar agreement standard for loan participation transactions among institutional market participants. For the avoidance of doubt a Participation Interest shall not include a sub-participation interest in any loan.
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“Partner”: The meaning specified in Section 7.17(a).
“Partnership Interest”: The meaning specified in Section 7.17(a).
“Partnership Representative”: The meaning specified in Section 7.17(l).
“Partnership Tax Audit Rules”: The meaning specified in Section 7.17(l).
“Paying Agent”: Any Person authorized by the Issuer to pay the principal of or interest on any Notes on behalf of the Issuer as specified in Section 7.2.
“Payment Account”: The payment account of the Trustee established pursuant to Section 10.3(a).
“Payment Date”: (i) Each of the 22nd day of January, April, July and October of each year (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day), commencing October 24, 2022, except that the final Payment Date (subject to any earlier redemption or payment of the Notes) shall be the latest Stated Maturity, (ii) any Redemption Date (other than a Redemption Date in connection with a redemption of Secured Notes in part by Class) and (iii) after the date on which no Secured Notes are deemed or considered Outstanding, any Business Day that the Collateral Manager shall designate as a “Payment Date” pursuant to Section 11.1(f).
“PBGC”: The United States Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
“Permitted Liens”: With respect to the Assets: (i) security interests, liens and other encumbrances created pursuant to the Transaction Documents, (ii) with respect to agented Collateral Obligations, security interests, liens and other encumbrances in favor of the lead agent, the collateral agent or the paying agent on behalf of all holders of indebtedness of such Obligor under the related facility, (iii) with respect to any Equity Security, any security interests, liens and other encumbrances granted on such Equity Security to secure indebtedness of the related Obligor and/or any security interests, liens and other rights or encumbrances granted under any governing documents or other agreement between or among or binding upon the Issuer as the holder of equity in such Obligor and (iv) security interests, liens and other encumbrances, if any, which have priority over first priority perfected security interests in the Collateral Obligations or any portion thereof under the UCC or any other applicable law.
“Permitted Use”: With respect to any amount on deposit in the Collection Account from a Contribution or from an additional issuance of Secured Notes, any of the following uses: (i) the transfer of amounts to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application as Principal Proceeds; (ii) the transfer of amounts to the Interest Collection Subaccount for application as Interest Proceeds; (iii) the purchase of one or more Specified Equity Securities; (iv) to pay expenses or other amounts due in connection with an Optional Redemption and (v) any other application or purpose not specifically prohibited by this Indenture.
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“Person”: An individual, corporation (including a business trust), partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, statutory trust, trust (including any beneficiary thereof), unincorporated association or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Pool Balance”: As of any date of determination, the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Collateral Obligations owned by the Issuer (other than Defaulted Obligations except as otherwise expressly set forth herein).
“Portfolio Company”: Any company that at the time the Loan is acquired by the Issuer is controlled by the Collateral Manager, an Affiliate thereof, or an account, fund, client or portfolio established and controlled by the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof.
“Portfolio Tests”: (i) the Minimum Floating Spread Test and (ii) the Weighted Average Life Test.
“Post-Reinvestment Period Settlement Obligation”: The meaning specified in Section 12.2.
“Prefunding Account”: The trust account established pursuant to Section 10.3(c).
“Prefunding Period”: The period from and including the Closing Date to and including the earliest of (i) July 7, 2022 and (ii) the occurrence and continuance of a Rapid Amortization Event that is not waived by a Majority of the Controlling Class.
“Principal Balance”: Subject to Section 1.3, with respect to (a) any Asset other than a Revolving Loan or Delayed Draw Loan, as of any date of determination, the outstanding principal amount of such Asset (excluding any capitalized interest) and (b) any Revolving Loan or Delayed Draw Loan, as of any date of determination, the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Loan or Delayed Draw Loan (excluding any capitalized interest), plus (except as expressly set forth in this Indenture) any undrawn commitments that have not been irrevocably reduced or withdrawn with respect to such Revolving Loan or Delayed Draw Loan; provided that for all purposes the Principal Balance of any Equity Security or interest only strip shall be deemed to be zero.
“Principal Collection Subaccount”: The meaning specified in Section 10.2(a).
“Principal Financed Accrued Interest”: The amount of Principal Proceeds, if any, applied towards the purchase of accrued interest on a Collateral Obligation.
“Principal Proceeds”: With respect to any Collection Period or Determination Date, all amounts received by the Issuer during the related Collection Period that do not constitute Interest Proceeds and any other amounts that have been designated as Principal Proceeds pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
“Priority Class”: With respect to any specified Class of Notes, each Class of Notes that ranks senior to such Class, as indicated in Section 2.3.
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“Priority of Payments”: The meaning specified in Section 11.1(a).
“Proceeding”: Any suit in equity, action at law or other judicial or administrative proceeding.
“Purchase Agreement”: The note purchase agreement dated as of the Closing Date among the Issuer and the Initial Purchasers, as amended from time to time.
“QIB/QP”: Any Person that, at the time of its acquisition, purported acquisition or proposed acquisition of Notes is both a Qualified Institutional Buyer and a Qualified Purchaser.
“Qualified Institutional Buyer”: The meaning specified in Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
“Qualified Purchaser”: The meaning specified in Section 2(a)(51) of the 1940 Act and Rule 2a51-1, 2a51-2 or 2a51-3 under the 1940 Act.
“Rapid Amortization Event”: Each of the following events:
(i) an Event of Default has occurred and either a Supermajority of the Controlling Class has declared that the principal of and accrued interest on the Secured Notes and all other amounts whatsoever payable by the Issuer to be immediately due and payable, or such acceleration has automatically occurred unless such acceleration has been rescinded by a Supermajority of the Controlling Class;
(ii) the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Collateral Obligations owned by the Issuer that are Delinquent Obligations exceeds 10% of the sum of (a) the aggregate Pool Balance (including, for the purpose of this computation, Defaulted Obligations) plus (b) Current Cash Balances, for six (6) consecutive months and the amount of such excess Aggregate Principal Balance of Delinquent Obligations has not been offset by (a) an increase (including by a Contribution) in the amounts on deposit in the Principal Collection Subaccount or Reinvestment Collection Subaccount or (b) a reduction in the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Notes, in either case, in an amount equal to such excess;
(iii) the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Collateral Obligations owned by the Issuer that are Defaulted Obligations exceeds 5% of the greater of (a) $425,000,000 and (b) the sum of (i) the aggregate Pool Balance (including, for the purpose of this computation, Defaulted Obligations) plus (ii) Current Cash Balances, for the three (3) consecutive months;
(iv) the Borrowing Base Condition shall fail to have been satisfied on two (2) consecutive Payment Dates after giving effect to the distributions made on such Payment Dates;
(v) the Collateral Obligations owned by the Issuer at any time, together with any Collateral Obligations that, at such time, the Issuer is under a binding commitment to purchase, consist of obligations issued by fewer than ten (10) Obligors (solely for the purpose of the definition of “Rapid Amortization Event,” the obligations issued by any Obligor and its Affiliates shall be treated as the obligations of a single Obligor); and
(vi) the occurrence, at any time following the end of the Prefunding Period, of a failure to be in compliance with any Level 2 Portfolio Test on any Determination Date, which failure remains uncured on the immediately succeeding Determination Date.
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The Rapid Amortization Events described in clauses (i) through (v) above shall be un-curable. The Rapid Amortization Event described in clause (vi) above shall be curable and the effects of such Rapid Amortization Event shall cease upon the first Determination Date following such Rapid Amortization Event on which the Level 2 Portfolio Test is satisfied.
“Rating Agency”: KBRA, or, with respect to Assets generally, if at any time KBRA ceases to provide rating services with respect to debt obligations, any other nationally recognized investment rating agency selected by the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer).
“Rating Agency Condition”: With respect to any action, a condition that is satisfied if KBRA shall have provided its confirmation that such action will not result in a reduction, withdrawal or qualification of the then-current rating of any Outstanding Class of Notes then-rated by KBRA; provided that if KBRA makes a public announcement or informs the Issuer (who shall forward such notice to the Trustee and the Collateral Manager) that (i) it believes satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition is not required with respect to an action or (ii) its practice is to not give confirmation with respect to such action, the requirement for the Rating Agency Condition will be deemed satisfied.
“Real Estate Loan”: A loan or other debt obligation that is (a) secured primarily by a mortgage, deed of trust or similar lien on commercial real estate other than hotels and casinos, residential real estate or undeveloped land or (b) made to a company engaged primarily in acquiring and developing undeveloped land (whether or not such loan or other debt obligation is secured by real estate).
“Record Date”: With respect to any applicable Payment Date, Redemption Date or Redemption Distribution Date, (i) with respect to the Global Secured Notes and the Global Subordinated Notes, the date one day prior to such Payment Date, Redemption Date or Redemption Distribution Date, as applicable, and (ii) with respect to the Certificated Secured Notes and the Certificated Subordinated Notes, the last day of the month immediately preceding such Payment Date, Redemption Date or Redemption Distribution Date, as applicable (whether or not a Business Day) (or, after the date on which no Secured Notes, are deemed or considered Outstanding, the third Business Day preceding such Payment Date).
“Recurring Revenue Loan”: A Loan underwritten based on the Obligor’s revenues, whether contractual or realized.
“Redemption Date”: Any Business Day specified for a redemption of Notes pursuant to Article IX.
“Redemption Distribution Date”: The meaning set forth in Section 9.1(j).
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“Redemption Distribution Direction”: The meaning set forth in Section 10.6(i).
“Redemption Price”: (a) For each Secured Note to be redeemed (i) 100% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of such Secured Note, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including, in the case of the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes, any defaulted interest and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon or, in the case of the Class C Notes, interest on any accrued and unpaid Deferred Interest) to the Redemption Date and (b) for each Subordinated Note, (i) if such Subordinated Note is being redeemed in connection with a liquidation of Assets, its proportional share (based on the outstanding principal amount of such Subordinated Note) of the amount of the proceeds of the Assets remaining after giving effect to the Optional Redemption, Tax Redemption or Clean-Up Call Redemption of the Secured Notes in whole or after all of the Secured Notes have been repaid in full and payment in full of (and/or creation of a reserve for) all expenses (including all Aggregate Collateral Management Fees and Administrative Expenses) of the Issuer or (ii) if such Subordinated Note is being redeemed upon the occurrence of a Refinancing of all of the Secured Notes, the applicable Subordinated Note Redemption Price; provided that, in connection with any Optional Redemption, Tax Redemption or Clean-Up Call Redemption of the Secured Notes in whole, Holders of 100% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Secured Notes may elect to receive less than 100% of the Redemption Price that would otherwise be payable to the Holders of the Secured Notes, and such price shall be the “Redemption Price”.
“Refinancing”: A loan or an issuance of replacement securities, whose terms in each case will be negotiated by the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer, from one or more financial institutions or purchasers to refinance the Notes in connection with an Optional Redemption.
“Refinancing Proceeds”: The Cash proceeds from a Refinancing.
“Register” and “Registrar”: The respective meanings specified in Section 2.5(a).
“Registered”: In registered form for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or in registered or bearer form if not a “registration-required obligation” as defined in Section 163(f)(2)(A) of the Code).
“Registered Investment Adviser”: A Person duly registered as an investment adviser in accordance with and pursuant to Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act.
“Regulation S”: Regulation S, as amended, under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S Global Secured Note”: The meaning specified in Section 2.2(b)(i).
“Regulation S Global Subordinated Note”: The meaning specified in Section 2.2(b)(i).
“Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account”: The meaning specified in Section 10.3(e).
“Reinvestment Collection Subaccount”: The meaning specified in Section 10.2(a).
“Reinvestment Period”: The period from and including the Closing Date to and including the earliest of (i) April 22, 2024, (ii) the occurrence and continuance of a Rapid Amortization Event that is not waived by a Majority of the Controlling Class, (iii) an Optional Redemption in connection with which all Assets are sold or (iv) the date on which notice is provided by the Collateral Manager certifying that it can no longer reinvest in Collateral Obligations in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or the Collateral Management Agreement.
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“Reinvestment Period End Date”: April 22, 2024.
“Reset Amendment”: The meaning specified in Section 8.2.
“Resolution”: With respect to the Issuer, a resolution of the manager of the Issuer.
“Responsible Officer”: With respect to any Person, any duly authorized director, officer or manager of such Person with direct responsibility for the administration of the applicable agreement and also, with respect to a particular matter, any other duly authorized director, officer or manager of such Person to whom such matter is referred because of such director’s, officer’s or manager’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject. Each party may receive and accept a certification of the authority of any other party (which may contain contact information including an email address) as conclusive evidence of the authority of any Person to act, and such certification may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by such other party of written notice to the contrary.
“Restructured Obligation”: A Collateral Obligation that has been modified, restructured or extended due to underperformance of the Obligor and that is deferring the payment of the cash interest due thereon and has been so deferring the payment of cash interest due thereon for six (6) consecutive months; provided that, if such obligation is paying an amount at least equal to, in the case of a Floating Rate Obligation, the Benchmark plus 1.00% as of such date of determination, and, in the case of a Fixed Rate Obligation, the zero coupon swap rate in a fixed/floating interest rate swap with a term equal to 5 years, it shall not be a Restructured Obligation.
“Retained Amount”: A material net economic interest retained by the Issuer in the securitisation position comprised by the Secured Notes and the Subordinated Notes which, in any event, shall not be less than 5% (or such lower amount as may be required or allowed under the EU Securitisation Laws or the UK Securitisation Laws (as applicable) as a result of amendment, repeal or otherwise) of the nominal value of the Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments from time to time.
“Retention Basis Amount”: On any date of determination, an amount equal to the Collateral Balance on such date with the following adjustments: (i) Defaulted Obligations shall be included in the Collateral Balance and the principal balances thereof shall be deemed equal to their respective outstanding principal amounts and (ii) any Equity Security owned by the Issuer shall be included in the Collateral Balance with a principal balance determined as follows: (a) in the case of a debt obligation or other debt security, the principal amount outstanding of such obligation or security, (b) in the case of an equity security received upon a “debt for equity swap” in relation to a restructuring or other similar event as determined by the Collateral Manager, the principal amount outstanding of the debt which was swapped for the equity security and (c) in the case of any other equity security, the nominal value thereof as determined by the Collateral Manager.
“Retention Deficiency”: An event which shall occur if the Subordinated Notes held by the EU/UK Retention Provider are insufficient to constitute the Retained Amount.
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“Retention Provider”: On the Closing Date, the Fund, as a “sponsor” of this transaction (as such term is defined in the U.S. Risk Retention Rules in effect on the Closing Date), in its capacity as Retention Provider and thereafter any successor, assignee or transferee thereof or any Person permitted under the U.S. Risk Retention Rules to hold the U.S. retention interest.
“Revolving Loan”: Any Collateral Obligation (other than a Delayed Draw Loan) that is a Loan (including, without limitation, revolving loans, including funded and unfunded portions of revolving credit lines and letter of credit facilities, unfunded commitments under specific facilities and other similar loans and investments) that by its terms may require one or more future advances to be made to the Obligor by the Issuer; provided that any such Collateral Obligation shall be a Revolving Loan only until all commitments to make advances to the Obligor expire or are terminated or irrevocably reduced to zero.
“Risk Retention Issuance”: An additional issuance of Notes directed by the Collateral Manager in connection with compliance with the U.S. Risk Retention Rules or the EU Securitisation Laws.
“Risk Retention Letter”: A letter addressed to the Issuer, the Trustee and the Initial Purchasers from the EU/UK Retention Provider, acting for its own account, dated as of the Closing Date.
“Rule 144A”: Rule 144A, as amended, under the Securities Act.
“Rule 144A Global Secured Note”: The meaning specified in Section 2.2(b)(ii).
“Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note”: The meaning specified in Section 2.2(b)(ii).
“Rule 144A Information”: The meaning specified in Section 7.15.
“Rule 17g-5”: Rule 17g-5 under the Exchange Act.
“S&P”: S&P Global Ratings, an S&P Global Ratings Inc. business, and any successor or successors thereto.
“S&P Counterparty Criteria”: With respect to any Participation Interest acquired or committed to be acquired by the Issuer, criteria that will be met if, immediately after giving effect to such acquisition, (a) the percentage of Total Capitalization that consists in the aggregate of Participation Interests with Selling Institutions that have the same or a lower S&P Rating does not exceed the “Aggregate Percentage Limit” set forth below for such S&P Rating and (b) the percentage of Total Capitalization that consists in the aggregate of Participation Interests with any single Selling Institution that has the S&P Rating set forth below or a lower credit rating does not exceed the “Individual Percentage Limit” set forth below for such S&P Rating:
S&P Rating of Selling Institution or Participant (at or below) | Aggregate Percentage Limit | Individual Percentage Limit | ||||||
AAA | 20.0 | % | 20.0 | % | ||||
AA+ | 10.0 | % | 10.0 | % | ||||
AA | 10.0 | % | 10.0 | % | ||||
AA- | 10.0 | % | 10.0 | % | ||||
A+ | 5.0 | % | 5.0 | % | ||||
A | 5.0 | % | 5.0 | % | ||||
A- and below | 0 | % | 0 | % |
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provided that a Selling Institution with an S&P Rating of “A” must also have a short-term S&P rating of at least “A-1”, otherwise its “Aggregate Percentage Limit” shall be 0%.
“Sale”: The meaning specified in Section 5.17(a).
“Sale Proceeds”: All proceeds (excluding accrued interest, if any) received with respect to Assets as a result of sales of such Assets in accordance with Article XII less any reasonable expenses incurred by the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator or the Trustee (other than amounts payable as Administrative Expenses) in connection with such sales. Sale Proceeds will include Principal Financed Accrued Interest received in respect of such sale.
“Schedule of Collateral Obligations”: The schedule of Collateral Obligations attached as Schedule 1 hereto.
“Scheduled Distribution”: With respect to any Collateral Obligation, each payment of principal and/or interest scheduled to be made by the related Obligor under the terms of such Collateral Obligation (determined in accordance with the assumptions specified in Section 1.3 hereof) after the related Cutoff Date, as adjusted pursuant to the terms of the related Underlying Instruments.
“Second Lien Loan”: Any assignment of or Participation Interest in a Loan that: (i) (a) is not (and cannot by its terms become) subordinate in right of payment to any other obligation of the Obligor of the Loan but which is subordinated (with respect to liquidation preferences with respect to pledged collateral but subject to exceptions for customary permitted liens) to a Senior Secured Loan of the Obligor; and (b) is secured by a valid second-priority perfected security interest or lien in, to or on specified collateral securing the Obligor’s obligations under the Second Lien Loan the value of which is adequate (in the commercially reasonable judgment of the Collateral Manager) to repay the Loan in accordance with its terms and to repay all other Loans of equal or higher seniority secured by a lien or security interest in the same collateral or which is (ii) a first-lien, last-out loan as certified by the Collateral Manager.
“Secured Note”: A Class A Note, Class B Note or Class C Note.
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“Secured Obligations”: The meaning specified in the Granting Clauses.
“Secured Parties”: The meaning specified in the Granting Clauses.
“Securities Account Control Agreement”: The Securities Account Control Agreement dated as of the Closing Date between the Issuer, the Trustee and U.S. Bank National Association, as custodian.
“Securities Act”: The United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Securities Intermediary”: The meaning specified in Section 8-102(a)(14) of the UCC.
“Securitisation Regulation”: The EU Securitisation Regulation and the UK Securitisation Regulation.
“Security Entitlement”: The meaning specified in Section 8-102(a)(17) of the UCC.
“Seller”: The Fund and certain other entities managed by the Collateral Manager or an affiliate of the Collateral Manager.
“Selling Institution”: The entity obligated to make payments to the Issuer under the terms of a Participation Interest.
“Senior Secured Loan”: Any Loan or any assignment of or Participation Interest in a Loan that: (a) is not (and cannot by its terms become) subordinate in right of payment to any other obligation of the Obligor of the Loan (other than with respect to liquidation, trade claims, customary super senior revolving facilities, customary capitalized leases or similar obligations); (b) is secured by a valid first-priority perfected security interest or lien in, to or on specified collateral securing the Obligor’s obligations under the Loan; and (c) the value of the collateral securing the Loan at the time of purchase together with other attributes of the Obligor (including, without limitation, its general financial condition, ability to generate cash flow or revenue available for debt service and other demands for that cash flow or revenue) is adequate (in the commercially reasonable judgment of the Collateral Manager) to repay the Loan in accordance with its terms and to repay all other Loans of equal seniority secured by a first lien or security interest in the same collateral. For the avoidance of doubt, a Senior Secured Loan shall not include traditional corporate or high yield bonds.
“Similar Law”: Any federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other law or regulation that could cause the underlying assets of the Issuer to be treated as assets of the investor in any Note (or any interest therein) by virtue of its interest and thereby subject the Issuer or the Collateral Manager (or other Persons responsible for the investment and operation of the Issuer’s assets) to Other Plan Law.
“SOFR”: The secured overnight financing rate published for such day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator of the benchmark, (or a successor administrator) on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website.
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“Specified Equity Securities”: The securities or interests resulting from the exercise of an option, warrant, right of conversion, pre-emptive right, rights offering, credit bid or similar right in connection with the workout or restructuring of a Collateral Obligation or an equity security or interest received in connection with the workout or restructuring of a Collateral Obligation, in each case to the extent such security or interest does not constitute Margin Stock.
“Specified Obligor Information”: The meaning specified in Section 14.15(b).
“STAMP”: The meaning specified in Section 2.5.
“Standby Directed Investment”: US Bank Money Market Deposit Account (which for the avoidance of doubt, is an Eligible Investment) or such other Eligible Investment designated by the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) by written notice to the Trustee.
“Stated Maturity”: With respect to (i) the Secured Notes, April 30, 2032 and (ii) with respect to the Subordinated Notes, April 30, 2032.
“Step-Down Obligation”: An obligation or security which by the terms of the related Underlying Instruments provides for a reduction in the per annum interest rate on such obligation or security, or in the spread over the applicable index or benchmark rate, solely as a function of the passage of time; provided that an obligation or security providing for payment of a constant rate of interest at all times after the date of acquisition by the Issuer shall not constitute a Step-Down Obligation.
“Step-Up Obligation”: An obligation or security which by the terms of the related Underlying Instruments provides for an increase in the per annum interest rate on such obligation or security, or in the spread over the applicable index or benchmark rate, solely as a function of the passage of time; provided that an obligation or security providing for payment of a constant rate of interest at all times after the date of acquisition by the Issuer shall not constitute a Step-Up Obligation.
“Structured Finance Obligation”: Any obligation issued by a special purpose vehicle and secured directly by, referenced to, or representing ownership of, a pool of receivables or other financial assets of any obligor, including collateralized debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities; provided that any ABL Facility and loans directly to financial service companies, factoring businesses, health care providers and other genuine operating businesses do not constitute Structured Finance Obligations.
“Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement”: The agreement dated as of the Closing Date by and between the Issuer and the Initial Subordinated Noteholder, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
“Subordinated Note Redemption Price”: An amount equal to any remaining Interest Proceeds and Principal Proceeds payable under the Priority of Payments on each Redemption Date for the Subordinated Notes.
“Subordinated Notes”: The subordinated notes issued pursuant to this Indenture and having the characteristics specified in Section 2.3.
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“Successor Entity”: The meaning specified in Section 7.10(a).
“Supermajority”: With respect to any Class of Notes, the Holders of at least 66-2/3% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Class.
“Synthetic Security”: A security or swap transaction, other than a Participation Interest, that has payments associated with either payments of interest on and/or principal of a reference obligation or the credit performance of a reference obligation.
“Tax”: Any tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, assessment, deduction, withholding, or fee of any nature (including interest, penalties and additions thereto) imposed by any governmental taxing authority.
“Tax Event”: An event that occurs if either (i) (x) one or more Collateral Obligations that were not subject to withholding tax when the Issuer committed to purchase them have become subject to withholding tax or the rate of withholding has increased on one or more Collateral Obligations that were subject to withholding tax when the Issuer committed to purchase them and (y) in any Collection Period, the aggregate of the payments subject to withholding tax on new withholding tax obligations and the increase in payments subject to withholding tax on increased rate withholding tax obligations, in each case to the extent not “grossed-up” (on an after-tax basis) by the related obligor, represent 5% or more of the aggregate amount of Interest Proceeds that have been received or that is expected to be received for such Collection Period; or (ii) taxes, fees, assessments, or other similar charges are imposed on the Issuer in an aggregate amount in any twelve-month period in excess of U.S.$2,000,000, other than any deduction or withholding for or on account of any tax described in (i)(x) of this definition.
Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture, the Collateral Manager shall give the Trustee prompt written notice of the occurrence of a Tax Event upon its discovery thereof. Until the Trustee receives written notice from the Collateral Manager or otherwise, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or knowledge to the contrary.
“Tax Jurisdiction”: A sovereign jurisdiction that is commonly used as the place of organization of special purpose vehicles (including, by way of example, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Bermuda, Curacao, St. Maarten and the Channel Islands).
“Tax Matters Partner”: The meaning specified in Section 7.17(k).
“Tax Redemption”: The meaning specified in Section 9.3(a) hereof.
“Total Capitalization”: An amount equal to, without duplication (i) the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Collateral Obligations (other than Defaulted Obligations), plus (ii) the Principal Proceeds on deposit in the Collection Account.
“Trading Plan”: The meaning specified in Section 12.2(a).
“Trading Plan Period”: The meaning specified in Section 12.2(a).
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“Transaction Documents”: This Indenture, the Collateral Management Agreement, the Collateral Administration Agreement, the Securities Account Control Agreement, the Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, any Loan Sale Agreement and the Purchase Agreement.
“Transaction Parties”: The meaning specified in Section 2.5(d).
“Transfer Agent”: The Person or Persons, which may be the Issuer, authorized by the Issuer to exchange or register the transfer of Notes.
“Transfer Deposit Amount”: On any date of determination with respect to any Collateral Obligation, an amount equal to the sum of the outstanding principal balance of such Collateral Obligation, together with accrued interest thereon through such date of determination.
“Treasury Regulations”: The United States Department of Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code.
“Trust Officer”: When used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the Corporate Trust Office (or any successor group of the Trustee) including any vice president, assistant vice president or officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred at the Corporate Trust Office because of such Person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and, in each case, having direct responsibility for the administration of this transaction.
“Trustee”: The meaning specified in the first sentence of this Indenture.
“UCC”: The Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York or, if different, the political subdivision of the United States that governs the perfection of the relevant security interest, as amended from time to time.
“UK Securitisation Laws”: The UK Securitisation Regulation, together with any supplementary regulatory technical standards, implementing standards and any official guidance published in relation thereto by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and/or the UK Prudential Regulation Authority, and any implementing laws or regulations, each as in force on the Closing Date.
“UK Securitisation Regulation”: Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 relating to a European framework for simple, transparent and standardised securitisation in the form in effect on 31 December 2020 which forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended), as amended by the Securitisation (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 of the United Kingdom and as amended, varied or substituted from time to time as a matter of UK law.
“Uncertificated Security”: The meaning specified in Section 8-102(a)(18) of the UCC.
“Underlying Instruments”: The loan agreement, credit agreement or other customary agreement pursuant to which an Asset has been created or issued and each other agreement that governs the terms of or secures the obligations represented by such Asset or of which the holders of such Asset are the beneficiaries.
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“Unfunded Amount”: As of any date means all amounts due in respect of any Collateral Obligations that the Issuer has entered into a binding commitment to originate or purchase but has not yet settled.
“United States Tax Person”: A “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day”: Any day except for (a) a Saturday, (b) a Sunday or (c) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities as indicated on the SIFMA Website.
“Unregistered Securities”: The meaning specified in Section 5.17(c).
“U.S. Risk Retention Rules”: The federal interagency credit risk retention rules, codified at 17 C.F.R. part 246.
“U.S. Person” and “U.S. person”: The meanings specified in Regulation S.
“Volcker Rule”: Section 13 of the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder.
“Weighted Average Coupon”: As of any Measurement Date, the number obtained by dividing:
(a) the amount equal to the Aggregate Coupon; by
(b) an amount equal to the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Fixed Rate Obligations as of such Measurement Date.
“Weighted Average Floating Spread”: As of any Measurement Date, the number obtained by dividing:
(a) | the amount equal to the Aggregate Funded Spread; by |
(b) | an amount equal to the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Floating Rate Obligations as of such Measurement Date. |
“Weighted Average Life”: On any date of determination with respect to any Collateral Obligation (other than any Delinquent Obligation or Defaulted Obligation), the number obtained by (a) summing the products obtained by multiplying (i) the Average Life at such time of each such Collateral Obligation by (ii) the outstanding principal balance of such Collateral Obligation and (b) dividing such sum by the Aggregate Principal Balance at such time of all Collateral Obligations (excluding any Delinquent Obligation or Defaulted Obligation).
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For the purposes of the foregoing, the “Average Life” is, on any date of determination with respect to any Collateral Obligation, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products of (a) the number of years (rounded to the nearest one hundredth thereof) from such date of determination to the respective dates of each successive Scheduled Distribution of principal of such Collateral Obligation and (b) the respective amounts of principal of such Scheduled Distributions by (ii) the sum of all successive Scheduled Distributions of principal on such Collateral Obligation.
“Weighted Average Life Test”: A test satisfied on any date of determination if the Weighted Average Life of the Collateral Obligations as of such date is less than or equal to (a) for purposes of compliance with the Level 1 Portfolio Test 6.0 years and (b) for purposes of compliance with the Level 2 Portfolio Test 6.5 years.
Section 1.2 Usage of Terms. With respect to all terms in this Indenture, the singular includes the plural and the plural the singular; words importing any gender include the other genders; references to “writing” include printing, typing, lithography and other means of reproducing words in a visible form; references to agreements and other contractual instruments include all amendments, modifications and supplements thereto or any changes therein entered into in accordance with their respective terms and not prohibited by this Indenture; references to Persons include their permitted successors and assigns; and the term “including” means “including without limitation.”
Section 1.3 Assumptions as to Assets. In connection with all calculations required to be made pursuant to this Indenture with respect to Scheduled Distributions on any Asset, or any payments on any other assets included in the Assets, with respect to the sale of and reinvestment in Collateral Obligations, and with respect to the income that can be earned on Scheduled Distributions on such Assets and on any other amounts that may be received for deposit in the Collection Account, the provisions set forth in this Section 1.3 shall be applied. The provisions of this Section 1.3 shall be applicable to any determination or calculation that is covered by this Section 1.3, whether or not reference is specifically made to Section 1.3, unless some other method of calculation or determination is expressly specified in the particular provision.
(a) All calculations with respect to Scheduled Distributions on the Assets securing the Notes shall be made on the basis of information as to the terms of each such Asset and upon reports of payments, if any, received on such Asset that are furnished by or on behalf of the issuer of such Asset and, to the extent they are not manifestly in error, such information or reports may be conclusively relied upon in making such calculations.
(b) Except where expressly referenced herein for inclusion in such calculations, Defaulted Obligations will not be included in the calculation of the Portfolio Tests.
(c) For purposes of calculating the Borrowing Base Condition, except as otherwise specified in the definitions related thereto, such calculations will not include scheduled interest and principal payments on Defaulted Obligations unless or until such payments are actually made.
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(d) For each Collection Period and as of any date of determination, the Scheduled Distribution on any Asset (including Current Pay Obligations and DIP Collateral Obligations but excluding Defaulted Obligations, which, except as otherwise provided herein, shall be assumed to have a Scheduled Distribution of zero, except to the extent any payments have actually been received) shall be the sum of (i) the total amount of payments and collections to be received during such Collection Period in respect of such Asset (including the proceeds of the sale of such Asset received and, in the case of sales which have not yet settled, to be received during the Collection Period and not reinvested in Additional Collateral Obligations or Eligible Investments or retained in the Collection Account for subsequent reinvestment pursuant to Section 12.2) that, if received as scheduled, will be available in the Collection Account at the end of the Collection Period and (ii) any such amounts received in prior Collection Periods that were not disbursed on a previous Payment Date.
(e) Each Scheduled Distribution receivable with respect to an Asset shall be assumed to be received on the applicable Due Date, and each such Scheduled Distribution shall be assumed to be immediately deposited in the Collection Account to earn interest at the Assumed Reinvestment Rate. All such funds shall be assumed to continue to earn interest until the date on which they are required to be available in the Collection Account for application, in accordance with the terms hereof, to payments of principal of or interest on the Notes or other amounts payable pursuant to this Indenture. For purposes of the applicable determinations required by Section 10.6(a) and Article XII, the expected interest on the Secured Notes and Floating Rate Obligations will be calculated using the then current interest rates applicable thereto.
(f) References in Section 11.1(a) to calculations made on a “pro forma basis” shall mean such calculations after giving effect to all payments, in accordance with the Priority of Payments described herein, that precede (in priority of payment) or include the clause in which such calculation is made.
(g) [reserved]
(h) For purposes of calculating compliance with the Investment Criteria, upon the direction of the Collateral Manager by notice to the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator, any Eligible Investment representing Principal Proceeds received upon the sale or other disposition of a Collateral Obligation shall be deemed to have the characteristics of such Collateral Obligation as of the date of such sale or other disposition until reinvested in an Additional Collateral Obligation and, in accordance with the definitions of the Class A Advance Rate and the Class B Advance Rate, such Eligible Investment shall be deemed to constitute an Obligor until all or a portion thereof is reinvested in an Additional Collateral Obligation. Such calculations shall be based upon the principal amount of such Collateral Obligation, except in the case of Defaulted Obligations and Credit Risk Obligations, in which case the calculations will be based upon the Principal Proceeds received on the disposition or sale of such Defaulted Obligation or Credit Risk Obligation.
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(i) For the purposes of calculating compliance with each of the Concentration Limitations all calculations will be rounded to the nearest 0.1%. All other calculations, unless otherwise set forth herein or the context otherwise requires, shall be rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth if expressed as a percentage, and to the nearest one-hundredth if expressed otherwise.
(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture to the contrary, all monetary calculations under this Indenture shall be in Dollars.
(k) Any reference herein to an amount of the Trustee’s or the Collateral Administrator’s fees calculated with respect to a period at a per annum rate shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the applicable Interest Accrual Period divided by 360 and shall be based on the aggregate face amount of the Assets.
(l) To the extent of any ambiguity in the interpretation of any definition or term contained herein or to the extent more than one methodology can be used to make any of the determinations or calculations set forth herein, the Collateral Manager may direct the Collateral Administrator or the Collateral Administrator may request direction from the Collateral Manager, as to the interpretation and/or methodology to be used, and the Collateral Administrator shall follow such direction, and together with the Trustee, shall be entitled to conclusively rely thereon without any responsibility or liability therefor.
(m) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, whenever in this Indenture the Collateral Manager is permitted or required to make a decision in its “sole discretion,” “reasonable discretion” or “discretion” or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, the Collateral Manager shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Issuer, Holders or any other Person. The intent of granting authority to act in its “discretion” to the Collateral Manager is that no other express consent of another party is required to be obtained by the Collateral Manager when acting pursuant to such grant of authority hereunder; provided that any action taken pursuant to such grant of discretion is consistent with the legal, contractual and fiduciary duties owed by the Collateral Manager.
(n) For purposes of calculating compliance with any tests under this Indenture, the trade date (and not the settlement date) with respect to any acquisition or disposition of a Collateral Obligation or Eligible Investment shall be used to determine whether and when such acquisition or disposition has occurred.
(o) For all purposes where expressly used in this Indenture, the “principal balance” and “outstanding principal balance” shall exclude capitalized interest, if any.
(p) [Reserved].
(q) [Reserved].
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(r) For purposes of the definition of Collateral Obligation, the reference to the “purchase” of an obligation shall include the purchase of an obligation with cash, the receipt of an obligation by the Issuer in connection with a Contribution and the receipt of a new obligation in connection with the redemption and re-issuance of an obligation in a cashless roll where the redemption proceeds with respect to the Collateral Obligation being redeemed are “rolled” into the new obligation.
(s) For purposes of calculating the Sale Proceeds of a Collateral Obligation in sale transactions, Sale Proceeds will include any Principal Financed Accrued Interest received in respect of such sale.
(t) Any direction or Issuer Order required hereunder relating to the purchase, acquisition, sale, disposition or other transfer of Assets may be in the form of a trade ticket, confirmation of trade, instruction to post or to commit to the trade or similar instrument or document or other written instruction (including by email or other electronic communication) from the Collateral Manager on which the Trustee and Collateral Administrator may rely without any responsibility or liability therefor.
ARTICLE II
The Notes
Section 2.1 Forms Generally. The Notes and the Trustee’s or Authenticating Agent’s certificate of authentication thereon (the “Certificate of Authentication”) shall be in substantially the forms required by this Article, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon, as may be consistent herewith, determined by the Responsible Officers of the Issuer executing such Notes as evidenced by their execution of such Notes. Any portion of the text of any Note may be set forth on the reverse thereof, with an appropriate reference thereto on the face of the Note.
Section 2.2 Forms of Notes. (a) The forms of the Notes, including the forms of Certificated Secured Notes, Certificated Subordinated Notes, Regulation S Global Secured Notes, Rule 144A Global Secured Notes, Rule 144A Global Subordinated Notes and Regulation S Global Subordinated Notes, shall be as set forth in the applicable part of Exhibit A hereto.
(b) Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes.
(i) The Notes of each Class sold to persons who are not U.S. persons in offshore transactions (as defined in Regulation S) in reliance on Regulation S shall each be issued initially in the form of one permanent global note per Class in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons substantially in the applicable form attached as Exhibit A-1 hereto, in the case of the Secured Notes (each, a “Regulation S Global Secured Note”) and in the form of one permanent global Subordinated Note in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons substantially in the applicable form attached as Exhibit A-2 hereto, in the case of the Subordinated Notes (each, a “Regulation S Global Subordinated Note”), and shall be deposited on behalf of the subscribers for such Notes represented thereby with U.S. Bank National Association as custodian for, and registered in the name of a nominee of, DTC for the respective accounts of Euroclear and Clearstream, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.
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(ii) The Notes of each Class sold to Persons that are QIB/QPs shall each be issued initially in the form of one permanent global note per Class in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons substantially in the applicable form attached as Exhibit A-1 hereto, in the case of the Secured Notes (each, a “Rule 144A Global Secured Note”) and in the form of one permanent global Subordinated Note in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons substantially in the applicable form attached as Exhibit A-2 hereto, in the case of the Subordinated Notes (each, a “Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note”) and shall be deposited on behalf of the subscribers for such Notes represented thereby with U.S. Bank National Association as custodian for, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., a nominee of, DTC, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.
(iii) The Secured Notes sold to persons that, at the time of the acquisition, purported acquisition or proposed acquisition of any such Secured Note, are Institutional Accredited Investors (that are not Qualified Institutional Buyers) and Qualified Purchasers shall be issued in the form of definitive, fully registered notes without coupons substantially in the applicable form attached as Exhibit A-3 hereto (a “Certificated Secured Note”) which shall be registered in the name of the beneficial owner or a nominee thereof, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.
(iv) The Subordinated Notes sold to U.S. Persons that are Accredited Investors (that are not Qualified Institutional Buyers) and either Qualified Purchasers, Knowledgeable Employees with respect to the Issuer, Collateral Manager, or a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity (other than a trust), each shareholder, partner, member or other equity owner of which is either a Qualified Purchaser or a Knowledgeable Employee with respect to the Issuer or the Collateral Manager and shall be issued in the form of definitive, fully registered notes without coupons substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A-4 hereto (each, a “Certificated Subordinated Note” and, together with the Certificated Secured Notes, “Certificated Notes”) which shall be registered in the name of the beneficial owner or a nominee thereof, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.
(v) The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Global Secured Notes, the Rule 144A Global Secured Notes, the Rule 144A Global Subordinated Notes and the Regulation S Global Subordinated Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee or DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as hereinafter provided.
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(c) Book Entry Provisions. This Section 2.2(c) shall apply only to Global Secured Notes and Regulation S Global Subordinated Notes deposited with or on behalf of DTC.
The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” of Euroclear and the “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Participants” of Clearstream, respectively, will be applicable to the Global Secured Notes and the Global Subordinated Notes insofar as interests in such Global Secured Notes and Global Subordinated Notes are held by the Agent Members of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be.
Agent Members shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Secured Notes or Global Subordinated Notes held on their behalf by U.S. Bank National Association, as custodian for DTC, and DTC may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee, and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee, or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Note.
Section 2.3 Authorized Amount; Stated Maturity; Denominations. The aggregate principal amount of Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is limited to U.S.$425,000,000 (except for (i) Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Notes pursuant to Section 2.5, Section 2.6 or Section 8.5 of this Indenture or (ii) Additional Notes issued in accordance with Sections 2.13 and 3.2).
Such Notes shall be divided into the Classes, having the designations, original principal amounts and other characteristics as follows:
Notes
Class Designation | A | B | C | Subordinated | ||||||||||
Original Principal Amount | U.S.$261,375,000 | U.S.$44,625,000 | U.S.$36,125,000 | U.S. $82,875,000 | ||||||||||
Stated Maturity | April 30, 2032 | April 30, 2032 | April 30, 2032 | April 30, 2032 | ||||||||||
Fixed Rate Note | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A | ||||||||||
Interest Rate | 4.05 | % | 5.15 | % | 7.75 | % | N/A | |||||||
Floating Rate Note | No | No | No | N/A | ||||||||||
Initial Rating(s): | ||||||||||||||
KBRA | “A(sf)” | “BBB(sf)” | “BB(sf)” | N/A | ||||||||||
Priority Classes | None | A | A, B | A, B, C | ||||||||||
Pari Passu Classes | None | None | None | None | ||||||||||
Junior Classes | B, C, Subordinated | C, Subordinated | Subordinated | None | ||||||||||
Interest Deferrable | No | No | Yes | N/A |
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The Secured Notes (other than the Class C Notes) shall be issued in minimum denominations of U.S.$100,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Class C Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $500,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Subordinated Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $4,700,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Notes shall only be transferred or resold in compliance with the terms of this Indenture.
Section 2.4 Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating. The Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Issuer by one of its Officers. The signature of such Officer on the Notes may be manual, facsimile or electronic.
Notes bearing the manual, electronic or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at the time of execution the Officers of the Issuer shall bind the Issuer notwithstanding the fact that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Notes or did not hold such offices at the date of issuance of such Notes.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Notes executed by the Issuer to the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent for authentication and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon Issuer Order (which shall be deemed to be provided upon delivery of such executed Notes), shall authenticate and deliver such Notes as provided herein and not otherwise.
Each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent upon Issuer Order on the Closing Date shall be dated as of the Closing Date. All other Notes that are authenticated after the Closing Date for any other purpose under this Indenture shall be dated the date of their authentication.
Notes issued upon transfer, exchange or replacement of other Notes shall be issued in authorized denominations reflecting the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes so transferred, exchanged or replaced, but shall represent only the current outstanding principal amount of the Notes so transferred, exchanged or replaced. If any Note is divided into more than one Note in accordance with this Article II, the original principal amount of such Note shall be proportionately divided among the Notes delivered in exchange therefor and shall be deemed to be the original aggregate principal amount of such subsequently issued Notes.
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No Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless there appears on such Note a Certificate of Authentication, substantially in the form provided for herein, executed by the Trustee or by the Authenticating Agent by the manual signature of one of their authorized signatories, and such certificate upon any Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.
Section 2.5 Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange. (a) The Issuer shall cause the Notes to be Registered and shall cause to be kept a register (the “Register”) at the office of the Trustee in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of Notes and the registration of transfers of Notes. The Trustee is hereby initially appointed registrar (the “Registrar”) for the purpose of registering Notes and transfers of such Notes with respect to the Register maintained in the United States as herein provided. Upon any resignation or removal of the Registrar, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor or, in the absence of such appointment, assume the duties of Registrar.
If a Person other than the Trustee is appointed by the Issuer as Registrar, the Issuer will give the Trustee prompt written notice of the appointment of a Registrar and of the location, and any change in the location, of the Register, and the Trustee shall have the right to inspect the Register at all reasonable times and to obtain copies thereof and the Trustee shall have the right to rely upon a certificate executed on behalf of the Registrar by an Officer thereof as to the names and addresses of the Holders of the Notes and the principal or face amounts and numbers of such Notes. Upon written request at any time the Registrar shall provide to the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Initial Purchasers or any Holder a current list of Holders as reflected in the Register.
Subject to this Section 2.5, upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Notes at the office or agency of the Issuer to be maintained as provided in Section 7.2, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes of any authorized denomination and of a like aggregate principal or face amount. At any time, the Issuer, the Collateral Manager or the Initial Purchasers may request a list of Holders from the Trustee.
In addition, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Collateral Manager shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon any certificate of ownership provided to the Trustee by a beneficial owner of a Note (including a Beneficial Ownership Certificate or a certificate in the form of Exhibit D) and/or other forms of reasonable evidence of such ownership as to the names and addresses of such beneficial owner and the Classes, principal amounts and CUSIP numbers of Notes beneficially owned thereby. At any time, upon request of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager or the Initial Purchasers, the Trustee shall provide such requesting Person a copy of each Beneficial Ownership Certificate that the Trustee has received; provided, however, the Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to verify information with respect to such Beneficial Ownership Certificate or certificate in the form of Exhibit D and shall only be required to retain copies of such documents presented to it.
At the option of the Holder, Notes may be exchanged for Notes of like terms, in any authorized denominations and of like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Note is surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Notes that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
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All Notes issued and authenticated upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer evidencing the same debt (to the extent they evidence debt) and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Note presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing with such signature guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Exchange Act.
No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer, tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. The Registrar or the Trustee shall be permitted to request such evidence reasonably satisfactory to it documenting the identity and/or signatures of the transferor and transferee.
(b) No Note may be sold or transferred (including, without limitation, by pledge or hypothecation) unless such sale or transfer is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, is exempt from the registration requirements under applicable state securities laws and will not cause the Issuer to become subject to the requirement that it register as an investment company under the 1940 Act.
(c) No transfer of any Class C Note or Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) will be effective if after giving effect to such transfer 25% or more of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class C Notes and/or Subordinated Notes would be held by Persons who have represented that they are Benefit Plan Investors. For purposes of these calculations and all other calculations required by this sub-section, (A) any Notes of the Issuer held by a Person (other than a Benefit Plan Investor) who is a Controlling Person, the Trustee, the Collateral Manager, the Retention Provider, the Initial Purchasers or any of their respective affiliates (other than those interests held by a Benefit Plan Investor) shall be disregarded and not treated as Outstanding and (B) an “affiliate” of a Person shall include any Person, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Person, and “control” with respect to a Person other than an individual shall mean the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of such Person. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely exclusively upon the information set forth in the face of the transfer certificates received pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.5 and only Notes that a Trust Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so held shall be so disregarded. In addition, no Global Subordinated Notes (other than Global Subordinated Notes purchased from the Issuer as part of the initial offering or on the Closing Date) may be held by or transferred to a Benefit Plan Investor or Controlling Person and each beneficial owner of a Global Subordinated Note acquiring its interest in the Subordinated Notes in the initial offering or on the Closing Date shall provide to the Issuer a written certification in the form of Exhibit B-5 attached hereto.
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(d) If the purchaser or transferee of any Note or beneficial interest therein is a Benefit Plan Investor, or is purchasing or holding such Note or interest on behalf of any Benefit Plan Investor then, such purchaser or transferee, and any fiduciary or other person investing the assets of the Benefit Plan Investor (“Plan Fiduciary”) in such Notes or interest therein each acknowledges and agrees on each date on which it purchases or holds any Note or any interest therein that none of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Retention Provider, the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator and the Initial Purchasers (“Transaction Parties”) or other persons that provide marketing services, nor any of their affiliates, has provided, and none of them will provide, any investment advice on which such purchaser or transferee or the Plan Fiduciary has relied or will rely as a primary basis in connection with such purchaser’s or transferee’s or such Plan Fiduciary’s decision to invest in the Notes, and the Transaction Parties are not otherwise acting as a fiduciary, as defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA or Section 4975(e)(3) of the Code, to the Benefit Plan Investor or the Plan Fiduciary in connection with the Benefit Plan Investor’s acquisition of the Notes.
(e) Each subsequent transferee of a Note, by acceptance of such Note or an interest in such Note, shall be deemed to have agreed to comply with Section 2.12.
(f) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Trustee shall not be responsible for ascertaining whether any transfer complies with, or for otherwise monitoring or determining compliance with, the registration provisions of or any exemptions from the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or the applicable laws of any other jurisdiction, ERISA, the Code, the 1940 Act, or the terms hereof; provided that if a certificate is specifically required by the terms of this Section 2.5 to be provided to the Trustee by a prospective transferor or transferee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to receive and examine the same to determine whether or not the certificate substantially conforms on its face to the applicable requirements of this Indenture and shall promptly notify the party delivering the same and the Issuer if such certificate does not comply with such terms.
(g) For so long as any of the Notes are Outstanding, the Issuer shall not issue or permit the transfer of any ordinary shares of the Issuer to U.S. persons.
(h) Transfers of Global Secured Notes shall only be made in accordance with Section 2.2(b) and this Section 2.5(h).
(i) Rule 144A Global Secured Note to Regulation S Global Secured Note. If a holder of a beneficial interest in a Rule 144A Global Secured Note deposited with DTC wishes at any time to exchange its interest in such Rule 144A Global Secured Note for an interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Secured Note, or to transfer its interest in such Rule 144A Global Secured Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Secured Note, such holder; provided that such holder or, in the case of a transfer, the transferee is not a U.S. person and is acquiring such interest in an offshore transaction (as defined in Regulation S) may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of DTC, exchange or transfer, or cause the exchange or transfer of, such interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Secured Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) instructions given in accordance with DTC’s procedures from an Agent Member directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Secured Note, but not less than the minimum denomination applicable to such holder’s Notes, in an amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Secured Note to be exchanged or transferred, (B) a written order given in accordance with DTC’s procedures containing information regarding the participant account of DTC and the Euroclear or Clearstream account to be credited with such increase, (C) a certificate in the form of Exhibit B-1 attached hereto given by the holder of such beneficial interest stating that the exchange or transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Secured Notes, including that the holder or the transferee, as applicable, is not a U.S. person, and is acquiring such interest in an offshore transaction pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S, and (D) a written certification in the form of Exhibit B-7 attached hereto given by the transferee in respect of such beneficial interest stating, among other things, that such transferee is a non-U.S. person purchasing such beneficial interest in an offshore transaction pursuant to Regulation S, then the Registrar shall approve the instructions at DTC to reduce the principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Secured Note and to increase the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Secured Note by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Secured Note to be exchanged or transferred, and to credit or cause to be credited to the securities account of the Agent Member specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Secured Note equal to the reduction in the principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Secured Note.
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(ii) Regulation S Global Secured Note to Rule 144A Global Secured Note. If a holder of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Secured Note deposited with DTC wishes at any time to exchange its interest in such Regulation S Global Secured Note for an interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Secured Note or to transfer its interest in such Regulation S Global Secured Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Secured Note, such holder may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, exchange or transfer, or cause the exchange or transfer of, such interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Secured Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) instructions from Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, directing the Registrar to cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Secured Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest in such Regulation S Global Secured Note, but not less than the minimum denomination applicable to such holder’s Notes to be exchanged or transferred, such instructions to contain information regarding the participant account with DTC to be credited with such increase, (B) a certificate in the form of Exhibit B-3 attached hereto given by the holder of such beneficial interest and stating, among other things, that, in the case of a transfer, the Person transferring such interest in such Regulation S Global Secured Note reasonably believes that the Person acquiring such interest in a Rule 144A Global Secured Note is a Qualified Purchaser and a Qualified Institutional Buyer, is obtaining such beneficial interest in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction and (C) a written certification in the form of Exhibit B-6 attached hereto given by the transferee in respect of such beneficial interest stating, among other things, that such transferee is a Qualified Institutional Buyer and a Qualified Purchaser, then the Registrar will approve the instructions at DTC to reduce, or cause to be reduced, the Regulation S Global Secured Note by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Secured Note to be transferred or exchanged and the Registrar shall instruct DTC, concurrently with such reduction, to credit or cause to be credited to the securities account of the Agent Member specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Secured Note equal to the reduction in the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Secured Note.
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(iii) Global Secured Note to Certificated Secured Note. Subject to Section 2.10(a), if a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Secured Note deposited with DTC wishes at any time to transfer its interest in such Global Secured Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a corresponding Certificated Secured Note, such holder may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, transfer, or cause the transfer of, such interest for a Certificated Secured Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) certificates substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2 attached hereto executed by the transferee and (B) appropriate instructions from DTC, if required, the Registrar will approve the instructions at DTC to reduce, or cause to be reduced, the Global Secured Note by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Global Secured Note to be transferred, record the transfer in the Register in accordance with Section 2.5(a) and upon execution by the Issuer and authentication and delivery by the Trustee, deliver one or more corresponding Certificated Secured Notes, registered in the names specified in the instructions described in clause (B) above, in principal amounts designated by the transferee (the aggregate of such principal amounts being equal to the aggregate principal amount of the interest in such Global Secured Note transferred by the transferor), and in authorized denominations.
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(i) Transfers of Certificated Secured Notes shall only be made in accordance with Section 2.2(b) and this Section 2.5(i).
(i) Certificated Secured Notes to Global Secured Notes. If a holder of a Certificated Secured Note wishes at any time to transfer such Certificated Secured Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a corresponding Global Secured Note, such holder may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, exchange or transfer, or cause the exchange or transfer of, such Certificated Secured Note for a beneficial interest in a corresponding Global Secured Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) a Holder’s Certificated Secured Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee, (B) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1 or Exhibit B-3 (as applicable) attached hereto executed by the transferor and a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B-6 or B-7 (as applicable) attached hereto executed by the transferee, (C) instructions given in accordance with Euroclear, Clearstream or DTC’s procedures, as the case may be, from an Agent Member to instruct DTC to cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the applicable Global Secured Notes in an amount equal to the Certificated Secured Notes to be transferred or exchanged, and (D) a written order given in accordance with DTC’s procedures containing information regarding the Agent Member’s account at DTC and/or Euroclear or Clearstream to be credited with such increase, the Registrar shall cancel such Certificated Secured Note in accordance with Section 2.9, record the transfer in the Register in accordance with Section 2.5(a) and approve the instructions at DTC, concurrently with such cancellation, to credit or cause to be credited to the securities account of the Agent Member specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the corresponding Global Secured Note equal to the principal amount of the Certificated Secured Note transferred or exchanged.
(ii) Certificated Secured Notes to Certificated Secured Notes. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) a Holder’s Certificated Secured Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee, and (B) certificates substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2 attached hereto executed by the transferee, the Registrar shall cancel such Certificated Secured Note in accordance with Section 2.9, record the transfer in the Register in accordance with Section 2.5(a) and upon execution by the Issuer and authentication and delivery by the Trustee, deliver one or more Certificated Secured Notes bearing the same designation as the Certificated Secured Note endorsed for transfer, registered in the names specified in the assignment described in clause (A) above, in principal amounts designated by the transferee (the aggregate of such principal amounts being equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Certificated Secured Note surrendered by the transferor), and in authorized denominations.
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(j) Transfers and exchanges of Subordinated Notes shall only be made in accordance with Section 2.2(b) and this Section 2.5(j).
(i) Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note to Regulation S Global Subordinated Note. If a holder of a beneficial interest in a Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note deposited with DTC wishes at any time to exchange its interest in such Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note for an interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Subordinated Note, or to transfer its interest in such Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Subordinated Note, such holder (provided that such holder or, in the case of a transfer, the transferee is not a U.S. person and is acquiring such interest in an offshore transaction (as defined in Regulation S)) may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of DTC, exchange or transfer, or cause the exchange or transfer of, such interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Subordinated Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) instructions given in accordance with DTC’s procedures from an Agent Member directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Subordinated Note, but not less than the minimum denomination applicable to such holder’s Notes, in an amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note to be exchanged or transferred, (B) a written order given in accordance with DTC’s procedures containing information regarding the participant account of DTC and the Euroclear or Clearstream account to be credited with such increase, (C) a certificate in the form of Exhibit B-9 attached hereto given by the holder of such beneficial interest stating that the exchange or transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Regulation S Global Subordinated Notes, including that the holder or the transferee, as applicable, is not a U.S. person, and is acquiring such interest in an offshore transaction pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S, and (D) a written certification in the form of Exhibit B-8 attached hereto given by the transferee in respect of such beneficial interest stating, among other things, that such transferee is a non-U.S. person purchasing such beneficial interest in an offshore transaction pursuant to Regulation S, then the Registrar shall approve the instructions at DTC to reduce the principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note and to increase the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Subordinated Note by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note to be exchanged or transferred, and to credit or cause to be credited to the securities account of the Agent Member specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Subordinated Note equal to the reduction in the principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note.
(ii) Regulation S Global Subordinated Note to Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note. If a holder of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Subordinated Note deposited with DTC wishes at any time to exchange its interest in such Regulation S Global Subordinated Note for an interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note or to transfer its interest in such Regulation S Global Subordinated Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note, such holder may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, exchange or transfer, or cause the exchange or transfer of, such interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) instructions from Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, directing the Registrar to cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest in such Regulation S Global Subordinated Note, but not less than the minimum denomination applicable to such holder’s Notes to be exchanged or transferred, such instructions to contain information regarding the participant account with DTC to be credited with such increase, (B) a certificate in the form of Exhibit B-10 attached hereto given by the holder of such beneficial interest and stating, among other things, that, in the case of a transfer, the Person transferring such interest in such Regulation S Global Subordinated Note reasonably believes that the Person acquiring such interest in a Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note is a Qualified Purchaser and a Qualified Institutional Buyer, is obtaining such beneficial interest in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction and (C) a written certification in the form of Exhibit B-11 attached hereto given by the transferee in respect of such beneficial interest stating, among other things, that such transferee is a Qualified Institutional Buyer and a Qualified Purchaser, then the Registrar will approve the instructions at DTC to reduce, or cause to be reduced, the Regulation S Global Subordinated Note by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Subordinated Note to be transferred or exchanged and the Registrar shall instruct DTC, concurrently with such reduction, to credit or cause to be credited to the securities account of the Agent Member specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note equal to the reduction in the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Subordinated Note.
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(iii) Certificated Subordinated Note to Certificated Subordinated Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) a Holder’s Certificated Subordinated Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee, and (B) certificates in the form of Exhibits B-4 and B-5 attached hereto given by the transferee of such Certificated Subordinated Note, the Registrar shall cancel such Certificated Subordinated Note in accordance with Section 2.9, record the transfer in the Register in accordance with Section 2.5(a) and upon execution by the Issuer and authentication and delivery by the Trustee, deliver one or more Certificated Subordinated Notes bearing the same designation as the Certificated Subordinated Note endorsed for transfer, registered in the names specified in the assignment described in clause (A) above, in principal amounts designated by the transferee (the aggregate of such principal amounts being equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Certificated Subordinated Note surrendered by the transferor), and in authorized denominations.
(iv) Global Subordinated Note to Certificated Subordinated Note. Subject to Section 2.10(a), if a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Subordinated Note deposited with DTC wishes at any time to transfer its interest in such Global Subordinated Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a corresponding Certificated Subordinated Note, such holder may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, transfer, or cause the transfer of, such interest for a Certificated Subordinated Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) certificates substantially in the form of Exhibits B-4 and B-5 attached hereto executed by the transferee and (B) appropriate instructions from DTC, if required, the Registrar will approve the instructions at DTC to reduce, or cause to be reduced, the Global Subordinated Note by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Global Subordinated Note to be transferred, record the transfer in the Register in accordance with Section 2.5(a) and upon execution by the Issuer and authentication and delivery by the Trustee, deliver one or more corresponding Certificated Subordinated Notes, registered in the names specified in the instructions described in clause (B) above, in principal amounts designated by the transferee (the aggregate of such principal amounts being equal to the aggregate principal amount of the interest in such Global Subordinated Note transferred by the transferor), and in authorized denominations.
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(v) Certificated Subordinated Notes to Regulation S Global Subordinated Notes. If a holder of a Certificated Subordinated Note wishes at any time to transfer such Certificated Subordinated Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a corresponding Regulation S Global Subordinated Note, such holder may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, exchange or transfer, or cause the exchange or transfer of, such Certificated Subordinated Note for a beneficial interest in a corresponding Regulation S Global Subordinated Note. Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) a Holder’s Certificated Subordinated Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee, (B) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B-9 attached hereto executed by the transferor and a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B-8 attached hereto executed by the transferee, (C) instructions given in accordance with Euroclear, Clearstream or DTC’s procedures, as the case may be, from an Agent Member to instruct DTC to cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the applicable Regulation S Global Subordinated Note in an amount equal to the Certificated Subordinated Notes to be transferred or exchanged, and (D) a written order given in accordance with DTC’s procedures containing information regarding the Agent Member’s account at DTC and/or Euroclear or Clearstream to be credited with such increase, the Registrar shall cancel such Certificated Subordinated Note in accordance with Section 2.9, record the transfer in the Register in accordance with Section 2.5(a) and approve the instructions at DTC, concurrently with such cancellation, to credit or cause to be credited to the securities account of the Agent Member specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Subordinated Note equal to the principal amount of the Certificated Subordinated Note transferred or exchanged.
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(vi) Certificated Subordinated Notes to Rule 144A Global Subordinated Notes. If a holder of a Certificated Subordinated Note wishes at any time to transfer such Certificated Subordinated Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a corresponding Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note, such holder may, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence and the rules and procedures of Euroclear, Clearstream and/or DTC, as the case may be, exchange or transfer, or cause the exchange or transfer of, such Certificated Subordinated Note for a beneficial interest in a corresponding Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note (provided that no Accredited Investors may hold an interest in a Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note). Upon receipt by the Registrar of (A) a Holder’s Certificated Subordinated Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee, (B) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B-10 attached hereto executed by the transferor and a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B-11 attached hereto executed by the transferee, (C) instructions given in accordance with Euroclear, Clearstream or DTC’s procedures, as the case may be, from an Agent Member to instruct DTC to cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the applicable Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note in an amount equal to the Certificated Subordinated Notes to be transferred or exchanged, and (D) a written order given in accordance with DTC’s procedures containing information regarding the Agent Member’s account at DTC and/or Euroclear or Clearstream to be credited with such increase, the Registrar shall cancel such Certificated Subordinated Note in accordance with Section 2.9, record the transfer in the Register in accordance with Section 2.5(a) and approve the instructions at DTC, concurrently with such cancellation, to credit or cause to be credited to the securities account of the Agent Member specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the corresponding Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note equal to the principal amount of the Certificated Subordinated Note transferred or exchanged.
(k) If Notes are issued upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes bearing the applicable legends set forth in the applicable part of Exhibit A hereto, and if a request is made to remove such applicable legend on such Notes, the Notes so issued shall bear such applicable legend, or such applicable legend shall not be removed, as the case may be, unless there is delivered to the Trustee and the Issuer such satisfactory evidence, which may include an Opinion of Counsel acceptable to them, as may be reasonably required by the Issuer (and which shall by its terms permit reliance by the Trustee), to the effect that neither such applicable legend nor the restrictions on transfer set forth therein are required to ensure that transfers thereof comply with the provisions of the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, ERISA or the Code. Upon provision of such satisfactory evidence, the Trustee or its Authenticating Agent, at the written direction of the Issuer shall, after due execution by the Issuer authenticate and deliver Notes that do not bear such applicable legend.
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(l) Each Person who becomes a beneficial owner of Notes represented by an interest in a Global Secured Note or a Global Subordinated Note will be deemed to have represented and agreed as follows:
(i) In connection with the purchase of such Notes: (A) none of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Initial Purchasers, the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator, the Retention Provider or any of their respective Affiliates is acting as a fiduciary or financial or investment adviser for such beneficial owner; (B) such beneficial owner is not relying (for purposes of making any investment decision or otherwise) upon any advice, counsel or representations (whether written or oral) of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator, the Initial Purchasers, the Retention Provider or any of their respective Affiliates other than any statements in the final Offering Circular for such Notes, and such beneficial owner has read and understands such final Offering Circular; (C) such beneficial owner has consulted with its own legal, regulatory, tax, business, investment, financial and accounting advisors to the extent it has deemed necessary and has made its own investment decisions (including decisions regarding the suitability of any transaction pursuant to this Indenture) based upon its own judgment and upon any advice from such advisors as it has deemed necessary and not upon any view expressed by the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator, Initial Purchasers, the Retention Provider or any of their respective Affiliates; (D) such beneficial owner is either (1) (in the case of a beneficial owner of an interest in a Rule 144A Global Secured Note or Rule 144A Global Subordinated Note) both (a) a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined under Rule 144A under the Securities Act) that is not a broker-dealer which owns and invests on a discretionary basis less than U.S.$25,000,000 in securities of issuers that are not affiliated persons of the dealer and is not a plan referred to in paragraph (a)(1)(d) or (a)(1)(e) of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or a trust fund referred to in paragraph (a)(1)(f) of Rule 144A under the Securities Act that holds the assets of such a plan, if investment decisions with respect to the plan are made by beneficiaries of the plan and (b) a Qualified Purchaser for purposes of Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act or (2) not a “U.S. person” as defined in Regulation S and is acquiring the Notes in an offshore transaction (as defined in Regulation S) in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S; (E) such beneficial owner is acquiring its interest in such Notes for its own account; (F) such beneficial owner was not formed for the purpose of investing in such Notes; (G) such beneficial owner understands that the Issuer may receive a list of participants holding interests in the Notes from one or more book-entry depositories; (H) such beneficial owner will hold and transfer at least the minimum denomination of such Notes; (I) such beneficial owner is a sophisticated investor and is purchasing the Notes with a full understanding of all of the terms, conditions and risks thereof, and is capable of and willing to assume those risks; and (J) such beneficial owner will provide notice of the relevant transfer restrictions to subsequent transferees.
(ii) Each Person who acquires a Secured Note or any interest therein will be required or deemed to represent, warrant and agree that (A) if such Person is, or is acting on behalf of, a Benefit Plan Investor, its acquisition, holding and disposition of such interest do not and will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, and (B) if such Person is, or is acting on behalf of, a governmental, church, non-U.S. or other plan which is subject to any Other Plan Law, such Person’s acquisition, holding and disposition of such Note will not constitute or result in a non-exempt violation of any such Other Plan Law.
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(iii) With respect to a Class C Note in the form of a Global Secured Note or a Global Subordinated Note or any interest therein (1) if it is a purchaser or transferee of Class C Notes in the form of Global Secured Notes or of Global Subordinated Notes from the Issuer as part of the initial offering on the Closing Date, it will be required to represent and warrant (a) whether or not it is, or is acting on behalf of, a Benefit Plan Investor, (b) whether or not it is a Controlling Person and (c) (i) if it is, or is acting on behalf of, a Benefit Plan Investor, that its acquisition, holding and disposition of such Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or (ii) if it is, or is acting on behalf of, a governmental, church, non-U.S. plan or other plan, (x) it is not, and for so long as it holds such Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes or interest therein will not be, subject to Similar Law and (y) its acquisition, holding and disposition of such Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes will not constitute or result in a non-exempt violation of any Other Plan Law and (2) each purchaser or subsequent transferee, as applicable, of an interest in a Class C Note in the form of a Global Secured Note or a Global Subordinated Note other than from the Issuer as part of the initial offering on the Closing Date, on each day from the date on which such beneficial owner acquires its interest in such Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes through and including the date on which such beneficial owner disposes of its interest in such Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes, will be deemed to have represented and agreed that (a) it is not, and is not acting on behalf of, a Benefit Plan Investor or a Controlling Person and (b) if it is, or is acting on behalf of, a governmental, church, non-U.S. or other plan, (x) it is not, and for so long as it holds such Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes or interest therein will not be, subject to Similar Law and (y) its acquisition, holding and disposition of such Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes, as applicable, will not constitute or result in a non-exempt violation of any Other Plan Law.
(iv) Such beneficial owner understands that such Notes are being offered only in a transaction not involving any public offering in the United States within the meaning of the Securities Act, such Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, and, if in the future such beneficial owner decides to offer, resell, pledge or otherwise transfer such Notes, such Notes may be offered, resold, pledged or otherwise transferred only in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the legend on such Notes. Such beneficial owner acknowledges that no representation has been made as to the availability of any exemption under the Securities Act or any state securities laws for resale of such Notes. Such beneficial owner understands that the Issuer has not been registered under the 1940 Act, and that the Issuer is exempt from registration as such by virtue of Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act.
(v) Such beneficial owner is aware that, except as otherwise provided herein, any Notes being sold to it in reliance on Regulation S will be represented by one or more Regulation S Global Secured Notes or Regulation S Global Subordinated Notes, as applicable, and that beneficial interests therein may be held only through DTC for the respective accounts of Euroclear or Clearstream.
(vi) Such beneficial owner will provide notice to each Person to whom it proposes to transfer any interest in the Notes of the transfer restrictions and representations set forth in this Section 2.5, including the Exhibits referenced herein.
(vii) Such beneficial owner agrees, acknowledges and represents as to the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 2.12.
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(viii) Such beneficial owner agrees that it will not, prior to the date which is one year (or, if longer, the applicable preference period then in effect) plus one day after the payment in full of all Notes, institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, the Issuer any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, winding-up, moratorium or liquidation proceedings, or other similar proceedings under U.S. federal or state bankruptcy or similar laws.
(ix) Such beneficial owner understands and agrees that the Notes are from time to time and at any time limited recourse obligations of the Issuer; payable solely from the Collateral Obligations and all other Assets pledged by the Issuer to the Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Secured Notes and other Secured Parties available at such time pursuant to this Indenture.
(m) Each Person who becomes an owner of a Certificated Secured Note will be required to make the representations and agreements set forth in Exhibit B-2. Each Person who purchases an interest in a Global Subordinated Note from the Issuer as part of the initial offering on the Closing Date will be required to make the representations and agreements set forth in Exhibit B-5. Each Person who becomes an owner of a Certificated Subordinated Note (including a transfer of an interest in a Global Subordinated Note to a transferee acquiring a Subordinated Note in certificated form) will be required to make the representations and agreements set forth in Exhibit B-4 and Exhibit B-5.
(n) Any purported transfer of a Note not in accordance with this Section 2.5 shall be null and void and shall not be given effect for any purpose whatsoever.
(o) To the extent required by the Issuer, as determined by the Issuer or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer, the Issuer may, upon written notice to the Trustee, impose additional transfer restrictions on the Notes to comply with the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 and other similar laws or regulations, including, without limitation, requiring each transferee of a Note to make representations to the Issuer in connection with such compliance.
(p) The Registrar, the Trustee and the Issuer shall be entitled to conclusively rely on the information set forth on the face of any transferor and transferee certificate delivered pursuant to this Section 2.5 and shall be able to presume conclusively the continuing accuracy thereof, in each case without further inquiry or investigation. Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, the Trustee shall not be required to obtain any certificate specifically required by the terms of this Section 2.5 if the Trustee is not notified of or in a position to know of any transfer requiring such a certificate to be presented by the proposed transferor or transferee.
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(q) For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, the Initial Purchasers may hold a position in a Regulation S Global Note prior to the distribution of the applicable Notes represented by such position.
(r) Neither the Trustee nor the Registrar shall be liable for any delay in the delivery of directions from the depository and may conclusively rely on, and shall be fully protected in relying on, such direction as to the names of the beneficial owners in whose names such Certificated Notes shall be registered or as to delivery instructions for such Certificated Notes.
Section 2.6 Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Note. If (a) any mutilated or defaced Note is surrendered to a Transfer Agent, or if there shall be delivered to the Issuer, the Trustee and the relevant Transfer Agent evidence to their reasonable satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, and (b) there is delivered to the Issuer, the Trustee and such Transfer Agent such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Issuer, the Trustee or such Transfer Agent that such Note has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Issuer shall execute and, upon Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder, in lieu of any such mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Note, a new Note, of like tenor (including the same date of issuance) and equal principal or face amount, registered in the same manner, dated the date of its authentication, bearing interest from the date to which interest has been paid on the mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Note and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If, after delivery of such new Note, a protected purchaser of the predecessor Note presents for payment, transfer or exchange such predecessor Note, the Issuer, the Transfer Agent and the Trustee shall be entitled to recover such new Note from the Person to whom it was delivered or any Person taking therefrom, and shall be entitled to recover upon the security or indemnity provided therefor to the extent of any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by the Issuer, the Trustee and the Transfer Agent in connection therewith.
In case any such mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Note has become due and payable, the Issuer in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Note pay such Note without requiring surrender thereof except that any mutilated or defaced Note shall be surrendered.
Upon the issuance of any new Note under this Section 2.6, the Issuer, the Trustee or the Transfer Agent may require the payment by the Holder thereof of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Note issued pursuant to this Section 2.6 in lieu of any mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer and such new Note shall be entitled, subject to the second paragraph of this Section 2.6, to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Notes of the same Class duly issued hereunder.
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The provisions of this Section 2.6 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes.
Section 2.7 Payment of Principal and Interest and Other Amounts; Principal and Interest Rights Preserved. (a) The Secured Notes shall accrue interest during each Interest Accrual Period at the Interest Rate and such interest will be payable in arrears on each Payment Date on the Aggregate Outstanding Amount thereof on the first day of the related Interest Accrual Period (after giving effect to payments of principal thereof on such date), except as otherwise set forth below; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any payment of interest on a Redemption Date, such interest shall be determined in accordance with the calculation above solely for the period from, and including, the first day of such Interest Accrual Period through, but excluding, such Redemption Date. Payments of available Interest Proceeds to the Holders of the Subordinated Notes will be subordinated to the payment of interest on the Secured Notes as provided in Section 11.1.
(b) The principal of each Secured Note of each Class matures at par and is due and payable on the date of the Stated Maturity for such Class, unless such principal has been previously repaid or unless the unpaid principal of such Secured Note becomes due and payable at an earlier date by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payment of principal of each Class of Secured Notes (and payments of Principal Proceeds to the Holders of the Subordinated Notes) may only occur in accordance with the Priority of Payments. Payments of principal on any Class of Secured Notes, and distributions of Principal Proceeds to Holders of Subordinated Notes, which are not paid, in accordance with the Priority of Payments, on any Payment Date (other than the Payment Date which is the Stated Maturity of such Class of Notes or any Redemption Date), because of insufficient funds therefor shall not be considered “due and payable” for purposes of Section 5.1(a) until the Payment Date on which such principal may be paid in accordance with the Priority of Payments or all Priority Classes with respect to such Class have been paid in full.
(c) Principal payments on the Notes will be made in accordance with the Priority of Payments and Article IX.
(d) The Paying Agent shall require the previous delivery of properly completed and signed applicable tax certifications (generally, in the case of U.S. federal income tax, an IRS Form W-9 (or applicable successor form) in the case of a United States Tax Person or the appropriate IRS Form W-8 (or applicable successor form) in the case of a Person that is not a United States Tax Person) or other certification acceptable to it to enable the Issuer, the Trustee and any Paying Agent to determine their duties and liabilities with respect to any taxes or other charges that they may be required to pay, deduct or withhold from payments in respect of such Note or the Holder or beneficial owner of such Note under any present or future law or regulation of the United States, any other jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or taxing authority therein or to comply with any reporting or other requirements under any such law or regulation (including, without limitation, any cost basis reporting obligations) and the delivery of any information required under FATCA to prevent the Issuer from being subject to withholding and to determine if payments by the Issuer are subject to withholding. The Issuer shall not be obligated to pay any additional amounts to the Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes as a result of deduction or withholding for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges with respect to the Notes (including any amounts deducted on account of FATCA). Nothing herein shall be construed to obligate the Paying Agent to determine the duties or liabilities of the Issuer or any other paying agent with respect to any tax certification or withholding requirements, or any tax certification or withholding requirements of any jurisdiction, political subdivision or taxing authority outside the United States.
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(e) Payments in respect of interest on and principal of any Secured Notes and any payment with respect to any Subordinated Note shall be made by the Trustee in Dollars to DTC or its designee with respect to a Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note and to the Holder or its nominee with respect to a Certificated Note, by wire transfer, as directed by the Holder, in immediately available funds to a Dollar account maintained by DTC or its nominee with respect to a Global Secured Note or a Global Subordinated Note, and to the Holder or its nominee with respect to a Certificated Note; provided that in the case of a Certificated Note (1) the Holder thereof shall have provided written wiring instructions to the Trustee on or before the related Record Date and (2) if appropriate instructions for any such wire transfer are not received by the related Record Date, then such payment shall be made by check drawn on a U.S. bank mailed to the address of the Holder specified in the Register. Upon final payment due on the Maturity of a Note, the Holder thereof shall present and surrender such Note at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or at the office of any Paying Agent on or prior to such Maturity; provided that if the Trustee and the Issuer shall have been furnished such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless and an undertaking thereafter to surrender such certificate, then, in the absence of notice to the Issuer or the Trustee that the applicable Note has been acquired by a protected purchaser, such final payment shall be made without presentation or surrender. None of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Collateral Manager, nor any Paying Agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspects of the records (or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing such records) maintained by DTC, Euroclear, Clearstream or any of the Agent Members relating to or for payments made thereby on account of beneficial interests in a Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note. In the case where any final payment of principal and interest is to be made on any Secured Note (other than on the Stated Maturity thereof) or any final payment is to be made on any Subordinated Note (other than on the Stated Maturity thereof), the Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer shall prior to the date on which such payment is to be made, mail (by first class mail, postage prepaid) to the Persons entitled thereto at their addresses appearing on the Register a notice which shall specify the date on which such payment will be made, the amount of such payment per U.S.$1,000 original principal amount of Secured Notes, original principal amount of Subordinated Notes and the place where such Notes may be presented and surrendered for such payment.
(f) Payments of principal to Holders of the Secured Notes shall be made in the proportion that the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Secured Notes registered in the name of each such Holder on the applicable Record Date bears to the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Secured Notes on such Record Date. Payments to the Holders of the Subordinated Notes from Interest Proceeds and Principal Proceeds shall be made in the proportion that the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Subordinated Notes registered in the name of each such Holder on the applicable Record Date bears to the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Subordinated Notes on such Record Date.
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(g) Interest on the Secured Notes will be calculated on the basis of the number of days elapsed in the applicable Interest Accrual Period, based on a 360 day calendar year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
(h) All reductions in the principal amount of a Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) effected by payments of installments of principal made on any Payment Date or Redemption Date shall be binding upon all future Holders of such Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, whether or not such payment is noted on such Note.
(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, this Indenture and the other Transaction Documents are from time to time and at any time limited recourse obligations of the Issuer, payable solely from the Collateral Obligations and all other Assets available at such time and following realization of the Assets, and application of the proceeds thereof in accordance with this Indenture, all obligations of and any claims against the Issuer hereunder or in connection herewith after such realization shall be extinguished and shall not thereafter revive. No recourse shall be had against any officer, director, manager, partner, member, employee, shareholder, authorized Person or incorporator of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Retention Provider or their respective Affiliates, successors or assigns for any amounts payable under the Notes or this Indenture. It is understood that the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (i) shall not (i) prevent recourse to the Assets for the sums due or to become due under any security, instrument or agreement which is part of the Assets or (ii) constitute a waiver, release or discharge of any indebtedness or obligation evidenced by the Notes or secured by this Indenture until such Assets have been realized. It is further understood that the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (i) shall not limit the right of any Person to name the Issuer as a party defendant in any Proceeding or in the exercise of any other remedy under the Notes or this Indenture, so long as no judgment in the nature of a deficiency judgment or seeking personal liability shall be asked for or (if obtained) enforced against any such Person or entity. The Subordinated Notes are not secured hereunder.
(j) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.7, each Note delivered under this Indenture and upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note shall carry the rights to unpaid interest and principal (or other applicable amount) that were carried by such other Note.
Section 2.8 Persons Deemed Owners. The Issuer, the Trustee, and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall treat as the owner of each Note the Person in whose name such Note is registered on the Register on the applicable Record Date for the purpose of receiving payments of principal of and interest on such Note and on any other date for all other purposes whatsoever (whether or not such Note is overdue), and none of the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
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Section 2.9 Cancellation. All Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or redemption, or deemed lost or stolen, shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee and may not be reissued or resold. No Note may be surrendered (including any surrender in connection with any abandonment, gift, donation or other cause or event) except for payment as provided herein, for registration of transfer, exchange or redemption in accordance with Article IX hereof, or for replacement in connection with any Note deemed lost or stolen. Any Notes surrendered for cancellation as permitted by this Section 2.9 shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee. No Notes shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Notes canceled as provided in this Section 2.9, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled Notes held by the Trustee shall be destroyed or held by the Trustee in accordance with its standard retention policy unless the Issuer shall direct by an Issuer Order received prior to destruction that they be returned to it.
Section 2.10 DTC Ceases to be Depository. (a) A Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note deposited with DTC pursuant to Section 2.2 shall be transferred in the form of a corresponding Certificated Note to the beneficial owners thereof only if (A) such transfer complies with Section 2.5 of this Indenture and (B) either (x) (i) DTC notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for such Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note or (ii) DTC ceases to be a Clearing Agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in each case, a successor depository is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after such event or (y) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such transfer is requested by any beneficial owner of an interest in such Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note.
(b) Any Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note that is transferable in the form of a corresponding Certificated Note to the beneficial owner thereof pursuant to this Section 2.10 shall be surrendered by DTC to the Corporate Trust Office to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive physical certificates (pursuant to the instructions of DTC) in authorized denominations. Any Certificated Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note shall, except as otherwise provided by Section 2.5, bear the legends set forth in the applicable Exhibit A and shall be subject to the transfer restrictions referred to in such legends.
(c) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this Section 2.10, the Holder of a Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which such Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.
(d) In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in clause (B) of sub-section (a) of this Section 2.10, the Issuer will promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of Certificated Notes.
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If Certificated Notes are not so issued by the Issuer to such beneficial owners of interests in Global Secured Notes or Global Subordinated Notes as required by sub-section (a) of this Section 2.10, the Issuer expressly acknowledges that the beneficial owners shall be entitled to pursue any remedy that the Holders of a Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note would be entitled to pursue in accordance with Article V of this Indenture (but only to the extent of such beneficial owner’s interest in the Global Secured Note or Global Subordinated Note) as if corresponding Certificated Notes had been issued; provided that the Trustee shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate of ownership provided by such beneficial owners (including a certificate in the form of Exhibit D) and/or other forms of reasonable evidence of such ownership.
Neither the Trustee nor the Registrar shall be liable for any delay in the delivery of directions from the depository and may conclusively rely on, and shall be fully protected in relying on, such direction as to the names of the beneficial owners in whose names such Certificated Notes shall be registered or as to delivery instructions for such Certificated Notes.
Section 2.11 Non-Permitted Holders. (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere herein, (x) any transfer of a beneficial interest in any Secured Note to a U.S. person that is not a QIB/QP (other than a U.S. person that is an Institutional Accredited Investor and is also a Qualified Purchaser) and (y) any transfer of a beneficial interest in any Subordinated Note to a U.S. person that is not (A) a Qualified Institutional Buyer or an Accredited Investor and (B) a Qualified Purchaser, a Knowledgeable Employee with respect to the Issuer, Collateral Manager or a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity (other than a trust), each shareholder, partner, member or other equity owner of which is a Knowledgeable Employee with respect to the Issuer or Collateral Manager shall be null and void and any such purported transfer of which the Issuer or the Trustee shall have notice may be disregarded by the Issuer and the Trustee for all purposes.
(b) If (w) any U.S. person that is not a QIB/QP (other than a U.S. person that is an Institutional Accredited Investor and is also a Qualified Purchaser) shall become the beneficial owner of an interest in any Secured Note or (x) any U.S. person that is not a Qualified Institutional Buyer or an Accredited Investor and a Qualified Purchaser, a Knowledgeable Employee with respect to the Issuer, Collateral Manager or a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity (other than a trust), each shareholder, partner, member or other equity owner of which is a Knowledgeable Employee with respect to the Issuer or Collateral Manager shall become the beneficial owner of an interest in any Subordinated Note (any such Person a “Non-Permitted Holder”), the acquisition of Notes by such holder shall be null and void ab initio. The Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) shall, promptly after discovery that such person is a Non-Permitted Holder by the Issuer or the Trustee or upon notice to the Issuer from the Trustee (if a Trust Officer of the Trustee obtains actual knowledge), send notice to such Non-Permitted Holder demanding that such Non-Permitted Holder transfer its interest in the Notes held by such Person to a Person that is not a Non-Permitted Holder within 30 days after the date of such notice. If such Non-Permitted Holder fails to so transfer such Notes, the Issuer or the Collateral Manager acting for the Issuer shall have the right, without further notice to the Non-Permitted Holder, to sell such Notes or interest in such Notes to a purchaser selected by the Issuer that is not a Non-Permitted Holder on such terms as the Issuer may choose. The Issuer, or the Collateral Manager acting on behalf of the Issuer, may select the purchaser by soliciting one or more bids from one or more brokers or other market professionals that regularly deal in securities similar to the Notes and sell such Notes to the highest such bidder; provided that the Collateral Manager, its Affiliates and accounts, funds, clients or portfolios established and controlled by the Collateral Manager shall be entitled to bid in any such sale. However, the Issuer or the Collateral Manager may select a purchaser by any other means determined by it in its sole discretion. The Holder of each Note, the Non-Permitted Holder and each other Person in the chain of title from the Holder to the Non-Permitted Holder, by its acceptance of an interest in the Notes, agrees to cooperate with the Issuer, the Collateral Manager and the Trustee to effect such transfers. The proceeds of such sale, net of any commissions, expenses and taxes due in connection with such sale shall be remitted to the Non-Permitted Holder. The terms and conditions of any sale under this sub-section shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Issuer, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Collateral Manager shall be liable to any Person having an interest in the Notes sold as a result of any such sale or the exercise of such discretion.
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(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere herein, any transfer of a beneficial interest in any Subordinated Note to a Person who has made an ERISA-related representation required by Section 2.5(c) that is subsequently shown to be false or misleading shall be null and void and any such purported transfer of which the Issuer or the Trustee shall have notice may be disregarded by the Issuer and the Trustee for all purposes.
(d) If any Person shall become the beneficial owner of an interest in any Note who has made or is deemed to have made a prohibited transaction, Benefit Plan Investor, Controlling Person, Similar Law or Other Plan Law representation required by Section 2.5 that is subsequently shown to be false or misleading or whose beneficial ownership otherwise causes Benefit Plan Investors to hold 25% or more of the value of the Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes (any such Person a “Non-Permitted ERISA Holder”), the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) shall, promptly after discovery that such Person is a Non-Permitted ERISA Holder by the Issuer or upon notice from the Trustee (if a Trust Officer of the Trustee obtains actual knowledge), send notice to such Non-Permitted ERISA Holder demanding that such Non-Permitted ERISA Holder transfer all or any portion of the Notes held by such Person to a Person that is not a Non-Permitted ERISA Holder within 10 days after the date of such notice. If such Non-Permitted ERISA Holder fails to so transfer such Notes, the Issuer shall have the right, without further notice to the Non-Permitted ERISA Holder, to sell such Notes or interest in such Notes to a purchaser selected by the Issuer that is not a Non-Permitted ERISA Holder on such terms as the Issuer may choose. The Issuer may select the purchaser by soliciting one or more bids from one or more brokers or other market professionals that regularly deal in securities similar to the Notes and selling such Notes to the highest such bidder. However, the Issuer may select a purchaser by any other means determined by the Issuer in its sole discretion. The Holder of each Note, the Non-Permitted ERISA Holder and each other Person in the chain of title from the Holder to the Non-Permitted ERISA Holder, by its acceptance of an interest in the Notes, agrees to cooperate with the Issuer and the Trustee to effect such transfers. The proceeds of such sale, net of any commissions, expenses and taxes due in connection with such sale shall be remitted to the Non-Permitted ERISA Holder. The terms and conditions of any sale under this sub-section shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Issuer, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Collateral Manager shall be liable to any Person having an interest in the Notes sold as a result of any such sale or the exercise of such discretion.
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Section 2.12 Treatment and Tax Certification. (a) Each Holder (which includes, for purposes of this Section 2.12, any beneficial owner of an interest in a Note) of a Secured Note (or any interest therein) will be deemed to have represented and agreed to treat the Secured Notes as indebtedness for U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes, except as otherwise required by law.
(b) Each Holder of a Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) will be deemed to have represented and agreed to treat the Subordinated Notes as equity for U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes.
(c) Each Holder of a Note (or any interest therein) will be deemed to agree and understand that the failure to provide the Issuer and the Trustee (and any of their agents) with the properly completed and signed tax certifications (generally, in the case of U.S. federal income tax, an IRS Form W-9 (or applicable successor form) in the case of a person that is a United States Tax Person or the appropriate IRS Form W-8 (or applicable successor form) in the case of a person that is not a United States Tax Person) may result in withholding from payments in respect of such Note, including U.S. federal withholding or back-up withholding.
(d) Each Holder of a Class C Note or Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) represents and warrants, and will be deemed to have represented and warranted, that it is a United States Tax Person, agrees to provide the Issuer and the Trustee (and any of their agents) with a correct, complete and properly executed IRS Form W-9 (or applicable successor form) and acknowledges that if it fails to provide the Issuer and the Trustee (and any of their agents) with the properly completed and signed tax certifications specified above, the acquisition of its interest in such Note shall be void ab initio.
(e) [reserved].
(f) Each Holder of a Secured Note (or any interest therein) that is not a United States Tax Person represents and will be deemed to have represented that either (A) it is not (i) a bank (or an entity affiliated with a bank) extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business (within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code), (ii) a “10 percent shareholder” with respect to the Issuer within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3) or Section 881(c)(3)(D) of the Code, or (iii) a “controlled foreign corporation” that is related to the Issuer within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, (B) it is a person that is eligible for benefits under an income tax treaty with the United States that eliminates U.S. federal income taxation of U.S. source interest not attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States, or (C) it has provided an IRS Form W-8ECI representing that all payments received or to be received by it on the Notes are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
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(g) Each Holder of a Class C Note or a Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) represents, acknowledges, and agrees, and will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that:
(i) such Note (or any interest therein) may not be acquired or owned by any person that is classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a partnership, Subchapter S corporation or grantor trust unless (i) (A) none of the direct or indirect beneficial owners of any interest in such person have or ever will have more than 40% of the value of its interest in such person attributable to the aggregate interest of such person in the combined value of the Class C Notes, the Subordinated Notes and any other equity interests in the Issuer, and (B) it is not and will not be a principal purpose of the arrangement involving the investment of such person in any Class C Notes, Subordinated Notes or any other equity interests of the Issuer to permit any partnership to satisfy the 100 partner limitation of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(1)(ii) or (ii) such person obtains written advice of Dechert LLP or King & Spalding LLP, or an opinion of nationally recognized U.S. tax counsel reasonably acceptable to the Issuer that such transfer will not cause the Issuer to be treated as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation;
(ii) such Note (or any interest therein) may not be acquired, and no Holder of such Note may sell, transfer, assign, participate, pledge or otherwise dispose of such Note (or any interest therein) or cause the Class C Notes or Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) to be marketed, (i) on or through an “established securities market” within the meaning of Section 7704(b)(1) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(b), including without limitation, an interdealer quotation system that regularly disseminates firm buy or sell quotations or (ii) if such acquisition, sale, transfer, assignment, participation, pledge or other disposition would cause the combined number of holders of Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes and any other equity interests in the Issuer to be more than 90;
(iii) it will not participate in the creation or other transfer of any financial instrument or contract the value of which is determined in whole or in part by reference to the Issuer (including the amount of distributions by the Issuer, the value of the Issuer’s assets, or the results of the Issuer’s operations or such Notes); and
(iv) it acknowledges and agrees that any sale, transfer, assignment, participation, pledge, or other disposition of such Note (or any interest therein) that would violate any of the three preceding paragraphs above or otherwise cause the Issuer to be unable to rely on the “private placement” safe harbor of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h) will be void and of no force or effect, and it will not transfer any interest in such Note to any person that does not agree to be bound by the three preceding paragraphs above or by this paragraph.
(h) Each Holder of a Secured Note (or any interest therein) that is not a United States Tax Person represents and acknowledges, and will be deemed to have represented and acknowledged, that it is not and will not become a member of an “expanded group” (within the meaning of the regulations issued under Section 385 of the Code) that includes a domestic corporation (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) if either (i) the Issuer is an entity disregarded as separate from such domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) the Issuer is a “controlled partnership” (within the meaning of the regulations) with respect to such expanded group or an entity disregarded as separate from such controlled partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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(i) [reserved].
(j) Each holder or beneficial owner of a Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) acknowledges and agrees, and will be deemed to have acknowledged and agreed, that, for so long as the Issuer is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it shall not acquire any Subordinated Notes (or any other interest treated as equity in the Issuer for U.S. federal income tax purposes) if such transfer would result in the Issuer being treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(k) Each Holder of a Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) acknowledges and agrees, and will be deemed to have acknowledged and agreed, that, for so long as the Issuer is disregarded as separate from it for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a Note may not be transferred by it (except to a person that is disregarded as separate from such holder or beneficial owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes), unless it has received written advice of Dechert LLP or an opinion of nationally recognized U.S. tax counsel reasonably acceptable to the Issuer that such transfer will not result in the Issuer becoming classified as an association taxable as a corporation or as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and will not cause the Issuer to be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis.
(l) Each Holder of a Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) acknowledges and agrees, and will be deemed to have acknowledged and agreed, that, it shall not transfer any Secured Note (except to a Person that is disregarded as separate from it for U.S. federal income tax purposes) if at any time prior to such transfer the Issuer was disregarded as separate from such holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes, unless it shall have received written advice of Dechert LLP or an opinion of tax counsel of nationally recognized standing in the United States experienced in such matters that, immediately following such transfer, such Note and other outstanding Notes of the same Class (other than any Notes that it holds immediately after such transfer) will be fungible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(m) Each Holder of a Class C Note or a Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) agrees, and will be deemed to have agreed, to deliver to the transferee, with a copy to the Trustee, prior to the transfer of such Note (or any interest therein), a properly completed certificate, in a form reasonably acceptable to the transferee and the Trustee, stating, under penalty of perjury, the transferor’s United States taxpayer identification number and that the transferor is not a foreign person within the meaning of Section 1446(f)(2) of the Code (such certificate, a “Non-Foreign Status Certificate”). Each Holder of a Class C Note or a Subordinated Note (or any interest therein) acknowledges that the failure to provide a Non-Foreign Status Certificate to the transferee may result in withholding on the amount realized on its disposition of such Note.
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(n) Each Holder of a Note (or any interest therein) will indemnify the Issuer, the Trustee, and their respective agents from any and all damages, cost and expenses (including any amount of taxes, fees, interest, additions to tax, or penalties) resulting from the failure by such Holder to comply with FATCA or its obligations under the Note. The indemnification will continue with respect to any period during which the Holder held a Note (or any interest therein), notwithstanding the Holder ceasing to be a Holder of the Note.
Section 2.13 Additional Issuance. (a) At any time within the Reinvestment Period, the Issuer may, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in accordance with Section 8.1 hereof, issue Additional Notes of any Class and use the proceeds to purchase Additional Collateral Obligations or as otherwise permitted under this Indenture (including Permitted Uses); provided that the following conditions are met:
(i) the Collateral Manager and the Retention Provider each consent to such issuance and such issuance is consented to by a Supermajority of the Subordinated Notes unless the Collateral Manager has determined in its sole discretion that it is an issuance required to comply with the U.S. Risk Retention Rules, the EU Securitisation Laws or the UK Securitisation Laws;
(ii) the aggregate principal amount of Additional Notes of any Class issued in all additional issuances shall not exceed 100% of the respective original outstanding principal amount of the Notes of such Class;
(iii) the terms of the Notes issued must be identical to the respective terms of previously issued Notes of the applicable Class (except that the interest due on additional Secured Notes will accrue from the issue date of such additional Secured Notes and that the interest rate and prices of such may be lower (but not higher) than those of the initial Notes of that Class) and such additional issuance shall not be considered a Refinancing hereunder;
(iv) the net proceeds of the issuance of any additional Subordinated Notes shall be deposited in the Principal Collections Subaccount and employed in connection with any Permitted Use; provided that this subclause (iv) shall only apply if such additional Subordinated Notes are the only Notes included in such additional issuance;
(v) the proceeds of any Additional Notes (net of fees and expenses incurred in connection with such issuance) shall be treated as Principal Proceeds, used to purchase Additional Collateral Obligations or as another Permitted Use;
(vi) to the extent such issuance would be of additional Secured Notes (other than in connection with a Risk Retention Issuance), the prior written consent of a Majority of the Secured Notes has been obtained;
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(vii) the Borrowing Base Condition is satisfied after giving effect to such issuance;
(viii) an opinion of tax counsel of nationally recognized standing in the United States experienced in such matters will be delivered to the Issuer (with a copy to the Trustee) to the effect that (1) such additional issuance will not result in the Issuer being treated as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis and (2) any additional Class A Notes or Class B Notes will, and any additional Class C Notes should, be characterized as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that such opinion described in this clause (2) will not be required with respect to any additional Secured Notes that bear a different CUSIP number (or equivalent identifier) from the Secured Notes of the same Class that are outstanding at the time of the additional issuance;
(ix) such issuance is accomplished in a manner that allows the independent accountants of the Issuer to accurately provide the tax information relating to original issue discount required to be provided to the holders of Secured Notes; and
(x) an Officer’s certificate of the Issuer shall be delivered to the Trustee stating that the conditions of this Section 2.13(a) have been satisfied.
(b) The terms and conditions of the Additional Notes of each Class issued pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall be identical to those of the initial Notes of that Class (except that the interest due on the Additional Notes that are Secured Notes shall accrue from the issue date of such Additional Notes and the interest rate and price of such Additional Notes may be lower (but not higher) than those of the initial Secured Notes). Interest on the Additional Notes that are Secured Notes shall be payable commencing on the first Payment Date following the issue date of such Additional Notes (if issued prior to the applicable Record Date). The Additional Notes shall rank pari passu in all respects with the initial Notes of that Class.
(c) In addition, Additional Notes may be issued in connection with any Refinancing of the Secured Notes in whole without regard to the restrictions in this Section 2.13, other than the restrictions under clauses (a)(viii) and (ix) of Section 2.13.
(d) For the avoidance of doubt, at any time the Holders of the Subordinated Notes may make additional capital contributions to the Issuer.
ARTICLE III
Conditions Precedent
Section 3.1 Conditions to Issuance of Notes on Closing Date. The Notes to be issued on the Closing Date may be executed by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee for authentication and thereupon the same shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee upon Issuer Order and upon receipt by the Trustee of the following:
(i) Officers’ Certificate of the Issuer Regarding Corporate Matters. An Officer’s certificate of the Issuer (A) evidencing the authorization by Resolution of the execution and delivery of this Indenture, and in the case of the Issuer, the Collateral Management Agreement, the Collateral Administration Agreement, any Loan Sale Agreement and related transaction documents and in each case the execution, authentication and (with respect to the Issuer only) delivery of the Notes applied for by it and specifying the Stated Maturity, principal amount and Interest Rate of the Secured Notes to be authenticated and delivered and the Stated Maturity and principal amount of Subordinated Notes to be authenticated and delivered, as applicable, and (B) certifying that (1) the attached copy of the Resolution is a true and complete copy thereof, (2) such Resolutions have not been rescinded and are in full force and effect on and as of the Closing Date and (3) the Officers authorized to execute and deliver such documents hold the offices and have the signatures indicated thereon.
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(ii) Governmental Approvals. From the Issuer either (A) a certificate of the Issuer or other official document evidencing the approval or consent of any governmental body or bodies, at the time having jurisdiction in the premises, together with an Opinion of Counsel of the Issuer that no other approval or consent of any governmental body is required for the valid issuance of the Notes or (B) an Opinion of Counsel of the Issuer that no such approval or consent of any governmental body is required for the valid issuance of such Notes except as has been given.
(iii) U.S. Counsel Opinions. Opinions of (A) Dechert LLP, U.S. counsel to the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Retention Provider and Special U.S. Tax Counsel to the Issuer, (B) Clark Hill PLC, Delaware counsel to the Issuer and (C) Nixon Peabody LLP, counsel to the Trustee and Collateral Administrator, each dated the Closing Date.
(iv) Officers’ Certificate of the Issuer Regarding Indenture. An Officer’s certificate of the Issuer stating that, to the best of the signing Officer’s knowledge, the Issuer is not in default under this Indenture and that the issuance of the Notes applied for by it will not result in a default or a breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, its organizational documents, any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, or any order of any court or administrative agency entered in any Proceeding to which it is a party or by which it may be bound or to which it may be subject; that all conditions precedent provided herein relating to the authentication and delivery of the Notes applied for by it have been complied with; and that all expenses due or accrued with respect to the Offering of such Notes applied for by it or relating to actions taken on or in connection with the Closing Date have been paid or reserves therefor have been made. The Officer’s certificate of the Issuer shall also state that, to the best of the signing Officer’s knowledge, all of the Issuer’s representations and warranties contained herein are true and correct as of the Closing Date.
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(v) Transaction Documents. An executed counterpart of each Transaction Document.
(vi) Certificate of the Collateral Manager. An Officer’s certificate of the Collateral Manager, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that immediately before the Delivery of the Collateral Obligations on the Closing Date:
(A) the information with respect to each Collateral Obligation in the Schedule of Collateral Obligations is true and correct and such schedule is complete with respect to each such Collateral Obligation;
(B) each Collateral Obligation in the Schedule of Collateral Obligations satisfies the requirements of the definition of “Collateral Obligation”;
(C) the Issuer purchased or entered into each Collateral Obligation in the Schedule of Collateral Obligations in compliance with Section 12.2; and
(D) the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Collateral Obligations which the Issuer has purchased, acquired, entered into binding commitments to purchase, or identified for purchase on or prior to the Closing Date is U.S.$356,070,275.
(vii) Grant of Collateral Obligations. The Grant pursuant to the Granting Clauses of this Indenture of all of the Issuer’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral Obligations pledged to the Trustee for inclusion in the Assets on the Closing Date shall be effective, and Delivery of such Collateral Obligations (including each promissory note and all other Underlying Instruments related thereto to the extent received by the Issuer) as contemplated by Section 3.3 shall have been effected.
(viii) Certificate of the Issuer Regarding Assets. An Officer’s certificate of the Issuer, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that:
(A) in the case of each Collateral Obligation pledged to the Trustee for inclusion in the Assets, on the Closing Date and immediately prior to the Delivery thereof (or immediately after Delivery thereof, in the case of clause (VI)(ii) below) on the Closing Date;
(I) the Issuer is the owner of such Collateral Obligation free and clear of any liens, claims or encumbrances of any nature whatsoever except for (i) those which are being released on the Closing Date; (ii) those Granted pursuant to this Indenture and (iii) any other Permitted Liens;
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(II) the Issuer has acquired its ownership in such Collateral Obligation in good faith without notice of any adverse claim, except as described in clause (I) above;
(III) the Issuer has not assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered any interest in such Collateral Obligation (or, if any such interest has been assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered, it has been released) other than interests Granted pursuant to this Indenture;
(IV) the Issuer has full right to Grant a security interest in and assign and pledge such Collateral Obligation to the Trustee;
(V) based on the certificate of the Collateral Manager delivered pursuant to Section 3.1(vi), the information set forth with respect to such Collateral Obligation in the Schedule of Collateral Obligations is true and correct;
(VI) (i) based on the certificate of the Collateral Manager delivered pursuant to Section 3.1(vi), each Collateral Obligation included in the Assets satisfies the requirements of the definition of “Collateral Obligation” and (ii) the requirements of Section 3.1(vii) have been satisfied;
(VII) upon the Grant by the Issuer, the Trustee has a first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral Obligations and other Assets, except as permitted by this Indenture; and
(B) based on the certificate of the Collateral Manager delivered pursuant to Section 3.1(vi), the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Collateral Obligations which the Issuer has purchased, acquired, entered into binding commitments to purchase, or identified for purchase on or prior to the Closing Date is U.S.$425,000,000.
(ix) Rating Letter. An Officer’s certificate of the Issuer to the effect that attached thereto is a true and correct copy of a letter signed by the Rating Agency and confirming that each Class of Secured Notes have been assigned the Initial Rating and that such rating is in effect on the Closing Date.
(x) Accounts. Evidence of the establishment of each of the Accounts.
(xi) Issuer Order for Deposit of Funds into Accounts. An Issuer Order signed in the name of the Issuer by a Responsible Officer of the Issuer, dated as of the Closing Date, authorizing the deposit of (A) U.S.$59,358,518 from the proceeds of the issuance of the Notes into the Prefunding Account for use pursuant to Section 10.3(c), (B) U.S.$0 from the proceeds of the issuance of the Notes into the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account for use pursuant to Section 10.3(e) and (C) U.S.$87,025,942 from the proceeds of the issuance of the Notes into the Principal Collection Subaccount.
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(xii) [reserved].
(xiii) Other Documents. Such other documents as the Trustee may reasonably require; provided that nothing in this clause (xiii) shall imply or impose a duty on the part of the Trustee to require any other documents.
Section 3.2 Conditions to Additional Issuance. Additional Notes to be issued on an Additional Notes Closing Date pursuant to Section 2.13 may be executed by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee for authentication and thereupon the same shall be authenticated and delivered to the Issuer by the Trustee upon Issuer Order (setting forth registration, delivery and authentication instructions) and upon receipt by the Trustee of the following:
(i) Officers’ Certificates of the Issuer Regarding Corporate Matters. An Officer’s certificate of the Issuer (A) evidencing the authorization by Resolution of the execution and delivery of a supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 8.1(a)(xi) and the execution, authentication and delivery of the Additional Notes applied for by it, and specifying the Stated Maturity, the principal amount and Interest Rate of such Additional Notes that are Secured Notes and the Stated Maturity and principal amount of the Subordinated Notes to be authenticated and delivered and (B) certifying that (1) the attached copy of such Resolution is a true and complete copy thereof, (2) such Resolutions have not been rescinded and are in full force and effect on and as of the Additional Notes Closing Date and (3) the Officers authorized to execute and deliver such documents hold the offices and have the signatures indicated thereon.
(ii) Governmental Approvals. From the Issuer either (A) a certificate of the Issuer or other official document evidencing the due authorization, approval or consent of any governmental body or bodies, at the time having jurisdiction in the premises, together with an Opinion of Counsel of the Issuer to the effect that no other authorization, approval or consent of any governmental body is required for the valid issuance of such Additional Notes or (B) an Opinion of Counsel of the Issuer to the effect that no such authorization, approval or consent of any governmental body is required for the valid issuance of such Additional Notes except as have been given (provided that the opinion delivered pursuant to Section 3.2(iii) may satisfy the requirement).
(iii) U.S. Counsel Opinions. Opinions of Dechert LLP, special U.S. counsel to the Issuer or other counsel acceptable to the Trustee, dated the Additional Notes Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee. An opinion of Special Tax Counsel or tax counsel of nationally recognized standing in the United States experienced in such matters delivered pursuant to Section 2.13(a)(ix).
(iv) [reserved].
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(v) Officers’ Certificates of Issuer Regarding Indenture. An Officer’s certificate of the Issuer stating that the Issuer is not in default under this Indenture and that the issuance of the Additional Notes applied for by it shall not result in a default or a breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, its organizational documents, any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, or any order of any court or administrative agency entered in any Proceeding to which it is a party or by which it may be bound or to which it may be subject; that all conditions precedent provided in this Indenture and the supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 8.1(a)(xi) relating to the authentication and delivery of the Additional Notes applied for have been complied with and that the authentication and delivery of the Additional Notes is authorized or permitted under this Indenture and the supplemental indenture entered into in connection with such Additional Notes; and that all expenses due or accrued with respect to the offering of the Additional Notes or relating to actions taken on or in connection with the Additional Notes Closing Date have been paid or reserved. The Officer’s certificate of the Issuer shall also state that all of its representations and warranties contained herein are true and correct as of the Additional Notes Closing Date.
(vi) Accountants’ Report. An Accountants’ Report in form and content satisfactory to the Issuer (A) if applicable, comparing the issuer, Principal Balance, coupon/spread, Stated Maturity and country of Domicile with respect to each Collateral Obligation pledged in connection with the issuance of such Additional Notes and the information provided by the Issuer with respect to every other asset included in the Assets, by reference to such sources as shall be specified therein, if additional Assets are pledged directly in accordance with such Additional Notes issuance and (B) specifying the procedures undertaken by them to review data and computations relating to the foregoing statement; provided that if only additional Subordinated Notes are being issued, no such Accountants’ Report shall be required.
(vii) Other Documents. Such other documents as the Trustee may reasonably require; provided that nothing in this clause (vii) shall imply or impose a duty on the Trustee to so require any other documents.
Prior to any Additional Notes Closing Date, the Trustee shall provide to the Holders notice of such issuance of Additional Notes as soon as reasonably practicable but in no case less than fifteen (15) days prior to the Additional Notes Closing Date; provided that the Trustee shall receive such notice at least five (5) Business Days prior to the 15th day prior to such Additional Notes Closing Date. On or prior to any Additional Notes Closing Date, the Trustee shall provide to the Holders copies of any supplemental indentures executed as part of such issuance pursuant to the requirements of Section 8.1.
Section 3.3 Custodianship; Delivery of Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments. (a) The Collateral Manager, on behalf of the Issuer, shall deliver or cause to be delivered to a custodian appointed by the Issuer, which shall be a Securities Intermediary (the “Custodian”) or the Trustee, as applicable, all Assets in accordance with the definition of “Deliver.” The Custodian appointed hereby shall act as custodian for the Issuer and as custodian, agent and bailee for the Trustee on behalf of the Secured Parties for purposes of perfecting the Trustee’s security interest in those Assets in which a security interest is perfected by Delivery of the related Assets to the Custodian. Initially, the Custodian shall be the U.S. Bank National Association. Any successor custodian shall be a state or national bank or trust company that (i) has (A) capital and surplus of at least U.S.$200,000,000 and (B) a credit risk assessment or senior unsecured rating of at least “BBB+” by S&P and (ii) is a Securities Intermediary. Subject to the limited right to relocate Assets as provided in Section 7.5(b), the Trustee or the Custodian, as applicable, shall hold (i) all Collateral Obligations, Eligible Investments, Cash and other investments purchased in accordance with this Indenture and (ii) any other property of the Issuer otherwise Delivered to the Trustee or the Custodian, as applicable, by or on behalf of the Issuer, in the relevant Account established and maintained pursuant to Article X; as to which in each case the Trustee shall have entered into the Securities Account Control Agreement with the Custodian providing, inter alia, that the establishment and maintenance of such Account will be governed by a law of a jurisdiction satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee.
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(b) Each time that the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer directs or causes the purchase of any Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment or other investment, the Collateral Manager (on behalf of the Issuer) shall, if the Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment or other investment is required to be, but has not already been, transferred to the relevant Account, cause the Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment or other investment to be Delivered to the Custodian to be held in the Custodial Account (or in the case of any such investment that is not a Collateral Obligation, in the Account in which the funds used to purchase the investment are held in accordance with Article X) for the benefit of the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture. The security interest of the Trustee in the funds or other property used in connection with the acquisition shall, immediately and without further action on the part of the Trustee, be released. The security interest of the Trustee shall nevertheless come into existence and continue in the Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment or other investment so acquired, including all interests of the Issuer in to any contracts related to and proceeds of such Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment or other investment.
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ARTICLE IV
Satisfaction And Discharge
Section 4.1 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect except as to (i) rights of registration of transfer and exchange, (ii) substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, (iii) rights of Holders to receive payments of principal thereof and interest thereon, (iv) the rights and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the obligations set forth in Section 4.2, (v) the rights, obligations and immunities of the Collateral Manager hereunder and under the Collateral Management Agreement, (vi) the rights and immunities of the Collateral Administrator under the Collateral Administration Agreement and (vii) the rights of Holders as beneficiaries hereof with respect to the property deposited with the Trustee and payable to all or any of them (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture) when:
(a) either:
(i) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered to Holders (other than (A) Notes which have been mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.6 and (B) Notes for whose payment Money has theretofore irrevocably been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 7.3) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(ii) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (A) have become due and payable, or (B) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or (C) are to be called for redemption pursuant to Article IX under an arrangement satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Issuer pursuant to Section 9.4 and the Issuer has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee, in trust for such purpose, Cash or non-callable direct obligations of the United States of America; provided that the obligations are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States of America or are debt obligations which are rated “Aaa” by Moody’s and “AAA” by S&P, in an amount sufficient, as recalculated in an Accountants’ Report by a firm of Independent certified public accountants which are nationally recognized, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Notes which have become due and payable), or to their Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be, and shall have Granted to the Trustee a valid perfected security interest in such Eligible Investment that is of first priority and free of any adverse claim, as applicable, and shall have furnished an Opinion of Counsel with respect thereto; provided that this sub-section (ii) shall not apply if an election to act in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.5(a) shall have been made and not rescinded, it being understood that the requirements of this clause (a) may be satisfied as set forth in Section 5.7;
(b) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and payable hereunder (including, without limitation, any amounts then due and payable pursuant to the Collateral Administration Agreement and the Collateral Management Agreement, in each case, without regard to the Administrative Expense Cap) by the Issuer and no other amounts are scheduled to be due and payable by the Issuer, it being understood that the requirements of this clause (b) may be satisfied as set forth in Section 5.7; and
(c) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee Officers’ certificates and an Opinion of Counsel, stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with;
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the rights and obligations of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Collateral Manager and, if applicable, the Holders, as the case may be, under Sections 2.7, 4.2, 5.4(d), 5.9, 5.18, 6.1, 6.3, 6.6, 6.7, 7.1, 7.3, 13.1, 14.10, 14.11, 14.12 and 14.16 shall survive.
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Section 4.2 Application of Trust Money. All Cash and obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.1 shall be held in trust and applied by it in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, including, without limitation, the Priority of Payments, to the payment of principal and interest (or other amounts with respect to the Subordinated Notes), either directly or through any Paying Agent, as the Trustee may determine; and such Cash and obligations shall be held in a segregated account identified as being held in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
Section 4.3 Repayment of Monies Held by Paying Agent. In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Notes, all Monies then held by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand of the Issuer, be paid to the Trustee to be held and applied pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof and in accordance with the Priority of Payments and thereupon such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such Monies.
Section 4.4 Liquidation of Assets. (a) In the event of the liquidation of the Assets as specified in accordance with Article V and the net proceeds from such liquidation and all available Cash has been used for the payment of (or establishment of a reserve for) all Administrative Expenses (in the same manner and order of priority in the definition thereof), Aggregate Collateral Management Fees and interest and principal on the Secured Notes so that the Secured Notes have been redeemed and paid in full, the Subordinated Notes will become the Controlling Class and the Holders of the Subordinated Notes will have all rights of the Holders of the Controlling Class under this Indenture. In addition, the Holders of the Subordinated Notes, as the Holders of the Controlling Class, would be able to cause the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(b) To the extent the Assets are liquidated as specified in Article V in herein in any way and the net proceeds from such liquidation and all available Cash has been used for the payment of (or establishment of a reserve for) all Administrative Expenses (in the same manner and order of priority in the definition thereof), Aggregate Collateral Management Fees, and interest and principal on the Secured Notes so that the Secured Notes have been redeemed and paid in full, any excess amounts shall be paid on the Subordinated Notes pursuant to Section 11.1(a) and if such amounts are insufficient to pay the Subordinated Notes in full or there are no excess amounts to pay on the Subordinated Notes, the Subordinated Notes shall be deemed to be redeemed and paid in full, unless such Subordinated Notes were previously redeemed or repaid prior thereto as otherwise described herein.
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ARTICLE V
Remedies
Section 5.1 Events of Default. “Event of Default”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(a) a default in the payment, when due and payable, of (i) any interest on the Class A Notes or the Class B Notes or, if no Class A Notes or Class B Notes are Outstanding, the Class C Notes (other than previously accrued Deferred Interest), which such default continues for two Business Days after a Trust Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge or receives written notice from any holder of Notes of such payment default or (ii) any principal of, or interest (including Deferred Interest) on, or any Redemption Price in respect of, any Secured Note at its Stated Maturity or any Redemption Date; provided that the failure to effect any Optional Redemption which is withdrawn by the Issuer in accordance with this Indenture or with respect to which any Refinancing fails to occur shall not constitute an Event of Default and provided further that, solely with respect to clause (i) above, in the case of a failure to disburse funds due to an administrative error or omission by the Collateral Manager, Trustee, Collateral Administrator or any Paying Agent, such failure continues for seven Business Days after a Trust Officer of the Trustee receives written notice or has actual knowledge of such administrative error or omission;
(b) any of the Issuer or the Assets become an investment company required to be registered under the 1940 Act and such requirement has not been eliminated after a period of 45 days;
(c) except as otherwise provided in this Section 5.1, a material breach of any other covenant of the Issuer herein (other than any failure to satisfy any of the Concentration Limitations, Portfolio Tests or Borrowing Base Condition, or other covenants or agreements for which a specific remedy has been provided hereunder), or the failure of any material representation or warranty of the Issuer made herein or in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith to be correct in each case in all material respects when the same shall have been made which breach or failure has a material adverse effect on the Holders of the Notes, and the continuation of such breach or failure for a period of 45 days after notice to the Issuer and the Collateral Manager by the Trustee (at the direction of a Supermajority of the Controlling Class) or to the Issuer, the Collateral Manager and the Trustee by the Holders of at least a Supermajority of the Controlling Class in each case, by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery service, specifying such breach or failure and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; provided that the delivery of a certificate or other report which corrects any inaccuracy contained in a previous report or certification shall be deemed to cure such inaccuracy as of the date of delivery of such updated report or certificate and any and all inaccuracies arising from continuation of such initial inaccurate report or certificate and the sale or other disposition of any asset that did not at the time of its acquisition satisfy clause (a) of the Investment Criteria shall cure any breach or failure arising therefrom as of the date of such failure;
(d) the entry of a decree or order by a court having competent jurisdiction adjudging the Issuer as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of the Issuer under any other applicable bankruptcy law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, or sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Issuer or of any substantial part of its property, respectively, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, respectively, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or
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(e) the institution by the Issuer of Proceedings to have the Issuer adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent of the Issuer to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency Proceedings against the Issuer or the filing by the Issuer of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable bankruptcy law, or the consent by the Issuer to the filing of any such petition or to the appointment in a Proceeding of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee or sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Issuer or of any substantial part of its property, respectively, or the making by the Issuer of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by the Issuer in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of any action by the Issuer in furtherance of any such action.
Upon a Responsible Officer’s (or a Trust Officer’s, in the case of the Trustee) obtaining knowledge of the occurrence of an Event of Default, each of (i) the Issuer, (ii) the Trustee and (iii) the Collateral Manager shall notify each other. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default known to a Trust Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall promptly (and in no event later than three Business Days thereafter) notify the Noteholders (as their names appear on the Register and by posting to the Trustee internet website), each Paying Agent and the Rating Agency (unless such Event of Default has been waived as provided in Section 5.14).
Section 5.2 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. (a) If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(d) or (e)), the Trustee (subject to its rights under this Indenture) may, and shall, upon the written direction of a Supermajority of the Controlling Class, by notice to the Issuer and the Rating Agency, declare the principal of all the Secured Notes and all other amounts whatsoever payable by the Issuer to be immediately due and payable, and upon any such declaration such principal, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including accrued and unpaid Deferred Interest), and other amounts payable hereunder, shall become immediately due and payable and, unless such declaration is subsequently rescinded, the Reinvestment Period shall terminate. If an Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(d) or (e) occurs, all unpaid principal, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, of all the Secured Notes, and other amounts payable thereunder and hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Noteholder.
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(b) At any time after such a declaration of acceleration of maturity has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the Money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter provided in this Article V, a Supermajority of the Controlling Class by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:
(i) The Issuer has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:
(A) all unpaid installments of interest and principal then due on the Secured Notes (other than any principal amounts due to the occurrence of an acceleration); and
(B) all unpaid taxes and Administrative Expenses of the Issuer and other sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder or by the Collateral Administrator under the Collateral Administration Agreement or hereunder, accrued and unpaid Aggregate Collateral Management Fees then due and owing and any other amounts then payable by the Issuer hereunder prior to such Administrative Expenses and such Aggregate Collateral Management Fees.
(ii) It has been determined that all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the interest on or principal of the Secured Notes that has become due solely by such acceleration, have:
(A) been cured; and
(I) in the case of an Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(a) due to failure to pay interest on the Class A Notes or the Class B Notes the Holders of at least a Majority of the Controlling Class, by written notice to the Trustee, has agreed with such determination (which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld); or
(II) in the case of any other Event of Default, the Holders of at least a Majority of each Class of Secured Notes (voting separately by Class), in each case, by written notice to the Trustee, has agreed with such determination (which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld); or
(B) been waived as provided in Section 5.14.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereon. The Trustee shall promptly give written notice of any such rescission to the Rating Agency.
Section 5.3 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee. The Issuer covenants that if a default shall occur in respect of the payment of any principal of or interest when due and payable on any Secured Note, the Issuer will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holder of such Secured Note, the whole amount, if any, then due and payable on such Secured Note for principal and interest with interest upon the overdue principal and, to the extent that payments of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon overdue installments of interest, at the applicable Interest Rate, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and its agents and counsel.
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If the Issuer fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may, and shall, subject to the terms of this Indenture (including Section 6.3(e)) upon direction of a Majority of the Controlling Class, institute a Proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such Proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Secured Notes and collect the Monies adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the Assets.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion, and shall, subject to the terms of this Indenture (including Section 6.3(e)) upon written direction of the Supermajority of the Controlling Class, proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Secured Parties by such appropriate Proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual (if no such direction is received by the Trustee) or as the Trustee may be directed by the Supermajority of the Controlling Class, to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement herein or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy or legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
In case there shall be pending Proceedings relative to the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Secured Notes under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or in case a receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been appointed for or taken possession of the Issuer or its property or such other obligor or its property, or in case of any other comparable Proceedings relative to the Issuer or other obligor upon the Secured Notes, or the creditors or property of the Issuer or such other obligor, the Trustee, regardless of whether the principal of any Secured Note shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and regardless of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.3, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such Proceedings or otherwise:
(a) to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Secured Notes, as applicable, and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, except as a result of negligence or bad faith) and of the Holders of Secured Notes allowed in any Proceedings relative to the Issuer or to the creditors or property of the Issuer;
(b) unless prohibited by applicable law and regulations, to vote on behalf of the Holders of Secured Notes upon the direction of a Majority of the Controlling Class, in any election of a trustee or a standby trustee in arrangement, reorganization, liquidation or other bankruptcy or insolvency Proceedings or Person performing similar functions in comparable Proceedings; and
(c) to collect and receive any Monies or other property payable to or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of the Noteholders and of the Trustee on their behalf; and any trustee, receiver or liquidator, custodian or other similar official is hereby authorized by each of the Holders of Secured Notes to make payments to the Trustee, and, if the Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to the Holders of Secured Notes to pay to the Trustee such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith.
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Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or vote for or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holders of Secured Notes, any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Secured Notes or any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of Secured Notes, as applicable, in any such Proceeding except, as aforesaid, to vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar Person.
In any Proceedings brought by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders of the Secured Notes (and any such Proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Trustee shall be a party), the Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders of the Secured Notes.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.3 to the contrary, the Trustee may not sell or liquidate the Assets or institute Proceedings in furtherance thereof pursuant to this Section 5.3 except according to the provisions specified in Section 5.5(a).
Section 5.4 Remedies. (a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and the Secured Notes have been declared due and payable and such declaration and its consequences have not been rescinded and annulled, the Issuer agrees that the Trustee may, and shall, subject to the terms of this Indenture (including Section 6.3(e)), upon written direction of a Supermajority of the Controlling Class, to the extent permitted by applicable law, exercise one or more of the following rights, privileges and remedies:
(i) institute Proceedings for the collection of all amounts then payable on the Secured Notes or otherwise payable under this Indenture, whether by declaration or otherwise, enforce any judgment obtained, and collect from the Assets any Monies adjudged due;
(ii) sell or cause the sale of all or a portion of the Assets or rights or interests therein, at one or more public or private sales called and conducted in any manner permitted by law and in accordance with Section 5.17 hereof; provided that the Trustee shall promptly give written notice of any such sale of Assets to the Rating Agency;
(iii) institute Proceedings from time to time for the complete or partial foreclosure of this Indenture with respect to the Assets;
(iv) exercise any remedies of a secured party under the UCC and take any other appropriate action to protect and enforce the rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders of the Secured Notes hereunder (including exercising all rights of the Trustee under the Securities Account Control Agreement); and
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(v) exercise any other rights and remedies that may be available at law or in equity;
provided that the Trustee may not sell or liquidate the Assets or institute Proceedings in furtherance thereof pursuant to this Section 5.4 except according to the provisions of Section 5.5(a).
The Trustee may, but need not, obtain and rely upon an opinion of an Independent investment banking firm of national reputation (the cost of which shall be payable as an Administrative Expense) in structuring and distributing securities similar to the Secured Notes, which may be the Initial Purchasers, as to the feasibility of any action proposed to be taken in accordance with this Section 5.4 and as to the sufficiency of the proceeds and other amounts receivable with respect to the Assets to make the required payments of principal of and interest on the Secured Notes which opinion shall be conclusive evidence as to such feasibility or sufficiency.
(b) If an Event of Default as described in Section 5.1(c) hereof shall have occurred and be continuing the Trustee may, and at the direction of the Holders of not less than 25% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Controlling Class shall, subject to the terms of this Indenture (including Section 6.3(e)), institute a Proceeding solely to compel performance of the covenant or agreement or to cure the representation or warranty, the breach of which gave rise to the Event of Default under Section 5.1(c), and enforce any equitable decree or order arising from such Proceeding.
(c) Upon any sale, whether made under the power of sale hereby given or by virtue of judicial Proceedings, any Secured Party may bid for and purchase the Assets or any part thereof and, upon compliance with the terms of sale, may hold, retain, possess or dispose of such property in its or their own absolute right without accountability.
Upon any sale, whether made under the power of sale hereby given or by virtue of judicial Proceedings, the receipt of the Trustee, or of the Officer making a sale under judicial Proceedings, shall be a sufficient discharge to the purchaser or purchasers at any sale for its or their purchase Money, and such purchaser or purchasers shall not be obliged to see to the application thereof.
Any such sale, whether under any power of sale hereby given or by virtue of judicial Proceedings, shall bind the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes, shall operate to divest all right, title and interest whatsoever, either at law or in equity, of each of them in and to the property sold, and shall be a perpetual bar, both at law and in equity, against each of them and their successors and assigns, and against any and all Persons claiming through or under them.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, none of the Trustee, the Secured Parties, the Noteholders or the beneficial owners of any Notes may, prior to the date which is one year and one day (or if longer, any applicable preference period and one day) after the payment in full of all Notes, institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, the Issuer any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium, winding-up or liquidation Proceedings, or other Proceedings under U.S. federal or state bankruptcy or similar laws. Nothing in this Section 5.4 shall preclude, or be deemed to stop, the Trustee (i) from taking any action prior to the expiration of the aforementioned period in (A) any case or Proceeding voluntarily filed or commenced by the Issuer or (B) any involuntary insolvency Proceeding filed or commenced by a Person other than the Trustee, or (ii) from commencing against the Issuer or any of its properties any legal action which is not a bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium or liquidation Proceeding.
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Section 5.5 Optional Preservation of Assets. (a) Subject to Section 2.7(i) but notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary herein (but subject to the right of the Collateral Manager to direct the Trustee to sell Collateral Obligations or Equity Securities in strict compliance with Section 12.1), if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee shall retain the Assets securing the Secured Notes intact, collect and cause the collection of the proceeds thereof and make and apply all payments and deposits and maintain all accounts in respect of the Assets and the Notes in accordance with the Priority of Payments and the provisions of Article X, Article XII and Article XIII unless:
(i) the Trustee, pursuant to Section 5.5(c), determines that the anticipated proceeds of a sale or liquidation of the Assets (after deducting the reasonable expenses of such sale or liquidation) would be sufficient to discharge in full the amounts then due (or, in the case of interest, accrued) and unpaid on the Secured Notes for principal and interest (including accrued and unpaid Deferred Interest and all other amounts payable prior to payment of principal on the Secured Notes (including amounts due and owing as Administrative Expenses (without regard to the Administrative Expense Cap) and due and unpaid Aggregate Collateral Management Fees)) and a Supermajority of the Controlling Class agrees with such determination; or
(ii) the Holders of at least a Supermajority of the Controlling Class direct the sale and liquidation of the Assets.
So long as such Event of Default is continuing, any such retention pursuant to this Section 5.5(a) may be rescinded at any time when the conditions specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) exist. In the event that a liquidation of the Assets is effected pursuant to clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts to notify KBRA.
(b) Nothing contained in Section 5.5(a) shall be construed to require the Trustee to sell the Assets securing the Secured Notes if the conditions set forth in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of Section 5.5(a) are not satisfied. Nothing contained in Section 5.5(a) shall be construed to require the Trustee to preserve the Assets securing the Notes if prohibited by applicable law.
(c) In determining whether the condition specified in Section 5.5(a)(i) exists, the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts to obtain, with the cooperation of the Collateral Manager, bid prices with respect to each Asset from two nationally recognized dealers (as specified by the Collateral Manager in writing) at the time making a market in such Assets and shall compute the anticipated proceeds of sale or liquidation on the basis of the lower of such bid prices for each such Asset. In the event that the Trustee, with the cooperation of the Collateral Manager, is only able to obtain bid prices with respect to each Asset from one nationally recognized dealer at the time making a market in such Assets, the Trustee shall compute the anticipated proceeds of the sale or liquidation on the basis of such one bid price for each such Asset. In addition, for the purposes of determining issues relating to the execution of a sale or liquidation of the Assets and the execution of a sale or other liquidation thereof in connection with a determination whether the condition specified in Section 5.5(a)(i) exists, the Trustee may retain and rely on an opinion of an Independent investment banking firm of national reputation (the cost of which shall be payable as an Administrative Expense).
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(d) The Trustee shall deliver to the Noteholders and the Collateral Manager a report stating the results of any determination required pursuant to Section 5.5(a)(i) no later than 10 days after such determination is made. The Trustee shall make the determinations required by Section 5.5(a)(i) within 30 days after an Event of Default and at the request of a Supermajority of the Controlling Class at any time during which the Trustee retains the Assets pursuant to Section 5.5(a)(i).
(e) Prior to the sale of any Assets in connection with Section 5.5(a), the Trustee shall offer the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof the right to purchase such Asset at a price at least equal to the sum of the Redemption Prices of a ratable share of the Secured Notes in accordance with Section 5.5(c). The Collateral Manager and its affiliates will have 10 Business Days following such offer to exercise such right to purchase. The Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof shall have the right to bid on any Assets sold in any sale pursuant to this Section 5.5.
Section 5.6 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Notes. All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or under any of the Secured Notes may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Secured Notes or the production thereof in any trial or other Proceeding relating thereto, and any such action or Proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall be applied as set forth in Section 5.7 hereof.
Section 5.7 Application of Money Collected. Any Money collected by the Trustee with respect to the Notes pursuant to this Article V and any Money that may then be held or thereafter received by the Trustee with respect to the Notes hereunder shall be applied, subject to Section 13.1 and in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.1(a)(iii), at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee. Upon the final distribution of all proceeds of any liquidation effected hereunder, the provisions of Section 4.1(a) and (b) shall be deemed satisfied for the purposes of discharging this Indenture pursuant to Article IV. Furthermore, upon such liquidation and final distribution, the Subordinated Notes shall be deemed to be redeemed and paid in full, even if amounts paid pursuant to Section 11.1(a) are insufficient to pay the Subordinated Notes in full as set forth in Section 4.4(b).
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Section 5.8 Limitation on Suits. No Holder of any Note shall have any right to institute any Proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(a) such Holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default;
(b) the Holders of not less than 25% of the then Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Notes of the Controlling Class shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute Proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder and such Holder or Holders have provided the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(c) the Trustee, for 30 days after its receipt of such notice, request and provision of such indemnity, has failed to institute any such Proceeding; and
(d) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 30-day period by a Majority of the Controlling Class; it being understood and intended that no one or more Holders of Notes shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing itself of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holders of Notes of the same Class or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other Holders of the Notes of the same Class or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all the Holders of Notes of the same Class subject to and in accordance with Section 13.1 and the Priority of Payments.
In the event the Trustee shall receive conflicting or inconsistent requests and indemnity pursuant to this Section 5.8 from two or more groups of Holders of the Controlling Class, each representing less than a Majority of the Controlling Class, the Trustee shall act in accordance with the request specified by the group of Holders with the greatest percentage of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Controlling Class, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture. If all such groups represent the same percentage, the Trustee, in its sole discretion, may determine what action, if any, shall be taken.
Section 5.9 Unconditional Rights of Secured Note Holders to Receive Principal and Interest. Subject to Section 2.7(i), but notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the Holder of any Secured Note shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and interest on such Secured Note, as such principal, interest and other amounts become due and payable in accordance with the Priority of Payments and Section 13.1, as the case may be, and, subject to the provisions of Section 5.4(d) and Section 5.8, to institute proceedings for the enforcement of any such payment, and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
Section 5.10 Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Trustee or any Noteholder has instituted any Proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such Proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Noteholder, then and in every such case the Issuer, the Trustee and such Noteholder shall, subject to any determination in such Proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Noteholder shall continue as though no such Proceeding had been instituted.
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Section 5.11 Rights and Remedies Cumulative. No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Noteholders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
Section 5.12 Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or omission of the Trustee or any Holder of Secured Notes to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein or of a subsequent Event of Default. Every right and remedy given by this Article V or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders of the Secured Notes may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of the Secured Notes.
Section 5.13 Control by Supermajority of Controlling Class. A Supermajority of the Controlling Class shall have the right following the occurrence, and during the continuance, of an Event of Default to cause the institution of and direct the time, method and place of conducting any Proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture; provided that:
(a) such direction shall not conflict with any rule of law or with any express provision of this Indenture;
(b) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction; provided that subject to Section 6.1, the Trustee need not take any action that it determines might involve it in liability or expense (unless the Trustee has received the indemnity as set forth in (c) below);
(c) the Trustee shall have been provided with an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it; and
(d) notwithstanding the foregoing, any direction to the Trustee to undertake a Sale of the Assets shall be by the Holders of Notes representing the requisite percentage of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of Notes specified in Section 5.4 and/or Section 5.5.
Section 5.14 Waiver of Past Defaults. Prior to the time a judgment or decree for payment of the Money due has been obtained by the Trustee, as provided in this Article V, a Majority of the Controlling Class may on behalf of the Holders of all the Notes waive any past Default or Event of Default and its consequences, except a Default:
(a) in the payment of the principal of any Secured Note (which may be waived only with the consent of the Holder of such Secured Note);
(b) in the payment of interest on any Secured Note (which may be waived only with the consent of the Holder of such Secured Note);
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(c) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof that under Section 8.2 cannot be modified or amended without the waiver or consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note materially and adversely affected thereby (which may be waived only with the consent of each such Holder); or
(d) in respect of a representation contained in Section 7.19 (which may be waived only by a Majority of the Controlling Class).
In the case of any such waiver, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereto. The Trustee shall promptly give written notice of any such waiver to the Rating Agency, the Collateral Manager and each Holder. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture.
Section 5.15 Undertaking for Costs. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Note by such Holder’s acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section 5.15 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Noteholder, or group of Noteholders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Controlling Class, or to any suit instituted by any Noteholder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or interest on any Note on or after the applicable Stated Maturity (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the applicable Redemption Date).
Section 5.16 Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Issuer covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any valuation, appraisement, redemption or marshalling law or rights, in each case wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants set forth in, the performance of, or any remedies under this Indenture; and the Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law or rights, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted or rights created.
Section 5.17 Sale of Assets. (a) The power to effect any sale (a “Sale”) of any portion of the Assets pursuant to Sections 5.4 and 5.5 shall not be exhausted by any one or more Sales as to any portion of such Assets remaining unsold, but shall continue unimpaired (subject to Section 5.5(e) in the case of sales pursuant to Section 5.5) until the entire Assets shall have been sold or all amounts secured by the Assets shall have been paid. The Trustee may upon notice to the Noteholders, and shall, upon direction of a Majority of the Controlling Class, from time to time postpone any Sale by public announcement made at the time and place of such Sale. The Trustee hereby expressly waives its rights to any amount fixed by law as compensation for any Sale; provided that the Trustee shall be authorized to deduct the reasonable costs, charges and expenses (including costs and expenses of its attorneys and agents) incurred by it in connection with such Sale from the proceeds thereof notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6.7 or other applicable terms hereof.
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(b) The Trustee may bid for and acquire any portion of the Assets in connection with a public Sale thereof, and may pay all or part of the purchase price by crediting against amounts owing on the Secured Notes in the case of the Assets or other amounts secured by the Assets, all or part of the net proceeds of such Sale after deducting the reasonable costs, charges and expenses (including costs and expenses of its attorneys and agents) incurred by the Trustee in connection with such Sale notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6.7 hereof or other applicable terms hereof. The Secured Notes need not be produced in order to complete any such Sale, or in order for the net proceeds of such Sale to be credited against amounts owing on the Notes. The Trustee may hold, lease, operate, manage or otherwise deal with any property so acquired in any manner permitted by law in accordance with this Indenture.
(c) If any portion of the Assets consists of securities issued without registration under the Securities Act (“Unregistered Securities”), the Trustee may seek an Opinion of Counsel, or, if no such Opinion of Counsel can be obtained and with the consent of a Majority of the Controlling Class, seek a no action position from the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other relevant federal or State regulatory authorities, regarding the legality of a public or private Sale of such Unregistered Securities.
(d) The Trustee shall execute and deliver an appropriate instrument of conveyance transferring its interest in any portion of the Assets in connection with a Sale thereof, without recourse, representation or warranty. In addition, the Trustee is hereby irrevocably appointed the agent and attorney in fact of the Issuer to transfer and convey its interest in any portion of the Assets in connection with a Sale thereof, and to take all action necessary to effect such Sale. No purchaser or transferee at such a sale shall be bound to ascertain the Trustee’s authority, to inquire into the satisfaction of any conditions precedent or see to the application of any Monies.
Section 5.18 Action on the Notes. The Trustee’s right to seek and recover judgment on the Notes or under this Indenture shall not be affected by the seeking or obtaining of or application for any other relief under or with respect to this Indenture. Neither the lien of this Indenture nor any rights or remedies of the Trustee or the Noteholders shall be impaired by the recovery of any judgment by the Trustee against the Issuer or by the levy of any execution under such judgment upon any portion of the Assets or upon any of the assets of the Issuer.
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ARTICLE VI
The Trustee
Section 6.1 Certain Duties and Responsibilities. (a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default known to the Trustee:
(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth herein, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; provided that in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they substantially conform on their face to the requirements of this Indenture and shall promptly, but in any event within three Business Days in the case of an Officer’s certificate furnished by the Collateral Manager, notify the party delivering the same if such certificate or opinion does not conform. If a corrected form shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 15 days after such notice from the Trustee, the Trustee shall so notify the Noteholders.
(b) In case an Event of Default known to the Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall, prior to the receipt of directions, if any, from a Majority of the Controlling Class, or such other percentage as permitted by this Indenture, exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person’s own affairs.
(c) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) this sub-section shall not be construed to limit the effect of sub-section (a) of this Section 6.1;
(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer, unless it shall be proven that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Issuer or the Collateral Manager in accordance with this Indenture and/or a Majority (or such other percentage as may be required by the terms hereof) of the Controlling Class (or other Class if required or permitted by the terms hereof), relating to the time, method and place of conducting any Proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture;
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(iv) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial or other liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers contemplated hereunder, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it unless such risk or liability relates to the performance of its ordinary incidental services, including mailing of notices under this Indenture; and
(v) in no event shall the Trustee be liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage (including lost profits) even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such damages and regardless of such action.
(d) For all purposes under this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default described in Sections 5.1(b), (c), (d), or (e), unless a Trust Officer assigned to and working in the Corporate Trust Office has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such an Event of Default or Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office, and such notice references the Notes generally, the Issuer or this Indenture. For purposes of determining the Trustee’s responsibility and liability hereunder, whenever reference is made herein to such an Event of Default or a Default, such reference shall be construed to refer only to such an Event of Default or Default of which the Trustee is deemed to have notice as described in this Section 6.1.
(e) Upon the Trustee receiving written notice from the Collateral Manager that an event constituting “Cause” as defined in the Collateral Management Agreement has occurred, the Trustee shall, not later than three Business Days thereafter, forward such notice to the Noteholders (as their names appear in the Register) and post such notice to the Trustee internet website.
(f) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 6.1.
Section 6.2 Notice of Event of Default. Promptly (and in no event later than three Business Days) after the occurrence of any Event of Default actually known to a Trust Officer of the Trustee or after any declaration of acceleration has been made or delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 5.2, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to the Collateral Manager, the Rating Agency, and all Holders, as their names and addresses appear on the Register, notice of all Event of Defaults hereunder known to the Trustee, unless such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived.
Section 6.3 Certain Rights of Trustee. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.1:
(a) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, note or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. Any electronically signed document delivered via email (including, without limitation, an Issuer Order) from a person purporting to be a Responsible Officer shall be considered signed or executed by such Responsible Officer on behalf of the applicable Person. The Trustee shall have no duty to inquire into or investigate the authenticity or authorization of any such electronic signature without any liability with respect thereto;
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(b) any request or direction of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Issuer Request or Issuer Order, as the case may be;
(c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall (i) deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officer’s certificate or Issuer Order or (ii) be required to determine the value of any Assets or funds hereunder or the cash flows projected to be received therefrom, the Trustee may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely on reports of nationally recognized accountants (which may or may not be the Independent accountants appointed by the Issuer pursuant to Section 10.9), investment bankers or other Persons qualified to provide the information required to make such determination, including nationally recognized dealers in Assets of the type being valued, securities quotation services, loan pricing services and loan valuation agents;
(d) as a condition to the taking or omitting of any action by it hereunder, the Trustee may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise, enforce or to honor any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have provided to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and liabilities which might reasonably be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, note or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may, and upon the written direction of a Majority of the Controlling Class or of the Rating Agency shall (subject to the right hereunder to be indemnified to its reasonable satisfaction for associated expense and liability), make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit or as it shall be directed, and the Trustee shall be entitled, on reasonable prior notice to the Issuer and the Collateral Manager, to examine the books and records relating to the Notes and the Assets, personally or by agent or attorney, during the Issuer’s or the Collateral Manager’s normal business hours; provided that the Trustee shall, and shall cause its agents to, hold in confidence all such information, except (i) to the extent disclosure may be required by law or by any regulatory, administrative or governmental authority and (ii) to the extent that the Trustee, in its sole discretion, may determine that such disclosure is consistent with its obligations hereunder; provided further that the Trustee may disclose on a confidential basis any such information to its agents, attorneys and auditors in connection with the performance of its responsibilities hereunder;
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(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys; provided that the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent appointed or attorney appointed, with due care by it hereunder;
(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it reasonably believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers hereunder, including actions or omissions to act at the direction of the Collateral Manager;
(i) nothing herein shall be construed to impose an obligation on the part of the Trustee to monitor, recalculate, evaluate or verify or independently determine the accuracy of any report, certificate or information received from the Issuer or Collateral Manager (unless and except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth herein);
(j) to the extent any defined term hereunder, or any calculation required to be made or determined by the Trustee hereunder, is dependent upon or defined by reference to generally accepted accounting principles (as in effect in the United States) (“GAAP”), the Trustee shall be entitled to request and receive (and rely upon) instruction from the Issuer or the accountants identified in the Accountants’ Report (and in the absence of its receipt of timely instruction therefrom, shall be entitled to obtain from an Independent accountant at the expense of the Issuer) as to the application of GAAP in such connection, in any instance;
(k) the Trustee shall not be liable for the actions or omissions of, or any inaccuracies in the records of, the Collateral Manager, the Issuer, any Paying Agent (other than the Trustee), DTC, Euroclear, Clearstream, or any other clearing agency or depository and without limiting the foregoing, the Trustee shall not be under any obligation to monitor, evaluate or verify compliance by the Collateral Manager with the terms hereof or of the Collateral Management Agreement, or to verify or independently determine the accuracy of information received by the Trustee from the Collateral Manager (or from any selling institution, agent bank, trustee or similar source) with respect to the Assets;
(l) notwithstanding any term hereof (or any term of the UCC that might otherwise be construed to be applicable to a “securities intermediary” as defined in the UCC) to the contrary, none of the Trustee, the Custodian or the Securities Intermediary shall be under a duty or obligation in connection with the acquisition or Grant by the Issuer to the Trustee of any item constituting the Assets, or to evaluate the sufficiency of the documents or instruments delivered to it by or on behalf of the Issuer in connection with its Grant or otherwise, or in that regard to examine any Underlying Instrument, in each case, in order to determine compliance with applicable requirements of and restrictions on transfer in respect of such Assets;
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(m) in the event the Bank (or one of its Affiliates) is also acting in the capacity of Paying Agent, Registrar, Transfer Agent, Custodian or Securities Intermediary, the rights, protections, benefits, immunities and indemnities afforded to the Trustee pursuant to this Article VI shall also be afforded to the Bank (or such Affiliate) acting in such capacities; provided that such rights, protections, benefits, immunities and indemnities shall be in addition to any rights, immunities and indemnities provided in any other documents to which the Bank (or such Affiliate) in such capacity is a party; provided further however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to impose upon the Paying Agent, Registrar, Transfer Agent, Custodian or Securities Intermediary any of the duties or standards of care (including without limitation any duties of a prudent person) of the Trustee;
(n) any permissive right of the Trustee to take or refrain from taking actions enumerated herein shall not be construed as a duty;
(o) to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the execution of this Indenture or otherwise;
(p) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or knowledge of any matter unless a Trust Officer responsible for the Administration of this Indenture has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice thereof is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office and such notice references the Notes generally, the Issuer or this Indenture. Whenever reference is made herein to a Default or an Event of Default such reference shall, insofar as determining any liability on the part of the Trustee is concerned, be construed to refer only to a Default or an Event of Default of which the Trustee is deemed to have knowledge in accordance with this paragraph;
(q) the Trustee shall not be responsible for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond its control (such circumstances include but are not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war, loss or malfunctions of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communications services);
(r) to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the Trustee will obtain, verify, and record information that identifies individuals or entities that establish a relationship or open an account with the Trustee. The Trustee will ask for the name, address, tax identification number and other information that will allow the Trustee to identify the individual or entity who is establishing the relationship or opening the account. The Trustee may also ask for formation documents such as articles of incorporation, an offering memorandum, or other identifying documents to be provided. Nothing herein shall be construed to impose any liability or obligation on the part of the Trustee to monitor AML Compliance by any person;
(s) to the extent not inconsistent herewith, the rights, protections, immunities and indemnities afforded to the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture also shall be afforded to the Bank and its Affiliates in each of their respective capacities under the Transaction Documents and also to the Collateral Administrator; provided that, with respect to the Collateral Administrator, such rights, protections, immunities and indemnities shall be in addition to any rights, immunities and indemnities provided in the Collateral Administration Agreement; provided, further, that the protections afforded to the Collateral Administrator under Section 4(f) of the Collateral Administration Agreement shall also be afforded to the Trustee hereunder;
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(t) in making or disposing of any investment permitted by this Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to deal with itself (in its individual capacity) or with any one or more of its Affiliates, in each case on an arm’s-length basis, whether it or such Affiliate is acting as a subagent of the Trustee or for any third party or dealing as principal for its own account. If otherwise qualified, obligations of the Bank or any of its Affiliates shall qualify as Eligible Investments hereunder;
(u) the Trustee or its Affiliates are permitted to receive additional compensation that could be deemed to be in the Trustee’s economic self-interest for (i) serving as investment adviser, administrator, shareholder, servicing agent, custodian or subcustodian with respect to certain of the Eligible Investments, (ii) using Affiliates to effect transactions in certain Eligible Investments and (iii) effecting transactions in certain Eligible Investments. Such compensation is not payable or reimbursable under Section 6.7 of this Indenture;
(v) the Trustee shall have no duty (i) to see to any recording, filing, or depositing of this Indenture or any supplemental indenture or any financing statement or continuation statement evidencing a security interest, or to see to the maintenance of any such recording, filing or depositing or to any rerecording, refiling or redepositing of any thereof or (ii) to maintain any insurance;
(w) unless the Trustee receives written notice of an error or omission related to financial information or disbursements provided to Holders within 90 days of Holders’ receipt of the same, the Trustee shall have no liability in connection with such and, absent direction by the requisite percentage of Holders entitled to direct the Trustee, no further obligations in connection thereof;
(x) the Trustee will be under no obligation to (i) confirm or verify whether the conditions to the Delivery of the Assets have been satisfied or to determine whether or not a Collateral Obligation is eligible for purchase hereunder or meets the criteria in the definition thereof or (ii) evaluate the sufficiency of the documents or instruments delivered to it by or on behalf of the Issuer in connection with the Grant by the Issuer to the Trustee of any item constituting the Assets or otherwise, or in that regard to examine any Underlying Instruments, in order to determine compliance with the applicable requirements of and restrictions on transfer of a Collateral Obligation; and
(y) the Trustee shall have no obligation to determine the Retention Basis Amount or verify or monitor whether the U.S. Risk Retention Rules have been or will be complied with. Nothing herein shall be construed to impose any liability or obligation on the part of the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator or the Paying Agent to monitor compliance by any Person with FATCA.
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Section 6.4 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Notes. The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, other than the Certificate of Authentication thereon, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer; and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture (except as may be made with respect to the validity of the Trustee’s obligations hereunder), the Assets or the Notes. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of the Notes or the proceeds thereof or any Money paid to the Issuer pursuant to the provisions hereof.
Section 6.5 May Hold Notes. The Trustee, any Paying Agent, Registrar or any other agent of the Issuer, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or any of its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar or such other agent.
Section 6.6 Money Held in Trust. Money held by the Trustee hereunder shall be held in trust to the extent required herein. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any Money received by it hereunder except to the extent of income or other gain on investments which are deposits in or certificates of deposit of the Bank (or one of its Affiliates) in its commercial capacity and income or other gain actually received by the Trustee on Eligible Investments.
Section 6.7 Compensation and Reimbursement. (a) The Issuer agrees:
(i) to pay the Trustee on each Payment Date reasonable compensation, as set forth in a separate fee schedule, for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(ii) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee (in each of its capacities) in a timely manner upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture or other Transaction Document (including, without limitation, any costs related to FATCA compliance, securities transaction charges and the reasonable compensation and expenses and disbursements of its agents and legal counsel and of any accounting firm or investment banking firm employed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 5.4, 5.5, 6.3(c) or 10.7, except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith) but with respect to securities transaction charges, only to the extent any such charges have not been waived during a Collection Period due to the Trustee’s receipt of a payment from a financial institution with respect to certain Eligible Investments, as specified by the Collateral Manager;
(iii) to indemnify the Bank, the Custodian and the Trustee (in each of its capacities) and its officers, directors, employees and agents for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses and fees and expenses of its experts) incurred without negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on their part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending themselves (including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs) against any claim (whether brought by or involving the Issuer or any third party) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of their powers or duties hereunder and under any other agreement or instrument related hereto and of enforcing this Indenture and the other Transaction Documents (including any indemnification rights hereunder and thereunder); and
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(iv) to pay the Trustee reasonable additional compensation together with its expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) for any collection or enforcement action taken pursuant to Section 6.13 or Article V, respectively.
(b) The Trustee shall receive amounts pursuant to this Section 6.7 and any other amounts payable to it under this Indenture or in any of the Transaction Documents to which the Trustee is a party only as provided in Sections 11.1(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) but only to the extent that funds are available for the payment thereof. Subject to Section 6.9, the Trustee shall continue to serve as Trustee under this Indenture notwithstanding the fact that the Trustee shall not have received amounts due it hereunder; provided that nothing herein shall impair or affect the Trustee’s rights under Section 6.9. No direction by the Noteholders shall affect the right of the Trustee to collect amounts owed to it under this Indenture. If, on any date when a fee or an expense shall be payable to the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture, insufficient funds are available for the payment thereof, any portion of a fee or an expense not so paid shall be deferred and payable on such later date on which a fee or an expense shall be payable and sufficient funds are available therefor.
(c) The Trustee hereby agrees not to cause the filing against the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries, of a petition in bankruptcy for the non-payment to the Trustee of any amounts provided by this Section 6.7 until at least one year and one day, or, if longer, the applicable preference period then in effect and one day, after the payment in full of all Notes issued under this Indenture.
(d) The Issuer’s payment obligations to the Trustee under this Section 6.7 shall be secured by the lien of this Indenture payable in accordance with the Priority of Payments, and shall survive the discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee. When the Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default under Section 5.1(d) or Section 5.1(e), the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.
Section 6.8 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility. There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be an Independent organization or entity organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least U.S.$200,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority, having a long-term issuer rating of at least “BBB+” by S&P and having an office within the United States. If such organization or entity publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 6.8, the combined capital and surplus of such organization or entity shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent published report of condition. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.8, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article VI.
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Section 6.9 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor. (a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article VI shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee under Section 6.10.
(b) Subject to Section 6.9(a), the Trustee may resign at any time by giving not less than 30 days’ written notice thereof to the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Holders of the Notes and the Rating Agency. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor trustee or trustees satisfying the requirements of Section 6.8 by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by a Responsible Officer of the Issuer, one copy of which shall be delivered to the Trustee so resigning and one copy to the successor Trustee or Trustees, together with a copy to each Holder and the Collateral Manager; provided that such successor Trustee shall be appointed only upon the written consent of a Majority of the Secured Notes or, at any time when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or when a successor Trustee has been appointed pursuant to Section 6.9(e), by an Act of a Majority of the Controlling Class. If no successor Trustee shall have been appointed and an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee or any Holder, on behalf of itself and all others similarly situated, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 6.8.
(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time upon 30 days written notice by Act of a Majority of each Class of Notes or, at any time when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing by an Act of a Majority of the Controlling Class, delivered to the Trustee and to the Issuer.
(d) If at any time:
(i) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 6.8 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Issuer or by any Holder; or
(ii) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged as bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver or liquidator of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation;
then, in any such case (subject to Section 6.9(a)), (A) the Issuer, by Issuer Order, may remove the Trustee, or (B) subject to Section 5.15, any Holder may, on behalf of itself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
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(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of the Trustee for any reason (other than resignation), the Issuer, by Issuer Order, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. If the Issuer shall fail to appoint a successor Trustee within 30 days after such resignation, removal or incapability or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee may be appointed by a Majority of the Controlling Class by written instrument delivered to the Issuer and the retiring Trustee. The successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment, become the successor Trustee and supersede any successor Trustee proposed by the Issuer. If no successor Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Issuer or a Majority of the Controlling Class and shall have accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, subject to Section 5.15, the Trustee or any Holder may, on behalf of itself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(f) The Issuer shall give prompt notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee by mailing written notice of such event by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the Collateral Manager, to the Rating Agency and to the Holders of the Notes as their names and addresses appear in the Register. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office. If the Issuer fails to mail such notice within ten days after acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee, the successor Trustee shall cause such notice to be given at the expense of the Issuer. If the Bank shall resign or be removed as Trustee, the Bank shall also resign or be removed as Paying Agent, Collateral Administrator, Registrar and any other capacity in which the Bank or one of its Affiliates is then acting pursuant to this Indenture or any other Transaction Document.
Section 6.10 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. Every successor Trustee appointed hereunder shall meet the requirements of Section 6.8 and shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Issuer and the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment. Upon delivery of the required instruments, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Issuer or a Majority of the Controlling Class or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges then unpaid, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee, and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and Money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder. Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Issuer shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts.
Section 6.11 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business of Trustee. Any organization or entity into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any organization or entity resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any organization or entity succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder; provided that such organization or entity shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article VI, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any of the Notes has been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Notes so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Notes.
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Section 6.12 Co-Trustees. At any time or times, the Issuer and the Trustee shall have power to appoint one or more Persons to act as co-trustee (subject to written notice to the Rating Agency), jointly with the Trustee, of all or any part of the Assets, with the power to file such proofs of claim and take such other actions pursuant to Section 5.6 herein and to make such claims and enforce such rights of action on behalf of the Holders, as such Holders themselves may have the right to do, subject to the other provisions of this Section 6.12.
The Issuer shall join with the Trustee in the execution, delivery and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to appoint a co-trustee. If the Issuer does not join in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a request to do so, the Trustee shall have the power to make such appointment.
Should any written instrument from the Issuer be required by any co-trustee so appointed, more fully confirming to such co-trustee such property, title, right or power, any and all such instruments shall, on request, be executed, acknowledged and delivered by the Issuer. The Issuer agrees to pay, to the extent funds are available therefor under Section 11.1(a)(i)(A), for any reasonable fees and expenses in connection with such appointment.
Every co-trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, but to such extent only, be appointed subject to the following terms:
(a) the Notes shall be authenticated and delivered and all rights, powers, duties and obligations hereunder in respect of the custody of securities, Cash and other personal property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with, the Trustee hereunder, shall be exercised solely by the Trustee;
(b) the rights, powers, duties and obligations hereby conferred or imposed upon the Trustee in respect of any property covered by the appointment of a co-trustee shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Trustee or by the Trustee and such co-trustee jointly as shall be provided in the instrument appointing such co-trustee;
(c) the Trustee at any time, by an instrument in writing executed by it, with the concurrence of the Issuer evidenced by an Issuer Order, may accept the resignation of or remove any co-trustee appointed under this Section 6.12, and in case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall have the power to accept the resignation of, or remove, any such co-trustee without the concurrence of the Issuer. A successor to any co-trustee so resigned or removed may be appointed in the manner provided in this Section 6.12;
(d) no co-trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of the Trustee hereunder;
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(e) the Trustee shall not be liable by reason of any act or omission of a co-trustee; and
(f) any Act of the Holders delivered to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been delivered to each co-trustee.
The Issuer shall notify the Rating Agency of the appointment of a co-trustee hereunder.
Section 6.13 Certain Duties of Trustee Related to Delayed Payment of Proceeds. If the Trustee shall not have received a payment with respect to any Asset on its Due Date, (a) the Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer and the Collateral Manager in writing or electronically and (b) unless within three Business Days (or the end of the applicable grace period for such payment, if any) after such notice (x) such payment shall have been received by the Trustee or (y) the Issuer, in its absolute discretion (but only to the extent permitted by Section 10.2(a)), shall have made provision for such payment satisfactory to the Trustee in accordance with Section 10.2(a), the Trustee shall, not later than the Business Day immediately following the last day of such period and in any case upon request by the Collateral Manager, request the issuer of such Asset, the trustee under the related Underlying Instrument or a paying agent designated by either of them, as the case may be, to make such payment not later than three Business Days after the date of such request. If such payment is not made within such time period, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of clause (iv) of Section 6.1(c), shall take such reasonable action as the Collateral Manager shall direct. Any such action shall be without prejudice to any right to claim a Default or Event of Default under this Indenture. If the Issuer or the Collateral Manager requests a release of an Asset and/or delivers an Additional Collateral Obligation in connection with any such action under the Collateral Management Agreement or under this Indenture, such release and/or substitution shall be subject to Section 10.8 and Article XII of this Indenture, as the case may be. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer or its designee any payment with respect to any Asset or any Additional Collateral Obligation received after the Due Date thereof to the extent the Issuer previously made provisions for such payment satisfactory to the Trustee in accordance with this Section 6.13 and such payment shall not be deemed part of the Assets.
Section 6.14 Authenticating Agents. Upon the request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall, and if the Trustee so chooses the Trustee may, appoint one or more Authenticating Agents with power to act on its behalf and subject to its direction in the authentication of Notes in connection with issuance, transfers and exchanges under Sections 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 8.5, as fully to all intents and purposes as though each such Authenticating Agent had been expressly authorized by such Sections to authenticate such Notes. For all purposes of this Indenture, the authentication of Notes by an Authenticating Agent pursuant to this Section 6.14 shall be deemed to be the authentication of Notes by the Trustee.
Any Person into which any Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, consolidation or conversion to which any Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to the corporate trust business of any Authenticating Agent, shall be the successor of such Authenticating Agent hereunder, without the execution or filing of any further act on the part of the parties hereto or such Authenticating Agent or such successor Person.
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Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee and the Issuer. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and the Issuer. Upon receiving such notice of resignation or upon such a termination, the Trustee shall, upon the written request of the Issuer, promptly appoint a successor Authenticating Agent and shall give written notice of such appointment to the Issuer.
Unless the Authenticating Agent is also the same entity as the Trustee, the Issuer agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services, and reimbursement for its reasonable expenses relating thereto as an Administrative Expense. The provisions of Sections 2.8, 6.4 and 6.5 shall be applicable to any Authenticating Agent.
Section 6.15 Withholding. Each of the Trustee and the Paying Agent is hereby authorized and directed to retain from amounts otherwise distributable to any Holder sufficient funds for the payment of any tax that is legally owed or required to be withheld by the Issuer (but such authorization shall not prevent the Trustee or the Paying Agent from contesting any such tax in appropriate Proceedings and withholding payment of such tax, if permitted by law, pending the outcome of such Proceedings) or may be withheld because of a failure by a Holder to provide any information required under FATCA or otherwise and to timely remit such amounts to the appropriate taxing authority. The amount of any withholding tax imposed with respect to any Note shall be treated as Cash distributed to the relevant Holder at the time it is withheld by the Trustee or the Paying Agent. If there is a reasonable possibility that withholding is required by applicable law with respect to a distribution, the Paying Agent or the Trustee may, in its sole discretion, withhold such amounts in accordance with this Section 6.15. If any Holder or beneficial owner wishes to apply for a refund of any such withholding tax, the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall reasonably cooperate with such Person in providing readily available information so long as such Person agrees to reimburse the Trustee or the Paying Agent for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred.
Section 6.16 Representative for Holders of Secured Notes only; Agent for each other Secured Party and the Holders of the Subordinated Notes. With respect to the security interest created hereunder, the delivery of any item of Asset to the Trustee is to the Trustee as representative of the Holders of Secured Notes and agent for each other Secured Party and the Holders of the Subordinated Notes. In furtherance of the foregoing, the possession by the Trustee of any Asset, and the endorsement to or registration in the name of the Trustee of any Asset (including without limitation as entitlement holder of the Custodial Account) are all undertaken by the Trustee in its capacity as representative of the Holders of Secured Notes, and agent for each other Secured Party and the Holders of the Subordinated Notes.
Section 6.17 Representations and Warranties of the Bank. The Bank hereby represents and warrants as follows:
(a) Organization. The Bank has been duly organized and is validly existing as a national banking association with trust powers under the laws of the United States and has the power to conduct its business and affairs as a trustee, paying agent, registrar and transfer agent.
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(b) Authorization; Binding Obligations. The Bank has the corporate power and authority to perform the duties and obligations of Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar under this Indenture. The Bank has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Indenture, and all of the documents required to be executed by the Bank pursuant hereto. This Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Bank and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Bank enforceable in accordance with its terms subject, as to enforcement, (i) to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights as such laws would apply in the event of any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar event applicable to the Bank and (ii) to general equitable principles (whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
(c) Eligibility. The Bank is eligible under Section 6.8 to serve as Trustee hereunder.
(d) No Conflict. Neither the execution, delivery and performance of this Indenture, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Indenture, is prohibited by, or requires the Bank to obtain any consent, authorization, approval or registration under, any law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree that is binding upon the Bank.
ARTICLE VII
Covenants
Section 7.1 Payment of Principal and Interest. The Issuer will duly and punctually pay the principal of and interest on the Secured Notes, in accordance with the terms of such Notes and this Indenture pursuant to the Priority of Payments. The Issuer will, to the extent funds are available pursuant to the Priority of Payments, duly and punctually pay all required distributions on the Subordinated Notes, in accordance with the Subordinated Notes and this Indenture.
Amounts properly withheld under the Code or other applicable law by any Person from a payment under a Note shall be considered as having been paid by the Issuer to the relevant Holder for all purposes of this Indenture.
Section 7.2 Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as a Paying Agent for payments on the Notes, and appoints the Trustee as Transfer Agent at its applicable Corporate Trust Office as the Issuer’s agent where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange. The Issuer hereby appoints CT Corporation System as its agent upon whom process or demands may be served in any action arising out of or based on this Indenture or the transactions contemplated hereby in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York.
The Issuer may at any time and from time to time vary or terminate the appointment of any such agent or appoint any additional agents for any or all of such purposes; provided that (x) the Issuer will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office or agency where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served and, subject to any laws or regulations applicable thereto, an office or agency outside of the United States where Notes may be presented for payment; and (y) no paying agent shall be appointed in a jurisdiction which subjects payments on the Notes to withholding tax solely as a result of such Paying Agent’s activities. The Issuer shall at all times maintain a duplicate copy of the Register at the Corporate Trust Office. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee, the Rating Agency and the Holders of the appointment or termination of any such agent and of the location and any change in the location of any such office or agency.
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If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, or outside the United States, or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, presentations and surrenders may be made (subject to the limitations described in the preceding paragraph) at, notices and demands may be served on the Issuer, and Notes may be presented and surrendered for payment to the appropriate Paying Agent at its main office, and the Issuer hereby appoints the same as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
Section 7.3 Money for Note Payments to be Held in Trust. All payments of amounts due and payable with respect to any Notes that are to be made from amounts withdrawn from the Payment Account shall be made on behalf of the Issuer by the Trustee or a Paying Agent with respect to payments on the Notes.
When the Issuer shall have a Paying Agent that is not also the Registrar, they shall furnish, or cause the Registrar to furnish, no later than the fifth calendar day after each Record Date a list, if necessary, in such form as such Paying Agent may reasonably request, of the names and addresses of the Holders and of the certificate numbers of individual Notes held by each such Holder.
Whenever the Issuer shall have a Paying Agent other than the Trustee, they shall, on or before the Business Day next preceding each Payment Date and any Redemption Date, as the case may be, direct the Trustee to deposit on such Payment Date or such Redemption Date, as the case may be, with such Paying Agent, if necessary, an aggregate sum sufficient to pay the amounts then becoming due (to the extent funds are then available for such purpose in the Payment Account), such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act. Any Monies deposited with a Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) in excess of an amount sufficient to pay the amounts then becoming due on the Notes with respect to which such deposit was made shall be paid over by such Paying Agent to the Trustee for application in accordance with Article XI.
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The initial Paying Agent shall be as set forth in Section 7.2. Any additional or successor Paying Agents shall be appointed by Issuer Order with written notice thereof to the Trustee; provided that so long as the Notes of any Class are rated by the Rating Agency, with respect to any additional or successor Paying Agent, such Paying Agent has a long-term debt rating of “A+” or higher by S&P or a short-term debt rating of “A-1” by S&P. If such successor Paying Agent ceases to have a long-term debt rating of “A+” or higher by S&P or a short-term debt rating “A-1” by S&P, the Issuer shall promptly remove such Paying Agent and appoint a successor Paying Agent. The Issuer shall not appoint any Paying Agent that is not, at the time of such appointment, a depository institution or trust company subject to supervision and examination by federal and/or state and/or national banking authorities. The Issuer shall cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee and if the Trustee acts as Paying Agent, it hereby so agrees, subject to the provisions of this Section 7.3, that such Paying Agent will:
(a) allocate all sums received for payment to the Holders of Notes for which it acts as Paying Agent on each Payment Date and any Redemption Date among such Holders in the proportion specified in the applicable Distribution Report to the extent permitted by applicable law;
(b) hold all sums held by it for the payment of amounts due with respect to the Notes in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and pay such sums to such Persons as herein provided;
(c) if such Paying Agent is not the Trustee, immediately resign as a Paying Agent and forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held by it in trust for the payment of Notes if at any time it ceases to meet the standards set forth above required to be met by a Paying Agent at the time of its appointment;
(d) if such Paying Agent is not the Trustee, immediately give the Trustee notice of any default by the Issuer in the making of any payment required to be made; and
(e) if such Paying Agent is not the Trustee, during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.
The Issuer may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Issuer Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Issuer or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Issuer or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such Money.
Except as otherwise required by applicable law, any Money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust for any payment on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such amount has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuer on Issuer Order; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer for payment of such amounts (but only to the extent of the amounts so paid to the Issuer) and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust Money shall thereupon cease. The Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such release of payment, may, but shall not be required to, adopt and employ, at the expense of the Issuer any reasonable means of notification of such release of payment, including, but not limited to, mailing notice of such release to Holders whose Notes have been called but have not been surrendered for redemption or whose right to or interest in Monies due and payable but not claimed is determinable from the records of any Paying Agent, at the last address of record of each such Holder.
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Section 7.4 Existence of the Issuer. (a) The Issuer shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, maintain in full force and effect its existence and rights as a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and shall obtain and preserve its qualification to do business as a foreign limited liability company in each jurisdiction in which such qualifications are or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes, or any of the Assets; provided that the Issuer shall be entitled to change its jurisdiction of formation from the State of Delaware to any other jurisdiction reasonably selected by the Issuer at the direction of a Majority of the Subordinated Notes so long as (i) the Issuer has received a legal opinion (upon which the Trustee may conclusively rely) to the effect that such change is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders, (ii) written notice of such change shall have been given to the Trustee by the Issuer, which notice shall be promptly forwarded by the Trustee to the Holders, the Collateral Manager and to the Rating Agency, and (iii) on or prior to the 15th Business Day following receipt of such notice the Trustee shall not have received written notice from a Majority of the Controlling Class objecting to such change.
(b) The Issuer (i) shall ensure that all limited liability company, organizational or other formalities regarding its existence (including, if required, holding regular meetings of the managers and members, as applicable, or other similar meetings) are followed and (ii) shall not have any employees (other than its respective officers and managers to the extent they are employees). The Issuer shall not take any action, or conduct its affairs in a manner, that is likely to result in its separate existence being ignored or in its assets and liabilities being substantively consolidated with any other Person in a bankruptcy, reorganization or other insolvency proceeding. Without limiting the foregoing, (A) the Issuer shall not have any subsidiaries; and (B) except to the extent contemplated in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, (x) the Issuer shall not (1) except as contemplated by the Collateral Management Agreement or the Limited Liability Company Agreement, engage in any transaction with any member or other equityholder that would constitute a conflict of interest or (2) pay dividends other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Limited Liability Company Agreement and (y) the Issuer shall (1) maintain books and records separate from any other Person, (2) maintain its accounts separate from those of any other Person, (3) not commingle its assets with those of any other Person, (4) conduct its own business in its own name, (5) maintain separate financial statements (if any), (6) pay its own liabilities out of its own funds, (7) maintain an arm’s length relationship with its Affiliates, (8) use separate stationery, invoices and checks, (9) hold itself out as a separate Person, and (10) correct any known misunderstanding regarding its separate identity.
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Section 7.5 Protection of Assets. (a) The Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer will cause the taking of such action within the Collateral Manager’s control as is reasonably necessary in order to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Trustee in the Assets; provided that the Collateral Manager shall be entitled to rely on any Opinion of Counsel delivered pursuant to Section 7.6 and any opinion delivered on the Closing Date to determine what actions are reasonably necessary, and shall be fully protected in so relying on such an Opinion of Counsel, unless the Collateral Manager has actual knowledge that the procedures described in any such Opinion of Counsel are no longer adequate to maintain such perfection and priority. The Issuer shall from time to time execute and deliver all such supplements and amendments hereto and file or authorize the filing of all such Financing Statements, continuation statements, instruments of further assurance and other instruments, and shall take such other action as may be necessary or advisable or desirable to secure the rights and remedies of the Holders of the Secured Notes hereunder and to:
(i) grant more effectively all or any portion of the Assets;
(ii) maintain, preserve and perfect any Grant made or to be made by this Indenture including, without limitation, the first priority nature of the lien or carry out more effectively the purposes hereof;
(iii) perfect, publish notice of or protect the validity of any Grant made or to be made by this Indenture (including, without limitation, any and all actions necessary or desirable as a result of changes in law or regulations);
(iv) enforce any of the Assets or other instruments or property included in the Assets;
(v) preserve and defend title to the Assets and the rights therein of the Trustee and the Holders of the Secured Notes in the Assets against the claims of all Persons and parties; or
(vi) pay or cause to be paid any and all taxes levied or assessed upon all or any part of the Assets.
The Issuer hereby designates the Trustee as its agent and attorney in fact to prepare and file and hereby authorizes the filing of any Financing Statement, continuation statement and all other instruments, and take all other actions, required pursuant to this Section 7.5. Such designation shall not impose upon the Trustee, or release or diminish, the Issuer’s and the Collateral Manager’s obligations under this Section 7.5. The Issuer further authorizes and shall cause the Issuer’s United States counsel to file without the Issuer’s signature a Financing Statement that names the Issuer as debtor and the Trustee, on behalf of the Secured Parties, as secured party and that describes “all personal property of the Debtor now owned or hereafter acquired”, as the Assets in which the Trustee has a Grant.
(b) The Trustee shall not, except in accordance with Section 5.5 or Section 10.8(a), (b) and (c), as applicable, permit the removal of any portion of the Assets or transfer any such Assets from the Account to which it is credited, or cause or permit any change in the Delivery made pursuant to Section 3.3 with respect to any Assets, if, after giving effect thereto, the jurisdiction governing the perfection of the Trustee’s security interest in such Assets is different from the jurisdiction governing the perfection at the time of delivery of the most recent Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 7.6 (or, if no Opinion of Counsel has yet been delivered pursuant to Section 7.6, the Opinion of Counsel delivered at the Closing Date) unless the Trustee shall have received an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the lien and security interest created by this Indenture with respect to such property and the priority thereof will continue to be maintained after giving effect to such action or actions.
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Section 7.6 Opinions as to Assets. Within the six-month period preceding the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date (and every five years thereafter), so long as any Secured Notes remain Outstanding, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee and the Rating Agency an Opinion of Counsel either (i) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken (including without limitation with respect to the filing of any Financing Statements and continuation statements) as is necessary to maintain the lien and security interest created by this Indenture and reciting the details of such action or (ii) describing the filing of any Financing Statements and continuation statements that shall, in the opinion of such counsel, be required to maintain the lien and security interest of this Indenture.
Section 7.7 Performance of Obligations. (a) The Issuer shall not take any action, and will use its best efforts not to permit any action to be taken by others, that would release any Person from any of such Person’s covenants or obligations under any instrument included in the Assets, except in the case of enforcement action taken with respect to any Defaulted Obligation in accordance with the provisions hereof and actions by the Collateral Manager under the Collateral Management Agreement and in conformity therewith or with this Indenture, as applicable, or as otherwise required hereby or deemed necessary or advisable by the Collateral Manager in accordance with the Collateral Management Agreement.
(b) The Issuer shall notify KBRA within 10 Business Days after it has received notice from any Noteholder or the Trustee or the Collateral Manager of any material breach of any Transaction Document, following any applicable cure period for such breach.
Section 7.8 Negative Covenants. (a) The Issuer shall not, in each case from and after the Closing Date:
(i) sell, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, or pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber (or permit such to occur or suffer such to exist), any part of the Assets, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture and the Collateral Management Agreement;
(ii) claim any credit on, make any deduction from, or dispute the enforceability of payment of the principal or interest payable (or any other amount) in respect of the Notes (other than amounts withheld or deducted in accordance with the Code or any applicable laws of any applicable jurisdiction);
(iii) (A) incur or assume or guarantee any indebtedness, other than the Notes, this Indenture and the transactions contemplated hereby or (B)(1) issue any additional class of Notes except in accordance with Sections 2.13 and 3.2 or (2) issue any additional limited liability company membership interests;
(iv) (A) permit the validity or effectiveness of this Indenture or any Grant hereunder to be impaired, or permit the lien of this Indenture to be amended, hypothecated, subordinated, terminated or discharged, or permit any Person to be released from any covenants or obligations with respect to this Indenture or the Notes except as may be permitted hereby or by the Collateral Management Agreement, (B) except as permitted by this Indenture, permit any lien, charge, adverse claim, security interest, mortgage or other encumbrance (other than the lien of this Indenture) to be created on or extend to or otherwise arise upon or burden any part of the Assets, any interest therein or the proceeds thereof, or (C) except as permitted by this Indenture, take any action that would permit the lien of this Indenture not to constitute a valid first priority security interest in the Assets;
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(v) amend the Collateral Management Agreement except pursuant to the terms thereof and Article XV of this Indenture;
(vi) dissolve or liquidate in whole or in part, except as permitted hereunder or required by applicable law;
(vii) pay any distributions other than in accordance with the Priority of Payments;
(viii) permit the formation of any subsidiaries;
(ix) conduct business under any name other than its own;
(x) have any employees (other than its respective officers and managers to the extent they are employees);
(xi) sell, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of Assets, or enter into an agreement or commitment to do so or enter into or engage in any business with respect to any part of the Assets, except as expressly permitted by both this Indenture and the Collateral Management Agreement;
(xii) fail to maintain an Independent Manager under the Limited Liability Company Agreement; and
(xiii) elect, or take any other action, to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(b) [reserved].
(c) The Issuer shall not be party to any agreements without including customary “non-petition” and “limited recourse” provisions therein (and shall not amend or eliminate such provisions in any agreement to which it is party), except for any agreements related to the purchase and sale of any Assets which contain customary (as determined by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion) purchase or sale terms or which are documented using customary (as determined by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion) loan trading documentation.
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Issuer may not acquire any of the Secured Notes; provided that this Section 7.8(d) shall not be deemed to limit an optional or mandatory redemption pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
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(e) The Issuer shall not acquire or hold any Collateral Obligation or Eligible Investment that is a debt obligation in bearer form unless the Collateral Obligation or Eligible Investment is not required to be in registered form under Section 163(f)(2)(A) of the Code.
Section 7.9 Statement as to Compliance. On or before December 31st in each calendar year commencing in 2022, or immediately if there has been a Default under this Indenture and prior to the issuance of any Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.13, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee (to be forwarded by the Trustee to the Collateral Manager, each Noteholder making a written request therefor and the Rating Agency) an Officer’s certificate of the Issuer that, having made reasonable inquiries of the Collateral Manager, and to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of the Issuer, there did not exist, as at a date not more than five days prior to the date of the certificate, nor had there existed at any time prior thereto since the date of the last certificate (if any), any Default hereunder or, if such Default did then exist or had existed, specifying the same and the nature and status thereof, including actions undertaken to remedy the same, and that the Issuer has complied with all of its obligations under this Indenture or, if such is not the case, specifying those obligations with which it has not complied.
Section 7.10 Issuer May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain Terms. The Issuer (the “Merging Entity”) shall not consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or transfer or convey all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, United States and Delaware law and unless:
(a) the Merging Entity shall be the surviving entity, or the Person (if other than the Merging Entity) formed by such consolidation or into which the Merging Entity is merged or to which all or substantially all of the assets of the Merging Entity are transferred (the “Successor Entity”) (A) shall be a company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware or the such other jurisdiction approved by a Majority of the Controlling Class; provided that no such approval shall be required in connection with any such transaction undertaken solely to effect a change in the jurisdiction of incorporation pursuant to Section 7.4, and (B) shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto and an omnibus assumption agreement, executed and delivered to the Trustee, each Holder, the Collateral Manager and the Collateral Administrator, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all Secured Notes, the payments of the Subordinated Notes and the performance and observance of every covenant of this Indenture and of each other Transaction Document on its part to be performed or observed, all as provided herein or therein, as applicable;
(b) the Rating Agency Condition shall be satisfied;
(c) if the Merging Entity is not the Successor Entity, the Successor Entity shall have agreed with the Trustee (i) to observe the same legal requirements for the recognition of such formed or surviving entity as a legal entity separate and apart from any of its Affiliates as are applicable to the Merging Entity with respect to its Affiliates and (ii) not to consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or transfer or convey the Assets or all or substantially all of its assets to any other Person except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.10;
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(d) if the Merging Entity is not the Successor Entity, the Successor Entity shall have delivered to the Trustee and the Rating Agency an Officer’s certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that such Person is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing in the jurisdiction in which such Person is organized; that such Person has sufficient power and authority to assume the obligations set forth in sub-section (a) above and to execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto for the purpose of assuming such obligations; that such Person has duly authorized the execution, delivery and performance of a supplemental indenture hereto for the purpose of assuming such obligations and that such supplemental indenture is a valid, legal and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject only to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); if the Merging Entity is the Issuer, that, immediately following the event which causes such Successor Entity to become the successor to the Issuer, (i) such Successor Entity has title, free and clear of any lien, security interest or charge, other than the lien and security interest of this Indenture and any other Permitted Liens, to the Assets securing all of the Secured Notes and (ii) the Trustee continues to have a valid perfected first priority security interest in the Assets securing all of the Secured Notes; and in each case as to such other matters as the Trustee or any Noteholder may reasonably require; provided that nothing in this clause shall imply or impose a duty on the Trustee to require such other documents;
(e) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(f) the Merging Entity shall have notified the Rating Agency of such consolidation, merger, transfer or conveyance and shall have delivered to the Trustee and each Noteholder an Officer’s certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that such consolidation, merger, transfer or conveyance and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article VII and that all conditions precedent in this Article VII relating to such transaction have been complied with;
(g) the Merging Entity shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) after giving effect to such transaction, the Issuer (or, if applicable, the Successor Entity) will not be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act and (ii) such transaction will not cause the Issuer (or, if applicable, the Successor Entity) to be treated as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis;
(h) after giving effect to such transaction, the outstanding stock of the Merging Entity (or, if applicable, the Successor Entity) will not be beneficially owned within the meaning of the 1940 Act by any U.S. Person; and
(i) the fees, costs and expenses of the Trustee (including any reasonable legal fees and expenses) associated with the matters addressed in this Section 7.10 shall have been paid by the Merging Entity (or, if applicable, the Successor Entity) or otherwise provided for to the satisfaction of the Trustee.
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Section 7.11 Successor Substituted. Upon any consolidation or merger, or transfer or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer in accordance with Section 7.10 in which the Merging Entity is not the surviving entity, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Merging Entity under this Indenture with the same effect as if such Person had been named as the Issuer, as the case may be, herein. In the event of any such consolidation, merger, transfer or conveyance, the Person named as the “Issuer” in the first paragraph of this Indenture or any successor which shall theretofore have become such in the manner prescribed in this Article VII may be dissolved, wound up and liquidated at any time thereafter, and such Person thereafter shall be released from its liabilities as obligor and maker on all the Notes and from its obligations under this Indenture and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
Section 7.12 No Other Business. The Issuer shall not have any employees (other than its respective officers and managers to the extent they are employees) and shall not engage in any business or activity other than issuing, selling, paying and redeeming the Notes and any Additional Notes issued pursuant to this Indenture, acquiring, holding, selling, exchanging, redeeming and pledging, solely for its own account, the Assets and other incidental activities thereto, including entering into the Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
Section 7.13 [Reserved].
Section 7.14 Annual Rating Review. So long as any Class of Secured Notes remains Outstanding, on or before December 31st in each year commencing in 2023, the Issuer shall obtain and pay for an annual review of the rating of each such Class of Secured Notes from the Rating Agency. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee and the Collateral Manager in writing (and the Trustee shall promptly provide the Holders with a copy of such notice) if at any time the then-current rating of any such Class of Secured Notes has been, or is known will be, changed or withdrawn.
Section 7.15 Reporting. At any time when the Issuer is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and is not exempt from reporting pursuant to Rule 12g3 - 2(b) under the Exchange Act, upon the request of a Holder or beneficial owner of a Note, the Issuer shall promptly furnish or cause to be furnished Rule 144A Information to such Holder or beneficial owner, to a prospective purchaser of such Note designated by such Holder or beneficial owner, or to the Trustee for delivery upon an Issuer Order to such Holder or beneficial owner or a prospective purchaser designated by such Holder or beneficial owner, as the case may be, in order to permit compliance by such Holder or beneficial owner with Rule 144A under the Securities Act in connection with the resale of such Note. “Rule 144A Information” shall be such information as is specified pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act (or any successor provision thereto).
Section 7.16 [Reserved].
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Section 7.17 Certain Tax Matters. (a) The Issuer shall treat itself either as a disregarded entity, for so long as its equity is owned by a single owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or as a partnership (other than a publicly traded partnership), for so long as its equity is owned by more than a single person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and shall not take a position that is inconsistent with the foregoing treatment for U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes.
(b) The Issuer shall treat (i) the Secured Notes as indebtedness of the Issuer for U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes, except as otherwise required by law and (ii) the Subordinated Notes as equity in the Issuer for U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes.
(c) The Issuer shall file, or cause to be filed, any tax returns, including information tax returns, required by any governmental authority; and shall provide (or cause its Independent accountants to provide), upon reasonable request, a Holder (which includes, for purposes of this Section 7.17, any beneficial owner of an interest in a Note) of a Subordinated Note any information necessary for such Holder to comply with its U.S. federal, state or local tax filing obligations arising as a result of its ownership of the Subordinated Notes.
(d) If the Issuer has purchased an interest and the Issuer is aware that such interest is a “reportable transaction” within the meaning of Section 6011 of the Code, and a Holder of a Subordinated Note (or any other Note that is required to be treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes) requests in writing information about any such transactions in which the Issuer is an investor, the Issuer shall provide, or cause its Independent accountants to provide, such information it has reasonably available that is required to be obtained by such Holder under the Code as soon as practicable after such request.
(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Collateral Manager, the Issuer, the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator, the Initial Purchasers, the Retention Provider, the Holders and beneficial owners of the Notes and each employee, representative or other agent of those Persons, may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Indenture and all materials of any kind, including opinions or other tax analyses, that are provided to those Persons. This authorization to disclose the U.S. tax treatment and tax structure does not permit disclosure of information identifying the Collateral Manager, the Issuer, the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator, the Initial Purchasers, each Retention Provider or any other party to the transactions contemplated by this Indenture, the Offering or the pricing (except to the extent such information is relevant to U.S. tax structure or tax treatment of such transactions).
(f) Upon the Issuer’s receipt of a request of a Holder of any Secured Note or written request of a Person certifying that it is an owner of a beneficial interest in a Secured Note (including, in each case, Holders and beneficial owners of any Additional Notes issued hereunder) for the information described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1275-3(b)(1)(i) that is applicable to such Note, the Issuer will cause its Independent certified public accountants to provide promptly to the Trustee and such requesting Holder or owner of a beneficial interest in such a Note all of such information. Upon request by the Independent accountants, the Trustee shall provide to the Independent accountants information reasonably available to it as reasonably requested by the Independent accountants to comply with this Section 7.17, including information contained in the Register.
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(g) If required to prevent the withholding and imposition of United States income tax on payments made to the Issuer, the Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered an IRS Form W-9 (or applicable successor form) or an appropriate IRS Form W-8IMY or applicable successor form certifying as to the United States Tax Person status of the equity owner or owners of the Issuer, together with any other tax certifications or agreements, to each issuer or Obligor of or counterparty with respect to an Asset at the time such Asset is purchased or entered into by the Issuer and thereafter prior to the obsolescence or expiration of such form. The Issuer shall take any and all actions that may be necessary or appropriate to ensure that the Issuer satisfies any and all withholding and tax payment and filing obligations under the Code. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Issuer may withhold any amount that it or any advisor required by the Trustee on its behalf determines is required to be withheld from any amounts otherwise payable to any Person.
(h) This Section 7.17(h) and sub-sections (i) through (l) below shall apply for so long as the Issuer is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For purposes of this Section 7.17: (i) “Partnership Interest” shall mean a Subordinated Note (or an interest therein) or any interest that constitutes equity in the Issuer for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (ii) “Partner” shall mean any Holder of a Partnership Interest. Each Partner shall treat the Issuer as a partnership and this Indenture as part of the Issuer’s partnership agreement for purposes of Subchapter K and any related provisions of the Code and Treasury Regulations.
(i) If so requested by a Majority of the Subordinated Notes, and if such Holders agree to reimburse the Issuer for all costs associated with such election, the Issuer is authorized to make (or hire accountants to make) an election under Section 754 of the Code.
(j) (i) The Tax Matters Partner shall establish and maintain or cause to be established and maintained on the books and records of the Issuer an individual capital account for each Partner in accordance with Section 704(b) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).
(ii) For capital account purposes, all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be allocated among the Partners in a manner such that, if the Issuer were dissolved, its affairs wound up, its assets sold for their respective “book values” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)) and its liabilities satisfied in full (except that nonrecourse liabilities with respect to an asset shall be satisfied only to the extent that such nonrecourse liabilities do not exceed the book value of such asset) and its assets distributed to the Partners in accordance with their respective capital account balances immediately after making such allocation, such distributions would, as nearly as possible, be equal to the distributions that would be made pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture. Any special allocations provided for in Section 7.17(j)(iv)-(vii) shall be taken into account for capital account purposes. For U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes, items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with the allocations of the corresponding items for capital account purposes under this Section 7.17(j), except that items with respect to which there is a difference between tax and book basis will be allocated in accordance with Section 704(c) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(i).
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(iii) The provisions of this Section 7.17(j) relating to the maintenance of capital accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such regulations. The Tax Matters Partner shall be authorized to make appropriate amendments to the allocations of items pursuant to this Section 7.17(j) if necessary in order to comply with Section 704 of the Code or the appropriate provisions of Treasury Regulations.
(iv) Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Section 7.17(j), no item of deduction or loss shall be allocated to a Partner to the extent the allocation would cause a negative balance in the Partner’s capital account (after taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6)) that exceeds the amount that such Partner would be required to reimburse the Issuer pursuant to this Indenture or under applicable law. In the event some but not all of the Partners would have such excess capital account deficits as a consequence of such an allocation of loss or deduction, the limitation set forth in this Section 7.17(j)(iv) shall be applied on a Partner-by-Partner basis so as to allocate the maximum permissible deduction or loss to each such Partner under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). In the event any loss or deduction is specially allocated to a Partner pursuant to either of the two preceding sentences, an equal amount of income of the Issuer shall be specially allocated to such Partner prior to any allocation pursuant to Section 7.17(j)(ii).
(v) In the event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6), items of Issuer income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate as quickly as possible any deficit balance in its capital account in excess of that permitted under Section 7.17(j)(iv) created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions. Any special allocations of items of income or gain pursuant to this Section 7.17(j)(v) shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations pursuant to this Section 7.17(j)(v) so that the net amount of any items so allocated and all other items allocated to each Partner pursuant to this Section 7.17(j)(v) shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Partner pursuant to the provisions of this Section 7.17(j) if such unexpected adjustments, allocations or distributions had not occurred.
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(vi) In the event the Issuer incurs any nonrecourse liabilities, income and gain shall be allocated in accordance with the “minimum gain chargeback” provisions of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(4)(iv) and 1.704-2.
(vii) The capital accounts of the Partners may be adjusted or revalued to reflect the fair market value of Issuer property in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), to the extent such adjustment or revaluation is permitted thereunder.
(k) The Initial Subordinated Noteholder will be the initial “partnership representative” (as defined in Section 6223 of the Code, after amendment by P.L. 114-74) (the “Tax Matters Partner”) and may designate the Tax Matters Partner from time to time from among any willing Holder of Subordinated Notes (including itself and any of its Affiliates) with respect to any taxable year of the Issuer during which the Initial Subordinated Noteholder or any of its Affiliates holds or has held any Subordinated Notes (and if such designee is not eligible under the Code to be the Tax Matters Partner, it shall be the agent and attorney-in-fact of the Tax Matters Partner); provided, that during any other period or if the Initial Subordinated Noteholder declines to so designate a Tax Matters Partner, the Issuer (after consultation with the Collateral Manager) shall designate the Tax Matters Partner from among any Holder of Subordinated Notes (excluding the Initial Subordinated Noteholder and its Affiliates) (and if such designee is not eligible under the Code to be the Tax Matters Partner, it shall be the agent and attorney-in-fact of the Tax Matters Partner). The Tax Matters Partner (or, if applicable, its agent and attorney-in-fact) shall sign the Issuer’s tax returns and is authorized to make tax elections on behalf of the Issuer in its reasonable discretion, to determine the amount and characterization of any allocations or tax items described in this Section 7.17 in its reasonable discretion, and to take all actions and do such things as required or as it shall deem appropriate under the Code, at the Issuer’s sole expense, including representing the Issuer before taxing authorities and courts in tax matters affecting the Issuer and the Partners. Any action taken by the Tax Matters Partner in connection with audits of the Issuer under the Code will, to the extent permitted by law, be binding upon the Partners. Each such Partner agrees that it will treat any Issuer item on such Partner’s income tax returns consistently with the treatment of the item on the Issuer’s tax return and that such Partner will not independently act with respect to tax audits or tax litigation affecting the Issuer, unless previously authorized to do so in writing by the Tax Matters Partner (or, if applicable, its agent and attorney-in-fact), which authorization may be withheld in the complete discretion of the Tax Matters Partner (or, if applicable, its agent and attorney-in fact). The Issuer will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, reimburse and indemnify the Tax Matters Partner and any agent and attorney-in-fact of such Tax Matters Partner in connection with any expenses reasonably incurred in connection with its performance of its duties as or on behalf of the Tax Matters Partner. For the avoidance of doubt, any indemnity or reimbursement provided pursuant to the immediately foregoing sentence shall be treated as an Administrative Expense pursuant to the definition thereof.
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(l) The Tax Matters Partner shall be the “partnership representative” for purposes of Section 6223 of the Code, as amended by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (the “Partnership Representative”) (or, if not eligible to be the Partnership Representative, as agent-in-fact of the Partnership Representative). If the IRS, in connection with an audit governed by the tax audit rules that apply to partnerships that are contemplated by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (the “Partnership Tax Audit Rules”), proposes an adjustment greater than $25,000 in the amount of any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Issuer, or any Partner’s distributive share thereof, and such adjustment results in an “imputed underpayment” as described in Section 6225(b) of the Code, as amended by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, together with any guidance issued thereunder or successor provisions (a “Covered Audit Adjustment”), the Partnership Representative will use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account whether the Partnership Representative has received any needed information on a timely basis from the Partners), to apply the alternative method provided by Section 6226 of the Code, as amended by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, together with any guidance issued thereunder or successor provisions (the “Alternative Method”). In the event the proposed adjustment is equal to or less than $25,000, the Partnership Representative may in its sole discretion elect to have the Issuer pay such adjustment. To the extent that the Partnership Representative does not (or is unable to) elect the Alternative Method with respect to a Covered Audit Adjustment and such Covered Audit Adjustment is material as to the Issuer (determined in the Partnership Representative’s sole discretion), the Partnership Representative shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) to the extent not economically or administratively burdensome or onerous, make reasonable modifications available under Sections 6225(c)(3), (4) and (5) of the Code, as amended by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, together with any guidance issued thereunder or successor provisions, to the extent that such modifications are available (taking into account whether the Partnership Representative has received any needed information on a timely basis from the Partners) and would reduce any taxes payable by the Issuer with respect to the Covered Audit Adjustment, and (ii) if reasonably requested by a Partner, provide to such Partner available information allowing such Partner to file an amended U.S. federal income tax return, as described in Section 6225(c)(2) of the Code, as amended by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, together with any guidance issued thereunder or successor provisions, to the extent that such amended return and payment of any related U.S. federal income taxes would reduce any taxes payable by the Issuer with respect to the Covered Audit Adjustment (after taking into account any modifications described in clause (i)). Similar procedures shall be followed in connection with any state or local income tax audit governed by the Partnership Tax Audit Rules. Any U.S. federal income taxes (and any related interest and penalties) paid by the Issuer (or any diminution in distributable proceeds resulting from an adjustment under Partnership Tax Audit Rules) may be allocated in the reasonable discretion of the Issuer to those Partners to whom such amounts are specifically attributable (whether as a result of their status, actions, inactions or otherwise), as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Issuer. The Issuer shall not elect or cause any election to be made to apply the Partnership Tax Audit Rules to the Issuer prior to the generally applicable effective date of such legislation, unless the Issuer, in good faith, reasonably determines that such an election would be in the best interests of the Issuer and all Holders of the Notes.
(m) The Issuer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the Issuer complies with FATCA. Upon written request, the Trustee and the Registrar shall provide to the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Initial Purchasers or any agent thereof any information specified by such parties regarding the Holders of the Notes and payments on the Notes that is reasonably available to the Trustee or the Registrar, as the case may be, and may be necessary for compliance with FATCA, subject in all cases to confidentiality provisions.
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Section 7.18 Purchase of Additional Collateral Obligations. (a) During the Prefunding Period, the Issuer will use commercially reasonable efforts to purchase Collateral Obligations that satisfy, as of the date the Collateral Manager commits on behalf of the Issuer to purchase such Collateral Obligation, each of the Investment Criteria, other than that set forth in Section 12.2(iii) hereof.
(b) During the Prefunding Period, the Issuer will use the funds on deposit in the Prefunding Account to purchase Additional Collateral Obligations.
(c) The failure of the Issuer to satisfy the requirements of this Section 7.18 will not constitute an Event of Default unless such failure constitutes an Event of Default under Section 5.1(c) hereof and the Issuer, or the Collateral Manager acting on behalf of the Issuer, has acted in bad faith. Of the proceeds of the issuance of the Notes which are not applied to pay for the purchase of Collateral Obligations acquired by the Issuer on the Closing Date an amount equal to U.S.$59,358,518 will be deposited in the Prefunding Account on the Closing Date. At the direction of the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer), the Trustee shall apply amounts held in the Prefunding Account to purchase Additional Collateral Obligations during the Prefunding Period as described in clause (b) above. If on the first day following the end of the Prefunding Period, any amounts on deposit in the Prefunding Account have not been applied to purchase Collateral Obligations, such amounts shall be applied as described in Section 10.3(c).
Section 7.19 Representations Relating to Security Interests in the Assets. (a) The Issuer hereby represents and warrants that, as of the Closing Date (which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Indenture and be deemed to be repeated on each date on which an Asset is Granted to the Trustee hereunder):
(i) The Issuer owns each Asset free and clear of any lien, claim or encumbrance of any Person, other than such as are created under, or permitted by, this Indenture and any other Permitted Liens.
(ii) Other than the security interest Granted to the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture, except as permitted by this Indenture, the Issuer has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of the Assets. The Issuer has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any Financing Statements against the Issuer that include a description of collateral covering the Assets other than any Financing Statement relating to the security interest granted to the Trustee hereunder or that has been terminated; the Issuer is not aware of any judgment, PBGC liens or tax lien filings against the Issuer.
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(iii) All Assets constitute Cash, accounts (as defined in Section 9-102(a)(2) of the UCC), Instruments, general intangibles (as defined in Section 9-102(a)(42) of the UCC), uncertificated securities (as defined in Section 8-102(a)(18) of the UCC), Certificated Securities or security entitlements to financial assets resulting from the crediting of financial assets to a “securities account” (as defined in Section 8-501(a) of the UCC).
(iv) All Accounts constitute “securities accounts” under Section 8-501(a) of the UCC.
(v) This Indenture creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in Section 1 - 201(37) of the UCC) in such Assets in favor of the Trustee, for the benefit and security of the Secured Parties, which security interest is prior to all other liens, claims and encumbrances (except as permitted otherwise herein), and is enforceable as such against creditors of and purchasers from the Issuer.
(b) The Issuer hereby represents and warrants that, as of the Closing Date (which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Indenture and be deemed to be repeated on each date on which an Asset is Granted to the Trustee hereunder), with respect to Assets that constitute Instruments:
(i) Either (x) the Issuer has caused or will have caused, within ten days after the Closing Date, the filing of all appropriate Financing Statements in the proper office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the security interest in the Instruments granted to the Trustee, for the benefit and security of the Secured Parties or (y) (A) all original executed copies of each promissory note or mortgage note that constitutes or evidences the Instruments have been delivered to the Trustee or the Issuer has received written acknowledgement from a custodian that such custodian is holding the mortgage notes or promissory notes that constitute evidence of the Instruments solely on behalf of the Trustee and for the benefit of the Secured Parties and (B) none of the Instruments that constitute or evidence the Assets has any marks or notations indicating that they are pledged, assigned or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
(ii) The Issuer has received all consents and approvals required by the terms of the Assets to the pledge hereunder to the Trustee of its interest and rights in the Assets.
(c) The Issuer hereby represents and warrants that, as of the Closing Date (which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Indenture and be deemed to be repeated on each date on which an Asset is Granted to the Trustee hereunder), with respect to the Assets that constitute Security Entitlements:
(i) All of such Assets have been and will have been credited to one of the Accounts which are securities accounts within the meaning of Section 8-501(a) of the UCC. The Securities Intermediary for each Account has agreed to treat all assets credited to such Accounts as “financial assets” within the meaning of Section 8-102(a)(9) the UCC.
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(ii) The Issuer has received all consents and approvals required by the terms of the Assets to the pledge hereunder to the Trustee of its interest and rights in the Assets.
(iii) (x) The Issuer has caused or will have caused, within ten days after the Closing Date, the filing of all appropriate Financing Statements in the proper office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the security interest granted to the Trustee, for the benefit and security of the Secured Parties, hereunder and (y) (A) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee a fully executed Securities Account Control Agreement pursuant to which the Custodian has agreed to comply with all instructions originated by the Trustee relating to the Accounts without further consent by the Issuer or (B) the Issuer has taken all steps necessary to cause the Custodian to identify in its records the Trustee as the Person having a security entitlement against the Custodian in each of the Accounts.
(iv) The Accounts are not in the name of any Person other than the Issuer or the Trustee. The Issuer has not consented to the Custodian to comply with the entitlement order (as defined in Section 8-102(a)(8) of the UCC) of any Person other than the Trustee (and the Issuer prior to a notice of exclusive control being provided by the Trustee).
(d) The Issuer hereby represents and warrants that, as of the Closing Date (which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Indenture and be deemed to be repeated on each date on which an Asset is Granted to the Trustee hereunder), with respect to Assets that constitute general intangibles:
(i) The Issuer has caused or will have caused, within ten days after the Closing Date, the filing of all appropriate Financing Statements in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the security interest in the Assets granted to the Trustee, for the benefit and security of the Secured Parties, hereunder.
(ii) The Issuer has received, or will receive, all consents and approvals required by the terms of the Assets to the pledge hereunder to the Trustee of its interest and rights in the Assets.
(e) The Issuer agrees to notify the Collateral Manager and the Rating Agency promptly if they become aware of the breach of any of the representations and warranties contained in this Section 7.19.
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ARTICLE VIII
Supplemental Indentures
Section 8.1 Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders of Notes. (a) Without the consent of the Holders of any Notes (unless otherwise specified below) but with the written consent of the Collateral Manager, at any time and from time to time subject to Section 8.3 and without an Opinion of Counsel being provided to the Issuer or the Trustee as to whether any Class of Notes would be materially and adversely affected thereby, the Issuer and the Trustee may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(i) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Issuer and the assumption by any such successor Person of the covenants of the Issuer herein and in the Notes;
(ii) to add to the covenants of the Issuer or the Trustee for the benefit of the Secured Parties, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer;
(iii) to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Trustee or add to the conditions, limitations or restrictions on the authorized amount, terms and purposes of the issue, authentication and delivery of the Notes;
(iv) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Sections 6.9, 6.10 and 6.12 hereof;
(v) to correct or amplify the description of any property at any time subject to the lien of this Indenture, or to better assure, convey and confirm unto the Trustee any property subject or required to be subjected to the lien of this Indenture (including, without limitation, any and all actions necessary or desirable as a result of changes in law or regulations, whether pursuant to Section 7.5 or otherwise) or to subject to the lien of this Indenture any additional property;
(vi) to modify the restrictions on and procedures for resales and other transfers of Notes to reflect any changes in ERISA or other applicable law or regulation (or the interpretation thereof) or to enable the Issuer to rely upon any exemption from registration under the Securities Act or the 1940 Act or otherwise comply with any applicable securities law;
(vii) to remove restrictions on resale and transfer of Notes to the extent not required under clause (vi) above;
(viii) to correct or supplement any inconsistent or defective provisions herein, to cure any ambiguity, omission or errors herein; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and without regard to any other consent requirement specified herein, any supplemental indenture to be entered into pursuant to this clause (viii) may also provide for any corrective measures or ancillary amendments to this Indenture to give effect to such supplemental indenture as if it had been effective as of the Closing Date;
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(ix) to conform the provisions of this Indenture to the Offering Circular; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and without regard to any other consent requirement specified herein, any supplemental indenture to be entered into pursuant to this clause (x) may also provide for any corrective measures or ancillary amendments to this Indenture to give effect to such supplemental indenture as if it had been effective as of the Closing Date;
(x) to take any action necessary, advisable, or helpful to prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or the holders of any Notes from being subject to (or to otherwise reduce) withholding or other taxes, fees or assessments or to reduce the risk that the Issuer will be subject to tax (including as a result of being classified as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation);
(xi) (A) subject to the requirements of Section 2.13, to permit the Issuer to issue Additional Notes of any one or more existing Classes of Notes; or (B) to permit the Issuer to issue a replacement loan or securities or other indebtedness in connection with a Refinancing, including any modification necessary to (I) reflect the Refinancing of fixed rate Notes with floating rate Notes or vice versa, (II) establish a non-call period and, if applicable, prohibit future Refinancing of any class of refinancing obligations or (III)in the case of a Refinancing of the Secured Notes (a) modify the Weighted Average Life Test or (b) extend the Reinvestment Period, and to make such other changes as shall be necessary to facilitate a Refinancing;
(xii) to modify the procedures herein relating to compliance with Rule 17g-5 of the Exchange Act;
(xiii) [reserved];
(xiv) to accommodate the issuance of the Notes in book-entry form through the facilities of the depository or otherwise;
(xv) to take any action necessary or advisable to prevent the Issuer or the pool of Assets from being required to register under the 1940 Act, or to avoid any requirement that the Collateral Manager or any Affiliate consolidate the Issuer on its financial statements for financial reporting purposes (provided that no Holders are materially adversely affected thereby);
(xvi) to reduce the permitted minimum denomination of the Secured Notes;
(xvii) to change the date on which reports are required to be delivered under this Indenture;
(xviii) to modify any provisions of the Indenture that potentially could result (in the reasonable judgment of the Collateral Manager) in non-compliance by the transaction with the EU Securitisation Laws, the UK Securitisation Law or the Risk Retention Letter;
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(xix) to modify Section 3.3 or Section 7.19 to conform with applicable law;
(xx) to evidence any waiver or elimination by the Rating Agency of any requirement or condition of the Rating Agency set forth herein;
(xxi) to change the name of the Issuer in connection with the change in name or identity of the Collateral Manager or as otherwise required pursuant to a contractual obligation or to avoid the use of a trade name or trademark in respect of which the Issuer does not have a license;
(xxii) to amend, modify or otherwise accommodate changes to this Indenture to comply with any rule or regulation enacted by regulatory agencies of the United States federal government, exchange authority, listing agent, transfer agent or additional registrar after the Closing Date that are applicable to the Notes;
(xxiii) to amend, modify or otherwise change the provisions of this Indenture so that (A) the Issuer is not a “covered fund” under the Volcker Rule, (B) the Secured Notes are not considered to constitute “ownership interests” under the Volcker Rule or (C) ownership of the Secured Notes will otherwise be exempt from the Volcker Rule;
(xxiv) to modify the definition of “Credit Risk Obligation” in a manner not materially adverse to any holders of any Class of Notes as evidenced by a certificate of the Collateral Manager delivered to the Trustee and the Holders of Secured Notes;
(xxv) to permit the Issuer to enter into any additional agreements not expressly prohibited by this Indenture as well as any amendment, modification or waiver thereof if the Issuer determines that such additional agreement, amendment, modification or waiver would not, upon or after becoming effective, materially and adversely affect the rights or interests of holders of any Class of Notes; provided that (A) any such additional agreement shall include customary limited recourse and non-petition provisions and (B) the Trustee receives an opinion of counsel with respect to whether the interests of holders of any Class of Notes would be materially and adversely affected (which opinion may be supported as to factual (including financial and capital markets) matters by any relevant certificates and other documents necessary or advisable in the judgment of counsel delivering the opinion);
(xxvi) with the consent of the Majority of the Class A Notes, to modify (A) the Portfolio Tests or the definitions related thereto, (B) any of the Investment Criteria or (C) the Borrowing Base Condition or the definitions related thereto or the calculation thereof so long as the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied and no Secured Notes would be materially and adversely effected thereby;
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(xxvii) with the consent of the Majority of the Class A Notes, to modify or amend any component of the Concentration Limitations and the definitions related thereto which affect the calculation thereof so long as the Collateral Manager certifies that no Class of Secured Notes would be materially and adversely effected thereby and the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied; or
(xxviii) to make any modification determined by the Collateral Manager necessary or advisable to comply with U.S. Risk Retention Rules or the EU/UK Retention Requirements, including (without limitation) in connection with a Refinancing, Optional Redemption, additional issuance of Notes or material amendment to any of the Transaction Documents.
For the avoidance of doubt, Reset Amendments are not subject to any consent requirements that would otherwise apply to supplemental indentures described in this Section 8.1 or elsewhere herein.
Section 8.2 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders of Notes. Subject to the provisions of Section 8.1 and the provisions in this Section 8.2, with the consent of a Majority of the Secured Notes of each Class materially and adversely affected thereby, and if the Subordinated Notes are materially and adversely affected thereby, a Majority of the Subordinated Notes, the Trustee and the Issuer may execute one or more supplemental indentures to add provisions to, or change in any manner or eliminate any provisions of, this Indenture or modify in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes of any Class under this Indenture; provided that without the consent of each Holder of each Outstanding Note of each Class materially and adversely affected thereby, no such supplemental indenture described above may:
(i) reduce the percentage of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of Holders of each Class whose consent is required for the authorization of any such supplemental indenture or for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder or their consequences provided for herein;
(ii) impair or adversely affect the Assets except as otherwise permitted herein;
(iii) except as otherwise permitted by this Indenture, permit the creation of any lien ranking prior to or on a parity with the lien of this Indenture with respect to any part of the Assets or terminate such lien on any property at any time subject hereto or deprive the Holder of any Secured Note of the security afforded by the lien of this Indenture;
(iv) reduce the percentage of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of Holders of any Class of Secured Notes whose consent is required to request the Trustee to preserve the Assets or rescind the Trustee’s election to preserve the Assets pursuant to Section 5.5 or to sell or liquidate the Assets pursuant to Section 5.4 or 5.5;
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(v) modify any of the provisions of (x) this Section 8.2, except to increase the percentage of Outstanding Class A Notes, Class B Notes, Class C Notes or Subordinated Notes the consent of the Holders of which is required for any such action or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Class A Note Outstanding, Class B Note Outstanding, Class C Note Outstanding or Subordinated Note Outstanding and affected thereby or (y) Section 8.1 or Section 8.3;
(vi) modify any provision to facilitate an exchange of one obligation for another obligation of the same Obligor that has substantially identical terms except transfer restrictions, including to effect any serial designation relating to the exchange; provided that no such supplemental indenture shall be required to facilitate any exchanges of one obligation for another obligation in accordance with Article XII hereof;
(vii) modify the definition of the terms “Outstanding” or the Priority of Payments set forth in Section 11.1(a); or
(viii) modify any of the provisions of this Indenture in such a manner as to affect the calculation of the amount of any payment of interest or principal on any Secured Note, or any amount available for distribution to the Subordinated Notes, or to affect the rights of the Holders of the Secured Notes to the benefit of any provisions for the redemption of the Secured Notes contained herein.
provided that, with respect to any supplemental indenture which, by its terms, (x) provides for a redemption by Refinancing of all, but not less than all, of the Secured Notes in whole, but not in part, and (y) is consented to by the Holders of at least a Majority of the Subordinated Notes, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained or implied elsewhere in this Indenture, the Collateral Manager may, without regard to any other consent requirement specified above or elsewhere in this Indenture, cause such supplemental indenture to be entered into, and the Trustee and the Issuer shall enter into such supplemental indenture, which supplemental indenture may (a) effect an extension of the end of the Reinvestment Period, (b) establish a non-call period for the replacement notes or loans issued to replace such Secured Notes or prohibit a future refinancing of such replacement securities, (c) modify the Weighted Average Life Test, (d) provide for a stated maturity of such replacement notes or loans that is later than the Stated Maturity of the Secured Notes, (e) effect an extension of the Stated Maturity of the Subordinated Notes, and/or (f) make any other supplements or amendments to this Indenture that would otherwise be subject to the consent rights set forth above (a “Reset Amendment”).
In addition, in the event that any or all restrictions and/or limitations under the U.S. Risk Retention Rules, the EU Securitisation Laws or the UK Securitisation Laws are withdrawn, repealed or modified to be less restrictive on the Retention Provider, at the request of the Retention Provider and, in the case of the EU Securitisation Laws or the UK Securitisation Laws, the EU/UK Retention Provider, the Issuer, the Initial Purchasers, the Trustee or the Collateral Manager will modify any corresponding terms of the Indenture to reflect any such withdrawal, repeal or modification.
Unless the Trustee and the Issuer are notified within 10 Business Days after notice by the Trustee to the holders of a proposed supplemental indenture by a Majority of any Class from whom consent is not being requested that the holders of such Class giving such notice believe that they will be materially and adversely affected by the proposed supplemental indenture, the interests of such Class will be deemed for all purposes to not be materially and adversely affected by such proposed supplemental indenture.
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Provided that no Retention Event has occurred and is continuing, no amendment or supplement to the Indenture which would modify the Investment Criteria or the Concentration Limitations, in each case, that would affect the EU/UK Retention Provider’s ability to comply with its obligations under the Risk Retention Letter (other than those made to ensure compliance with the EU Securitisation Laws and the UK Securitisation Laws) or that would otherwise have a material adverse effect on the EU/UK Retention Provider will be effective unless the EU/UK Retention Provider provides its prior written consent. For the avoidance of doubt, if a Retention Event has occurred and is continuing, the EU/UK Retention Provider will have no consent rights in accordance with this paragraph; provided however, the EU/UK Retention Provider will be permitted to exercise its rights as a holder of Notes.
Notwithstanding any other provision relating to supplemental indentures herein, at any time, if any Class of Notes has been or contemporaneously with the effectiveness of any supplemental indenture will be paid in full in accordance with this Indenture as so supplemented or amended, the written consent of any Holder of any Note of such Class will not be required with respect to such supplemental indenture.
Section 8.3 Execution of Supplemental Indentures. (a) The Collateral Manager shall not be bound to follow any amendment or supplement to this Indenture unless it has consented thereto in accordance with this Article VIII. No amendment to this Indenture will be effective against the Collateral Administrator if such amendment would adversely affect the Collateral Administrator, including, without limitation, any amendment or supplement that would increase the duties or liabilities of, or adversely change the economic consequences to, the Collateral Administrator, unless the Collateral Administrator otherwise consents in writing.
(b) [Reserved.]
(c) [Reserved.]
(d) The Trustee may conclusively rely on an Opinion of Counsel (which may be supported as to factual (including financial and capital markets) matters by any relevant certificates and other documents necessary or advisable in the judgment of counsel delivering the opinion) or a Responsible Officer’s certificate of the Collateral Manager as to whether the interests of any holder of Notes would be materially and adversely affected by the modifications set forth in any supplemental indenture, it being expressly understood and agreed that the Trustee shall have no obligation to make any determination as to the satisfaction of the requirements related to any supplemental indenture which may form the basis of such Opinion of Counsel or such Responsible Officer’s certificate; provided that if a Majority of any Class of Notes has provided written notice to the Trustee at least one Business Day prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture that such Class would be materially and adversely affected thereby, the Trustee shall not be entitled to rely on an Opinion of Counsel or a Responsible Officer’s certificate of the Collateral Manager as to whether or not the Holders of such Class would be materially and adversely affected by such supplemental indenture and shall not enter into such supplemental indenture without the consent of a Majority (or Supermajority or each Holder, as applicable) of such Class. Such determination by such Class as to whether the interests of any Holder have been materially and adversely affected shall be conclusive and binding on all present and future Holders. The Trustee shall not be liable for any determination made in good faith and in reliance upon an Opinion of Counsel or such a Responsible Officer’s certificate delivered to the Trustee as described herein.
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(e) The Trustee shall join in the execution of any such supplemental indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties, liabilities or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
(f) In executing or accepting the additional trusts created by any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article VIII or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Sections 6.1 and 6.3) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that all conditions precedent thereto have been satisfied. The Trustee shall not be liable for any reliance made in good faith upon such an Opinion of Counsel. Such determination shall, in each case, be conclusive and binding on all present and future Holders and beneficial owners.
(g) At the request and cost of the Issuer, for so long as any Notes shall remain Outstanding, not later than 10 days prior to the execution of any proposed supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 8.1 and not later than 7 days prior to the execution of any proposed supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 8.2, the Trustee shall send to the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator and the Noteholders a copy of such proposed supplemental indenture; provided that, for any party entitled to receive notice, this provision will be deemed satisfied (1) upon the written waiver of such party to receipt of such notice and (2) in the case of the Holders, the simultaneous payment in full of the Notes held by such holders pursuant to the proposed supplemental indenture. At the cost of the Issuer, for so long as the Secured Notes shall remain Outstanding and rated by the Rating Agency, the Trustee shall provide to the Rating Agency a copy of any proposed supplemental indenture at least 7 days prior to the execution thereof by the Trustee (unless such period is waived by the Rating Agency). Following such deliveries by the Trustee, if any changes are made to such proposed supplemental indenture other than to correct typographical errors or to adjust formatting, then at the request and cost of the Issuer, for so long as any Notes shall remain Outstanding, not later than 3 days prior to the execution of such proposed supplemental indenture (provided that the execution of such proposed supplemental indenture shall not in any case occur earlier than the date 10 days or 7 days, as applicable, after the initial distribution of such proposed supplemental indenture pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 8.3(g)), the Trustee shall send to the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator, the Noteholders and the Rating Agency a copy of such supplemental indenture as revised, indicating the changes that were made. Any failure of the Trustee to publish or deliver such notices, or any defect therein, shall not in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture. In the case of a supplemental indenture to be entered into pursuant to Section 8.1(a)(xi)(B), the foregoing notice periods shall not apply and a copy of the proposed supplemental indenture shall be included in the notice of Optional Redemption given to each holder of Secured Notes under Section 9.2; and, upon execution of the supplemental indenture, at the cost of the Issuer, a copy thereof shall be delivered to the Rating Agency and each Holder of Notes.
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(h) It shall not be necessary for any Act of the Holders to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient, if the consent of any Holders to such proposed supplemental indenture is required, that such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
(i) At any time during or after the Reinvestment Period, at the written direction of any Holder or Holders of Subordinated Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit F (solely for Contributions of Cash or Eligible Investments), but without any amendment to this Indenture or the consent of any other Holder of Notes (i) such Holder may make a Contribution of Cash, Eligible Investments or Collateral Obligations or (ii) solely with respect to Holders of Certificated Subordinated Notes, such Holder may designate (prior to the Determination Date) all or a specified portion of amounts that would otherwise be distributed on such Payment Date to such Holder or Holders of Subordinated Notes be deposited in the Collection Account as a Contribution and be available for reinvestment in Additional Collateral Obligations and other Permitted Uses as directed by the applicable Contributor, so long as the Collateral Manager consents to such Permitted Use(s) (or if no direction is given by the Contributor, at the Collateral Manager’s reasonable discretion).
Section 8.4 Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article VIII, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Notes theretofore and thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.
Section 8.5 Reference in Notes to Supplemental Indentures. Notes authenticated and delivered as part of a transfer, exchange or replacement pursuant to Article II of Notes originally issued hereunder after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article VIII may, and if required by the Issuer shall, bear a notice as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Issuer shall so determine, new Notes, so modified as to conform in the opinion of the Issuer to any such supplemental indenture, may be prepared and executed by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Notes.
Section 8.6 Hedge Agreements. The Issuer and the Trustee shall not enter into any supplemental indenture that permits the Issuer to enter into a hedge agreement unless the Issuer obtains (and provides a copy to the Trustee) (a) a certification from the Collateral Manager that (i) the written terms of the derivative directly relate to the Collateral Obligations and the Notes and (ii) such derivative reduces the interest rate and/or foreign exchange risks related to the Collateral Obligations and the Notes, (b) written advice of counsel that such hedge agreement will not cause any Person to be required to register as a “commodity pool operator” (within the meaning of the Commodity Exchange Act) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in connection with the Issuer and (c) the consent of a Majority of the Controlling Class. The Issuer shall provide KBRA with written notice of any supplemental indenture that permits the Issuer to enter into a hedge agreement (including the strike rate and notional detail of the proposed hedge agreement), and the Issuer shall only enter into such hedge agreement with a counterparty that has the minimum ratings required by KBRA at the time the Issuer enters into such hedge agreement, unless KBRA provides written confirmation that such counterparty is not required to have such minimum ratings.
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ARTICLE IX
Redemption Of Notes
Section 9.1 Optional Redemption. (a) From and after the Non-Call End Date, one or more Classes of the Secured Notes shall be redeemable by the Issuer at the written direction of a Majority of the Subordinated Notes (and in the case of a Refinancing, with the consent of the Collateral Manager and the Retention Provider) on any Business Day as follows: (i) the Secured Notes shall be redeemed in whole but not in part from Sale Proceeds, Contributions of Cash and/or Refinancing Proceeds and (ii) the Secured Notes may be redeemed in part by Class from Refinancing Proceeds, Contributions of cash and/or Partial Refinancing Interest Proceeds. In connection with any such redemption, the Secured Notes shall be redeemed at the applicable Redemption Prices and a Majority of Subordinated Notes must provide the above described written direction (and the Collateral Manager and Retention Provider the above described consent in the case of a Refinancing) to the Issuer and the Trustee not later than 10 days (or such shorter period of time as the Trustee and the Collateral Manager find reasonably acceptable) prior to the Business Day on which such redemption is to be made; provided that all Secured Notes must be redeemed simultaneously.
(b) Upon receipt of a notice of any redemption of the Secured Notes (other than a redemption entirely out of proceeds from a Refinancing) pursuant to Section 9.1(a)(i), the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion shall direct the sale (and the manner thereof) of all or part of the Collateral Obligations and other Assets such that the proceeds from such sale and all other funds available for such purpose in the Collection Account and the Payment Account will be at least sufficient to pay the Redemption Prices of the Secured Notes to be redeemed and to pay all Administrative Expenses (regardless of the Administrative Expense Cap) and Aggregate Collateral Management Fees due and payable under the Priority of Payments. If such proceeds of such sale and all other funds available for such purpose in the Collection Account and the Payment Account would not be sufficient to redeem all Secured Notes and to pay such fees and expenses, the Secured Notes may not be redeemed. The Collateral Manager, in its sole discretion, may effect the sale of all or any part of the Collateral Obligations or other Assets through the direct sale of such Collateral Obligations or other Assets or by participation, merger or other arrangement.
(c) The Subordinated Notes may be redeemed, for the relevant Redemption Price, on any Business Day on or after the redemption (including in connection with a Refinancing of the Secured Notes) or repayment in full of all of the Secured Notes, at the written direction of a Majority of the Subordinated Notes delivered to the Trustee and the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer at least five Business Days prior to the designated Business Day on which the Subordinated Notes are to be redeemed (which direction may be given in connection with a direction to redeem the Secured Notes or at any time after the Secured Notes have been redeemed or repaid in full).
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(d) In addition to (or in lieu of) a sale of Collateral Obligations and/or Eligible Investments in the manner provided in Section 9.2(b), the Secured Notes may be redeemed on any Business Day in whole from Refinancing Proceeds, Contributions of Cash and/or Sale Proceeds or in part by Class from Refinancing Proceeds, Contributions of cash and/or Partial Refinancing Interest Proceeds; in each case through a Refinancing; provided that the terms of such Refinancing and any financial institutions acting as lenders thereunder or purchasers thereof must be acceptable to the Collateral Manager, the Retention Provider and a Majority of the Subordinated Notes and such Refinancing otherwise satisfies the conditions described below.
(e) In the case of a Refinancing upon a redemption of the Secured Notes in whole but not in part pursuant to Section 9.1(a)(i), such Refinancing will be effective only if (i) the Refinancing Proceeds, all or a specified (as directed by Holders of Certificated Subordinated Notes entitled to receive such Interest Proceeds and as determined by the Issuer, or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) portion of Interest Proceeds that are otherwise payable pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i)(K), all Sale Proceeds, if any, from the sale of Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments in accordance with the procedures set forth herein, Contributions of Cash and all other available funds will be at least sufficient to redeem simultaneously the Secured Notes then required to be redeemed, in whole but not in part at the Redemption Price (subject to any election to receive less than 100% of Redemption Price as noted below), and to pay all accrued and unpaid Administrative Expenses (regardless of the Administrative Expense Cap), including, without limitation, the reasonable fees, costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) in connection with such Refinancing, (ii) the Refinancing Proceeds, all or a specified (as directed by Holders of Certificated Subordinated Notes entitled to receive such Interest Proceeds and as determined by the Issuer, or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) portion of Interest Proceeds that is otherwise payable pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i)(K), all Sale Proceeds, if any, Contributions of Cash and other available funds are used (to the extent necessary) to make such redemption, (iii) the agreements relating to the Refinancing contain limited recourse and non-petition provisions equivalent (mutatis mutandis) to those contained in Section 13.1(b) and Section 2.7(i) and (iv) the Collateral Manager and the Retention Provider each consents to such Refinancing.
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(f) In the case of a Refinancing upon a redemption of the Secured Notes in part by Class pursuant to Section 9.1(a)(ii), such Refinancing will be effective only if: (i) the Issuer has provided notice thereof to the Rating Agency, (ii) the Refinancing Proceeds, the Partial Refinancing Interest Proceeds, Contributions of cash and all or a specified (as directed by Holders of Certificated Subordinated Notes entitled to receive such Interest Proceeds and as determined by the Issuer, or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) portion of Interest Proceeds that are otherwise payable pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i)(J) will be at least sufficient to pay in full the aggregate Redemption Prices of the entire Class or Classes of Secured Notes subject to Refinancing, (iii) the Refinancing Proceeds, the Partial Refinancing Interest Proceeds, Contributions of cash and all or a specified (as directed by Holders of Certificated Subordinated Notes entitled to receive such Interest Proceeds and as determined by the Issuer, or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) portion of Interest Proceeds that is otherwise payable pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i)(J) are used (to the extent necessary) to make such redemption, (iv) the agreements relating to the Refinancing contain limited recourse and non-petition provisions equivalent (mutatis mutandis) to those contained in this Indenture, (v) the aggregate principal amount of any obligations providing the Refinancing is not less than the aggregate principal amount of the Secured Notes being redeemed with the proceeds of such obligations plus, if so directed by a Majority of the Subordinated Notes, an amount equal to the reasonable fees, costs, charges and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing; (vi) the stated maturity of each class of obligations providing the Refinancing is no earlier than the corresponding Stated Maturity of each Class of Secured Notes being refinanced, (vii) the reasonable fees, costs, charges and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing have been paid or will be adequately provided for from the Refinancing Proceeds (except for expenses owed to Persons that the Collateral Manager informs the Trustee will be paid solely as Administrative Expenses payable in accordance with the Indenture; provided that any such fees and expenses due to the Trustee and determined by the Collateral Manager to be paid in accordance with the Priority of Payments shall not be subject to the Administrative Expense Cap), (viii) the obligations providing the Refinancing are subject to the Priority of Payments and do not rank higher in priority pursuant to the Priority of Payments than the Class of Secured Notes being refinanced, (ix) the voting rights, consent rights, redemption rights and all other rights of the obligations providing the Refinancing are the same as the rights of the corresponding Class of Secured Notes being refinanced (except that, at the Issuer’s election, the earliest date, if any, on which the obligations providing the Refinancing may be redeemed at the option of the Issuer may be different than the earliest date on which the Secured Notes redeemed in connection with such Refinancing were subject to redemption at the option of the Issuer), (x) each of the Collateral Manager and the Retention Provider consents to such Refinancing, (xi) the Issuer has received written advice from Dechert LLP or an opinion of counsel of nationally recognized standing that (A) such Refinancing will not result in the Issuer being treated as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (B) such Refinancing will not result in the Issuer being subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis, (xii) if the maximum principal balance of any Priority Class that is senior to a Class of Secured Notes that is not included in such Refinancing is increased in connection with such Refinancing and the Rating Agency is not providing a rating with respect to such Priority Class, the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied, (xiii) the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) has provided an officer’s certificate to the Trustee certifying that the conditions to such refinancing have been satisfied, (xiv) the Borrowing Base Condition is satisfied after giving effect to such Refinancing and (xv) the periodic yield payable on the obligations providing the Refinancing (inclusive of any margins and fees, and amounts payable in cash or in kind) is not greater than the periodic yield payable on the Secured Notes being redeemed with the proceeds of such obligations.
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(g) The Holders of the Subordinated Notes will not have any cause of action against any of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator or the Trustee for any failure to obtain a Refinancing. If a Refinancing is obtained meeting the requirements specified above as certified by the Collateral Manager, the Issuer and the Trustee (at the direction of the Issuer) shall amend this Indenture to the extent necessary to reflect the terms of the Refinancing and no further consent for such amendments shall be required from the Holders of Notes other than a Majority of the Subordinated Notes directing the redemption. The Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any amendment that, in its view, adversely affects its duties, obligations, liabilities or protections hereunder, and the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon an Opinion of Counsel as to matters of law (which may be supported as to factual (including financial and capital markets) matters by any relevant certificates and other documents necessary or advisable in the judgment of counsel delivering such Opinion of Counsel) provided by the Issuer to the effect that such amendment and the Refinancing meets the requirements specified above and is permitted under this Indenture (except that such officer or counsel shall have no obligation to certify or opine as to the sufficiency of the Refinancing Proceeds, or the sufficiency of the Accountants’ Report).
(h) In the event of any redemption pursuant to this Section 9.1, the Issuer shall, at least 4 Business Days (in the case of an Optional Redemption of the Secured Notes) (or such shorter period of time as the Trustee and the Collateral Manager find reasonably acceptable) or 5 Business Days (in the case of an Optional Redemption of the Subordinated Notes) (or such shorter period of time as the Trustee and the Collateral Manager find reasonably acceptable) prior to the Redemption Date, notify the Trustee in writing of such Redemption Date, the applicable Record Date, the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed on such Redemption Date and the applicable Redemption Prices (which Redemption Price shall be the Redemption Price to be paid in the event no Redemption Distribution Date occurs and which may be decreased as a result of payments on Redemption Distribution Dates to the extent that such payment reduces the amount of interest that accrues on the Secured Notes).
(i) In connection with any Optional Redemption of the Secured Notes in whole, Holders of 100% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Secured Notes may elect to receive less than 100% of the Redemption Price that would otherwise be payable to the Holders of the Secured Notes.
(j) In connection with an Optional Redemption of all Classes of Secured Notes, a Majority of the Subordinated Notes may direct the Issuer (who shall give written notice to the Trustee, KBRA and the Holders of the Secured Notes no less than 4 Business Days prior to such date) to distribute amounts on deposit in the Collection Account to pay a portion of the Redemption Price pursuant to the Priority of Payments on one or more Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (any such date a “Redemption Distribution Date”). The Collateral Manager may elect to distribute Interest Proceeds, Principal Proceeds or both on such Redemption Distribution Date pursuant to the applicable Priority of Payments. To the extent the Collateral Manager does not elect to distribute amounts pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i), holders of Notes shall not be entitled to receive any amounts on account of accrued and unpaid interest on such date.
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Section 9.2 Tax Redemption. (a) The Notes shall be redeemed in whole but not in part on any Business Day (any such redemption, a “Tax Redemption”) at their applicable Redemption Prices at the written direction (delivered to the Trustee) of (x) a Majority of any Class of Secured Notes that, as a result of the occurrence of a Tax Event, has not received 100% of the aggregate amount of principal and interest that would otherwise be due and payable to such Class on any Payment Date or (y) a Majority of the Subordinated Notes, in either case following the occurrence and continuation of a Tax Event.
(b) In connection with any Tax Redemption, Holders of 100% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of any Class of Secured Notes may elect to receive less than 100% of the Redemption Price that would otherwise be payable to the Holders of such Class of Secured Notes.
(c) Upon its receipt of such written direction directing a Tax Redemption, the Trustee shall promptly notify the Collateral Manager, the Holders and the Rating Agency thereof.
(d) If an Officer of the Collateral Manager obtains actual knowledge of the occurrence of a Tax Event, the Collateral Manager shall promptly notify the Issuer, the Collateral Administrator and the Trustee thereof, and upon receipt of such notice the Trustee shall promptly notify the Holders of the Notes and the Rating Agency thereof
Section 9.3 Redemption Procedures. (a) In the event of any redemption pursuant to Section 9.1, the written direction of a Majority of the Holders of the Subordinated Notes (and in the case of a Refinancing, the consent of the Collateral Manager and the Retention Provider) required thereby shall be provided to the Issuer, the Trustee and the Collateral Manager not later than 10 days (or such shorter period of time as the Trustee and the Collateral Manager find reasonably acceptable) prior to the Business Day on which such redemption is to be made (which date shall be designated in such notice). In the event of any redemption pursuant to Section 9.1, a notice of redemption shall be given by the Issuer by overnight delivery service (or through the applicable procedures of DTC), postage prepaid, mailed not later than 4 Business Days prior to the applicable Redemption Date, to the Trustee, the Rating Agency and each Holder of Notes, at such Holder’s address in the Register.
(b) All notices of redemption delivered pursuant to Section 9.3(a) shall state:
(i) the applicable Redemption Date;
(ii) the Redemption Prices of the Notes to be redeemed;
(iii) all of the Secured Notes that are to be redeemed are to be redeemed in full and that interest on such Secured Notes shall cease to accrue on the Business Day specified in the notice;
(iv) the place or places where Notes are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Prices, which shall be the office or agency of the Issuer to be maintained as provided in Section 7.2; and
(v) if all Secured Notes are being redeemed, whether the Subordinated Notes are to be redeemed in full on such Redemption Date and, if so, the place or places where the Subordinated Notes are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Prices, which shall be the office or agency of the Issuer to be maintained as provided in Section 7.2.
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(c) The Issuer may withdraw any such notice of redemption delivered pursuant to Section 9.1 up to the Business Day prior to the proposed Redemption Date by written notice to the Trustee. The Issuer shall provide KBRA notice of any withdrawal.
(d) Notice of redemption pursuant to Section 9.1 or 9.2 shall be given by the Issuer or, upon an Issuer Order, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer. Failure to give notice of redemption, or any defect therein, to any Holder of any Note selected for redemption shall not impair or affect the validity of the redemption of any other Notes.
Section 9.4 Notes Payable on Redemption Date. (a) Notice of redemption pursuant to Section 9.3 having been given as aforesaid, the Notes to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, subject the Issuer’s right to withdraw any notice of redemption pursuant to Section 9.3(c), become due and payable at the Redemption Prices therein specified, and from and after the Redemption Date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of the Redemption Prices and accrued interest) all such Notes that are Secured Notes shall cease to bear interest on the Redemption Date. Upon final payment on a Note to be so redeemed, the Holder shall present and surrender such Note at the place specified in the notice of redemption on or prior to such Redemption Date; provided that if there is delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save such party harmless and an undertaking thereafter to surrender such Note, then, in the absence of notice to the Issuer or the Trustee that the applicable Note has been acquired by a protected purchaser, such final payment shall be made without presentation or surrender. Payments of interest on Secured Notes so to be redeemed which are payable on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Secured Notes, or one or more predecessor Notes, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Date according to the terms and provisions of Section 2.7(e).
(b) If any Secured Note called for redemption shall not be paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal thereof shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the applicable Interest Rate for each successive Interest Accrual Period such Secured Note remains Outstanding; provided that the reason for such non-payment is not the fault of such Noteholder.
Section 9.5 Clean-Up Call Redemption.
(a) At the written direction of either a Majority of the Subordinated Notes or the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion (which direction shall be given so as to be received by the Issuer, the Trustee, the Rating Agency and, in the case of such direction delivered by a Majority of the Subordinated Notes, the Collateral Manager not later than 10 days prior to the proposed Redemption Date specified in such direction), the Secured Notes will be subject to redemption by the Issuer, in whole but not in part (a “Clean-Up Call Redemption”), at the Redemption Price therefor, on any Payment Date described in clause (i) of the definition thereof occurring on or after the Clean-Up Call Date.
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(b) Upon receipt of notice directing the Issuer to effect a Clean-Up Call Redemption and subject to any transfer restriction, the Issuer (or, at the written direction and expense of the Issuer, the Trustee on behalf of the Issuer) will offer to the Collateral Manager, the Holders of the Subordinated Notes and any other Person identified by the Issuer or the Collateral Manager the right to bid to purchase the Collateral Obligations at a price not less than the Clean-Up Call Purchase Price. Any Clean-Up Call Redemption is subject to (i) the sale of the Collateral Obligations by the Issuer to the highest bidder therefor (it being understood that any such sale of Collateral Obligations may consist of multiple transactions in which Collateral Obligations are sold in groups or on an individual basis, or any combination of the two, or as an entire pool, as determined by the Collateral Manager) on or prior to the third Business Day immediately preceding the related Redemption Date, for a purchase price in cash (the “Clean-Up Call Purchase Price”) payable prior to or on the Redemption Date at least equal to the sum of (a) the sum of the Redemption Prices of the Secured Notes, plus (b) the aggregate of all other amounts owing by the Issuer on the date of such redemption that are payable in accordance with the Priority of Payments prior to distributions in respect of the Subordinated Notes, minus (c) all other Assets available for application in accordance with the Priority of Payments on the Redemption Date. The Issuer shall take all actions necessary to sell, assign and transfer the Assets to the applicable holder of Subordinated Notes, the Collateral Manager or such other Person upon payment in immediately available funds of the Clean-Up Call Purchase Price. The Trustee shall deposit such payment into the applicable sub-account of the Collection Account in accordance with the instructions of the Collateral Manager.
(c) Upon receipt from a Majority of the Subordinated Notes or the Collateral Manager of a direction in writing to effect a Clean-Up Call Redemption, the Issuer shall set the related Redemption Date (as specified in the direction delivered pursuant to clause (a) above) and the Record Date for any redemption pursuant to this Section 9.5 and give written notice thereof to the Trustee (which shall forward such notice to the Holders), the Collateral Administrator, the Collateral Manager and the Rating Agency not later than 5 Business Days prior to the proposed Redemption Date.
(d) Any notice of Clean-Up Call Redemption may be withdrawn by the Issuer up to one Business Day prior to the related scheduled Redemption Date by written notice to the Trustee, the Rating Agency and the Collateral Manager. Notice of any such withdrawal of a notice of Clean-Up Call Redemption shall be given by the Trustee at the expense of the Issuer to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at such Holder’s address in the Register, by overnight courier guaranteeing next day delivery not later than one Business Day prior to the related scheduled Redemption Date.
(e) On the Redemption Date related to any Clean-Up Call Redemption, the Clean-Up Call Purchase Price shall be distributed pursuant to the Priority of Payments.
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ARTICLE X
Accounts, Accountings And Releases
Section 10.1 Collection of Money. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Trustee may demand payment or delivery of, and shall receive and collect, directly and without intervention or assistance of any fiscal agent or other intermediary, all Money and other property payable to or receivable by the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture, including all payments due on the Assets, in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Assets. The Trustee shall segregate and hold all such Money and property received by it in trust for the Holders of the Notes and shall apply it as provided herein. Each Account shall be established and maintained (I) with a federal or state-chartered depository institution having a long-term issuer rating of at least “A” and or a short-term issuer rating of at least “A-1” by S&P (or long-term issuer rating of at least “A+” by S&P if such institution has no short-term rating) or (II) in segregated accounts with the corporate trust department of a federal or state-chartered deposit institution having a long-term issuer rating of at least “BBB+” by S&P and is subject to regulations regarding fiduciary funds on deposit similar to Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulation Section 9.10(b). Such institution shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least U.S.$200,000,000. All Cash deposited in the Accounts shall be invested only in Eligible Investments or Collateral Obligations in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
(b) If any institution described in Section 10.1(a) above falls below the requirements specified in Section 10.1(a)(I) or (II), the assets held in such Account shall be moved by the Issuer within 30 calendar days to another institution that has ratings that satisfy such requirements.
Section 10.2 Collection Account. (a) In accordance with this Indenture and the Securities Account Control Agreement, the Issuer shall, prior to the Closing Date, cause the Trustee to establish at the Custodian three segregated subaccounts, one of which will be designated the “Interest Collection Subaccount,” one of which will be designated the “Principal Collection Subaccount” and one of which will be designated the “Reinvestment Collection Subaccount” (and which together will comprise the Collection Account), each held in the name of the Trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties and each of which shall be maintained with the Custodian in accordance with the Securities Account Control Agreement. The Trustee shall from time to time deposit into the Interest Collection Subaccount, in addition to the deposits required pursuant to Section 10.6(a), immediately upon receipt thereof or upon transfer from the Payment Account, all Interest Proceeds (unless simultaneously reinvested in Additional Collateral Obligations in accordance with Article XII or in Eligible Investments). All amounts received in connection with sales of Collateral Obligations and all proceeds received in connection with final payments with respect to Collateral Obligations shall be credited to the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount. All other amounts received by the Trustee will be deposited in the Principal Collection Subaccount, including in addition to the deposits required pursuant to Section 10.6(a), (i) any funds designated as Principal Proceeds by the Collateral Manager in accordance with this Indenture and (ii) all other Principal Proceeds (unless simultaneously reinvested in Additional Collateral Obligations in accordance with Article XII or in Eligible Investments). The Issuer may, but under no circumstances shall be required to, deposit from time to time into the Collection Account, in addition to any amount required hereunder to be deposited therein, such Monies received from external sources for the benefit of the Secured Parties or the Issuer (other than payments on or in respect of the Collateral Obligations, Eligible Investments or other existing Assets) as the Issuer deems, in its sole discretion, to be advisable and to designate them as Interest Proceeds or Principal Proceeds. All Monies deposited from time to time in the Collection Account pursuant to this Indenture shall be held by the Trustee as part of the Assets and shall be applied to the purposes herein provided. Subject to Section 10.2(d), amounts in the Collection Account shall be reinvested pursuant to Section 10.6(a).
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(b) The Trustee, within one Business Day after receipt of any distribution or other proceeds in respect of the Assets which are not Cash, shall so notify the Issuer and the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to, within five Business Days after receipt of such notice from the Trustee (or as soon as practicable thereafter), sell such distribution or other proceeds for Cash in an arm’s length transaction and deposit the proceeds thereof in the Collection Account; provided that the Issuer (i) need not sell such distributions or other proceeds if it delivers an Issuer Order or an Officer’s certificate to the Trustee certifying that such distributions or other proceeds constitute Collateral Obligations, Equity Securities or Eligible Investments or (ii) may otherwise retain such distribution or other proceeds for up to two years from the date of receipt thereof if it delivers an Officer’s certificate to the Trustee certifying that (x) it will sell such distribution within such two-year period and (y) retaining such distribution is not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture.
(c) At any time when reinvestment is permitted pursuant to Article XII, the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer may by Issuer Order direct the Trustee to, and upon receipt of such Issuer Order the Trustee shall, withdraw (i) funds on deposit in the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount and/or (ii) funds on deposit in the Principal Collection Subaccount representing Principal Proceeds (together with any Principal Financed Accrued Interest) and reinvest (or invest, in the case of funds referred to in Section 7.18) such funds in Additional Collateral Obligations, in each case in accordance with the requirements of Article XII and such Issuer Order and the purchase price for such Collateral Obligations (including accrued interest and other accrued amounts for such Additional Collateral Obligations) may be paid on or following the settlement thereof as directed in an Issuer Order. At any time as of which no funds are on deposit in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account, the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer may by Issuer Order direct the Trustee to, and upon receipt of such Issuer Order the Trustee shall, withdraw funds on deposit in the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount representing Principal Proceeds and deposit such funds in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account to meet funding requirements on Delayed Draw Loans or Revolving Loans.
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(d) The Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer may by Issuer Order direct the Trustee to, and upon receipt of such Issuer Order the Trustee shall, pay from amounts on deposit in the Collection Account on any Business Day during any Interest Accrual Period (i) any amount required to exercise a warrant or right to acquire securities held in the Assets in accordance with such Issuer Order; provided that, so long as any Notes Outstanding are rated by KBRA, (A) if such payment is made from Interest Proceeds, in the reasonable judgment of the Collateral Manager, such payment will not cause an Event of Default due to a default in the payment, when due and payable, of any interest on any Secured Note, (B) if such payment is made from Principal Proceeds, unless such Principal Proceeds were designated as such pursuant to a Contribution, (x) after giving effect to such payment, the aggregate amount of all payments made pursuant to this clause (i) shall not exceed 5% of the Initial Pool Balance and (y) the Borrowing Base Condition is satisfied after giving effect to such payment and (C) notice thereof is provided to the Rating Agency, (ii) any amount required to make customary protective advances or provide customary indemnities to the agent of the Collateral Obligation (for which the Issuer may receive a participation interest or other right of repayment) as may be required by the Issuer as a lender under the Underlying Instruments and (iii) from Interest Proceeds only, any Administrative Expenses (such payments to be counted against the Administrative Expense Cap for the applicable period and to be subject to the order of priority as stated in the definition of Administrative Expenses); provided that the aggregate Administrative Expenses paid pursuant to this Section 10.2(d) during any Collection Period shall not exceed the Administrative Expense Cap for the related Payment Date; provided that the Trustee shall be entitled (but not required) without liability on its part, to refrain from making any such payment of an Administrative Expense pursuant to this Section 10.2 on any day other than a Payment Date if, in its reasonable determination, the payment of such amount is likely to leave insufficient funds available to pay in full each of the items described in Section 11.1(a)(i)(A) as reasonably anticipated to be or become due and payable on the next Payment Date, taking into account the Administrative Expense Cap.
(e) In connection with a Refinancing in part by Class of one or more Classes of Secured Notes, the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer may direct the Trustee to apply Partial Refinancing Interest Proceeds from the Interest Collection Subaccount on the date of a Refinancing of one or more classes of Secured Notes to the payment of the Redemption Price(s) of the Class or Classes of Secured Notes subject to Refinancing without regard to the Priority of Payments.
(f) The Trustee shall transfer to the Payment Account, from the Collection Account (other than amounts in the Principal Collections Subaccount that the Issuer is entitled to reinvest in accordance with the Investment Criteria described herein, and other than (x) amounts to be applied in connection with a Refinancing in part by Class of one or more Classes of Secured Notes, which amounts may be retained in the Collection Account for application to the redemption of such Secured Notes and (y) amounts in the Principal Collection Subaccount that the Issuer is entitled to reinvest in accordance with the Investment Criteria described herein, and other than amounts in the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount, which amounts, in either case, may be retained in the Collection Account for subsequent reinvestment) for application pursuant to Section 11.1(a), on the Business Day immediately preceding each Payment Date and on any Redemption Date or Redemption Distribution Date and, in the case of proceeds received in connection with a Refinancing of the Secured Notes in whole, on the date of receipt thereof, the amount set forth to be so transferred in the Distribution Report for such Payment Date or the Redemption Distribution Direction for such Redemption Distribution Date.
(g) The Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer may by Issuer Order direct the Trustee to, and upon receipt of such Issuer Order the Trustee shall transfer from amounts on deposit in the Interest Collection Subaccount to the Principal Collection Subaccount, amounts necessary for application pursuant to Section 7.18(c).
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(h) [reserved]
(i) If on any Business Day the amount on deposit in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account is less than the sum of the unfunded funding obligations under all Delayed Draw Loans and Revolving Loans then included in the Assets as of such date, the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer will direct the Trustee to withdraw from the Principal Collection Subaccount and deposit into the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account the amount of such insufficiency.
Section 10.3 Transaction Accounts.
(a) Payment Account. In accordance with this Indenture and the Securities Account Control Agreement, the Issuer shall, prior to the Closing Date, cause the Trustee to establish at the Custodian a single, segregated non-interest bearing trust account held in the name of the Trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, which shall be designated as the Payment Account, which shall be maintained with the Custodian in accordance with the Securities Account Control Agreement. Except as provided in Section 11.1(a), the only permitted withdrawal from or application of funds on deposit in, or otherwise to the credit of, the Payment Account shall be to pay amounts due and payable on the Notes in accordance with their terms and the provisions of this Indenture and, upon Issuer Order, to pay Administrative Expenses, fees and other amounts due and owing to the Collateral Manager under the Collateral Management Agreement and other amounts specified herein, each in accordance with the Priority of Payments. The Issuer shall not have any legal, equitable or beneficial interest in the Payment Account other than in accordance with this Indenture (including the Priority of Payments) and the Securities Account Control Agreement. Amounts in the Payment Account shall remain uninvested.
(b) Custodial Account. In accordance with this Indenture and the Securities Account Control Agreement, the Issuer shall, prior to the Closing Date, cause the Trustee to establish at the Custodian a single, segregated non-interest bearing trust account held in the name of the Trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, which shall be designated as the Custodial Account, which shall be maintained with the Custodian in accordance with the Securities Account Control Agreement. All Collateral Obligations shall be credited to the Custodial Account. The only permitted withdrawals from the Custodial Account shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture. The Trustee agrees to give the Issuer immediate notice if (to the actual knowledge of a Trust Officer of the Trustee) the Custodial Account or any assets or securities on deposit therein, or otherwise to the credit of the Custodial Account, shall become subject to any writ, order, judgment, warrant of attachment, execution or similar process. The Issuer shall not have any legal, equitable or beneficial interest in the Custodial Account other than in accordance with this Indenture and the Priority of Payments. Amounts in the Custodial Account shall remain uninvested.
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(c) Prefunding Account. In accordance with this Indenture and the Securities Account Control Agreement, the Issuer shall, prior to the Closing Date, cause the Trustee to establish at the Custodian a single, segregated non-interest bearing trust account held in the name of the Trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, which shall be designated as the Prefunding Account, which shall be maintained with the Custodian in accordance with the Securities Account Control Agreement. The Issuer shall direct the Trustee to deposit $59,358,518 to the Prefunding Account on the Closing Date. On behalf of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager will direct the Trustee to, from time to time during the Prefunding Period, purchase additional Collateral Obligations and invest in Eligible Investments any amounts not used to purchase such additional Collateral Obligations. Upon the termination of the Prefunding Period (and excluding any proceeds that will be used to settle binding commitments entered into prior to that date), the Trustee will deposit any remaining amounts in the Prefunding Account into the Principal Collection Subaccount as Principal Proceeds. Any income earned on amounts deposited in the Prefunding Account will be deposited in the Interest Collection Subaccount as Interest Proceeds.
(d) [reserved].
(e) Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account. Upon the acquisition of any Delayed Draw Loan or Revolving Loan, funds in an amount equal to the undrawn portion of such obligation shall be withdrawn from the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount and deposited by the Trustee in a single, segregated account established at the Custodian which account shall be subject to the lien of U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (the “Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account”), and shall be maintained with the Custodian in accordance with the Securities Account Control Agreement. Upon initial acquisition of any such obligations, funds deposited in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account in respect of any Delayed Draw Loan or Revolving Loan shall be treated as part of the acquisition price therefor. Amounts on deposit in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account shall be invested in overnight funds that are Eligible Investments selected by the Collateral Manager pursuant to Section 10.5 and earnings from all such investments shall be deposited in the Interest Collection Subaccount as Interest Proceeds.
The Issuer shall at all times maintain sufficient funds on deposit in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account such that the sum of the amount of funds on deposit in such Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account shall be equal to or greater than the sum of the unfunded funding obligations under all Delayed Draw Loans and Revolving Loans then included in the Assets. Funds shall be deposited in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account upon the acquisition of any Delayed Draw Loan or Revolving Loan. Upon the receipt by the Issuer of any Principal Proceeds with respect to a Revolving Loan, such Principal Proceeds shall be deposited in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account as directed by the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer. In the event of any shortfall in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account, the Collateral Manager (on behalf of the Issuer) may direct the Trustee to, and the Trustee thereafter shall, transfer funds in an amount equal to such shortfall from the Principal Collection Subaccount to the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account.
Fundings of Revolving Loans and Delayed Draw Loans shall be made using, first, amounts on deposit in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account and, second, amounts on deposit in the Principal Collection Subaccount (other than, in the case of the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount, amounts reserved to purchase Collateral Obligations that have not yet settled).
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Any funds in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account (other than earnings from Eligible Investments therein) shall be available solely to cover any drawdowns on the Delayed Draw Loans and Revolving Loans; provided that any excess of (A) the amounts on deposit in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account over (B) the sum of the unfunded funding obligations under all Delayed Draw Loans and Revolving Loans that are included in the Assets (including any such excess that occurs upon (i) the sale or maturity of a Delayed Draw Loan or Revolving Loan or (ii) the occurrence of an event of default with respect to any such Delayed Draw Loan or Revolving Loan or any other event or circumstance that results in the irrevocable reduction of the undrawn commitments under such Delayed Draw Loan or Revolving Loan) may be transferred by the Trustee (at the written direction of the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer, which may be provided via e-mail or other electronic means acceptable to the Trustee) from time to time as Principal Proceeds to the Principal Collection Subaccount. The Trustee shall not be responsible at any time for determining whether the funds in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account are insufficient.
Section 10.4 Ownership of the Accounts. For the avoidance of doubt, the Accounts (including income, if any, earned on the investments of funds in such account) will be owned by the Issuer, for federal income tax purposes. The Issuer is required to provide to the Trustee (i) an IRS Form W-9 or appropriate IRS Form W-8 no later than the Closing Date, and (ii) any additional IRS forms (or updated versions of any previously submitted IRS forms) or other documentation upon the reasonable request of the Trustee as may be necessary (i) to reduce or eliminate the imposition of U.S. withholding taxes and (ii) to permit the Trustee to fulfill its tax reporting obligations under applicable law with respect to the Accounts or any amounts paid to the Issuer. If any IRS form or other documentation previously delivered becomes inaccurate in any respect, the Issuer shall timely provide to the Trustee accurately updated and complete versions of such IRS forms or other documentation. None of the Bank, both in its individual capacity and in its capacity as Trustee, or any of its Affiliates shall have any liability to the Issuer or any other person in connection with any tax withholding amounts paid or withheld from the Accounts pursuant to applicable law arising from the Issuer’s failure to timely provide an accurate, correct and complete IRS Form W-9, an appropriate IRS Form W-8 or such other documentation contemplated under this paragraph. For the avoidance of doubt, no funds shall be invested with respect to such Accounts absent the Trustee having first received (i) the requisite written investment direction with respect to the investment of such funds, and (ii) the IRS forms and other documentation required by this paragraph.
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Section 10.5 Reinvestment of Funds in Accounts; Reports by Trustee. (a) By Issuer Order (which may be in the form of standing instructions), the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) shall at all times direct the Trustee to, and, upon receipt of such Issuer Order, the Trustee shall, invest all funds on deposit in the Collection Account as the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account, as so directed in Eligible Investments having stated maturities no later than the Business Day preceding the next Payment Date (or such shorter maturities expressly provided herein). If prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Issuer shall not have given any such investment directions, the Trustee shall seek instructions from the Collateral Manager within three Business Days after transfer of any funds to such accounts. If the Trustee does not thereafter receive written instructions from the Collateral Manager within five Business Days after transfer of such funds to such accounts, it shall invest and reinvest the funds held in such accounts, as fully as practicable, in the Standby Directed Investment. If after the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Issuer shall not have given such investment directions to the Trustee for three consecutive days, the Trustee shall invest and reinvest such Cash as fully as practicable in the Standby Directed Investment. Except to the extent expressly provided otherwise herein, all interest and other income from such investments shall be deposited in the Interest Collection Subaccount, any gain realized from such investments shall be credited to the Principal Collection Subaccount upon receipt, and any loss resulting from such investments shall be charged to the Principal Collection Subaccount. The Trustee shall not in any way be held liable by reason of any insufficiency of such accounts which results from any loss relating to any such investment; provided that nothing herein shall relieve the Bank of (i) its obligations or liabilities under any security or obligation issued by the Bank or any Affiliate thereof or (ii) liability for any loss resulting from gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud on the part of the Bank or any Affiliate thereof.
(b) The Trustee agrees to give the Issuer prompt notice if any Account or any funds on deposit in any Account, or otherwise to the credit of an Account, shall become subject to any writ, order, judgment, warrant of attachment, execution or similar process.
(c) The Trustee shall supply, in a timely fashion, to the Issuer, the Rating Agency and the Collateral Manager any information regularly maintained by the Trustee that the Issuer, the Rating Agency or the Collateral Manager may from time to time reasonably request with respect to the Assets, the Accounts and the other Assets and provide any other requested information reasonably available to the Trustee by reason of its acting as Trustee hereunder and required to be provided by Section 10.7 or to permit the Collateral Manager to perform its obligations under the Collateral Management Agreement or the Issuer’s obligations hereunder that have been delegated to the Collateral Manager. The Trustee shall promptly forward to the Collateral Manager copies of notices and other writings received by it from the obligor or issuer of any Asset or from any Clearing Agency with respect to any Asset which notices or writings advise the holders of such Asset of any rights that the holders might have with respect thereto (including, without limitation, requests to vote with respect to amendments or waivers and notices of prepayments and redemptions) as well as all periodic financial reports received from such obligor or issuer and Clearing Agencies with respect to such issuer.
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Section 10.6 Accountings.
(a) Payment Date Accounting. The Collateral Manager (on behalf of the Issuer) shall render an accounting (each a “Distribution Report”), determined as of the close of business on each Determination Date preceding a Payment Date, and shall make available such Distribution Report to the Trustee, the Collateral Manager, the Initial Purchasers, the Rating Agency, any Holder shown on the Register of a Note and any beneficial owner of a Note who has delivered a Beneficial Ownership Certificate to the Trustee not later than the Business Day preceding the related Payment Date. The Distribution Report shall contain the following information:
(i) the amount of interest on the Secured Notes due and payable on such Payment Date;
(ii) [reserved];
(iii) the outstanding principal balance of the Class A Notes;
(iv) the amount of principal payments to be made on the Secured Notes on such Payment Date in accordance with the Priority of Payments;
(v) the Collateral Management Fee payable to the Collateral Manager on such Payment Date, including any Current Deferred Management Fee;
(vi) an itemized description of any Administrative Expenses payable on such Payment Date;
(vii) the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of each Class as of such Payment Date, in each case after giving effect to all payments of principal on such Class to be made on such Payment Date;
(viii) the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Collateral Obligations as of the last day of the related Collection Period;
(ix) the aggregate unfunded funding obligations under all Delayed Draw Loans and Revolving Loans;
(x) calculation of the Adjusted Pool Balance of the Collateral Obligations and the Class A Borrowing Base, the Class B Borrowing Base and the Aggregate Borrowing Base (as provided by the Collateral Manager) with respect to the Secured Notes;
(xi) the number and Aggregate Principal Balance of Collateral Obligations that were Credit Risk Obligations, Delinquent Obligations and Defaulted Obligations as of the last day of the related Collection Period;
(xii) the balance of each Account as of such Determination Date;
(xiii) the purchase price of each Additional Collateral Obligation acquired since the last Distribution Report;
(xiv) the calculation of each of the following:
(A) the Level 1 Portfolio Test;
(B) the Level 2 Portfolio Test;
(C) the Minimum Floating Spread Test;
(D) the Weighted Average Life Test; and
(E) the Concentration Limitations;
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(xv) the sale price of any Asset that was sold or has matured since the last Distribution Report, including the amount of cash received as Principal Proceeds; and
(xvi) the cumulative amount of any substitutions, purchases and sales of Collateral Obligations.
Each Distribution Report shall constitute instructions to the Trustee to withdraw funds from the Payment Account and pay or transfer such amounts set forth in such Distribution Report in the manner specified and in accordance with the priorities established in Section 11.1 and Article XIII.
(b) Notice of Events of Default. Promptly, but in any case no later than within two Business Days of discovery (or receipt of notice thereof) by the Collateral Manager or the Issuer, as applicable, such party will be required to provide to the Trustee (with a copy to the other party) (i) in the case of any proposed or pending litigation or investigation relating to it by any governmental authority or any legal proceeding which involve or may involve the possibility of materially and adversely affecting the Issuer, a written notice specifying the nature of such litigation, investigation or proceeding and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and evaluating its merits, (ii) notice of the existence of any condition or event which constitutes an Event of Default, including a description of its nature and period of existence and what action the Collateral Manager or Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto, and (iii) notice of any event or occurrence (including changes in applicable law) of which the Collateral Manager or Issuer (as applicable) has knowledge that may reasonably affect, materially and adversely, the ability of the Collateral Manager to service the Collateral Obligations or to otherwise perform and carry out its duties, responsibilities and obligations under the Transaction Documents. The Trustee shall make available to Holders any notice delivered pursuant to (i), (ii) and (iii) above (including by posting to its website) but shall not be under any obligation to review or evaluate any such notice, or to investigate or inquire further into any matter described therein.
(c) Failure to Provide Accounting. If the Trustee shall not have received any accounting provided for in this Section 10.6 on the first Business Day after the date on which such accounting is due to the Trustee, the Trustee shall notify the Collateral Manager who shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain such accounting by the applicable Payment Date. To the extent the Collateral Manager is required to provide any information or reports pursuant to this Section 10.6 as a result of the failure of the Issuer to provide such information or reports, the Collateral Manager shall be entitled to retain an Independent certified public accountant in connection therewith and the reasonable costs incurred by the Collateral Manager for such Independent certified public accountant shall be paid by the Issuer.
(d) Initial Purchaser Information. The Issuer and the Initial Purchasers, or any successor to either Initial Purchaser, may post the information contained in a Distribution Report to a password-protected internet site accessible only to the Holders of the Notes and to the Collateral Manager.
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(e) Distribution of Reports. The Trustee will make the Distribution Report, any Redemption Distribution Direction and any notices or communications required to be delivered to the Holders in accordance with this Indenture available via its internet website. The Trustee’s internet website shall initially be located at https://pivot.usbank.com. The Trustee shall have the right to change the way such statements are distributed in order to make such distribution more convenient and/or more accessible to the above parties and the Trustee shall provide timely and adequate notification to all above parties regarding any such changes. As a condition to access to the Trustee’s internet website, the Trustee may require registration and the acceptance of a disclaimer. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on but shall not be responsible for the content or accuracy of any information provided in the Distribution Report which the Trustee disseminates in accordance with this Indenture and may affix thereto any disclaimer it deems appropriate in its reasonable discretion.
(f) In the event that the Trustee receives instructions to effect a securities transaction as contemplated in 12 CFR 12.1, the Issuer acknowledges that, upon its written request and at no additional cost, it has the right to receive notification from the Trustee after the completion of such transaction as contemplated in 12 CFR 12.4(a) or (b), the Issuer agrees that, absent a specific request, such notification shall not be provided by the Trustee hereof and, in lieu of such notifications, the Trustee shall make available each Distribution Report in the manner required by this Indenture.
(g) The Trustee is hereby authorized and directed to make available to Intex Solutions, Inc. each Distribution Report by granting access to the Trustee’s internet website containing the Distribution Report and such reports and all other data files posted on the Trustee’s Website, it being understood that the Trustee shall have no liability for providing such reports, documents or other data or for granting such access, including for use of such information by Intex Solutions, Inc. or its subscribers, and the Issuer consents to such reports, documents and other data files being made available by Intex Solutions, Inc. to its subscribers.
(h) “Fair Value” Report. The Issuer authorizes and directs the Trustee to make available to Holders via the Trustee’s internet website any “fair value” report provided to the Trustee by the Issuer for posting in connection with the U.S. Risk Retention Rules and provided to the Trustee for posting to the website. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, it is understood and agreed that the Trustee (i) has not participated in the preparation of any such report or the information contained therein and (ii) is not responsible for, and is not making any representation concerning, the accuracy or completeness of such report or the information contained therein, including, without limitation, in respect of the fair value of any Notes identified therein or any assumptions, discount factors or other variables used to determine any such fair value.
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(i) Redemption Distribution Direction. The Issuer shall render an accounting (each a “Redemption Distribution Direction”), determined as of the close of business on each Determination Date preceding a Redemption Distribution Date, and shall make available such Redemption Distribution Direction available to the Collateral Manager and the Trustee setting forth the amounts payable pursuant to each applicable clause of Section 11.1(a)(i) and Section 11.1(a)(ii), as applicable, on the related Redemption Distribution Date. Each Redemption Distribution Direction shall constitute instructions to the Trustee to withdraw funds from the Payment Account and pay or transfer such amounts set forth in such Redemption Distribution Direction in the manner specified and in accordance with the priorities established in Section 11.1 and Article XIII. No Redemption Distribution Direction will be required to be reviewed by the Independent accountants appointed pursuant to this Indenture.
Section 10.7 Release of Assets. (a) Subject to Article XII, the Issuer may, by Issuer Order executed by an Officer of the Collateral Manager, delivered to the Trustee at least one Business Day prior to the settlement date for any sale of an Asset certifying that the sale, repurchase or substitution of such Asset is being made in accordance with Section 12.1 hereof and such sale, repurchase or substitution complies with all applicable requirements of Section 12.1 (which certification shall be deemed to be made upon delivery of such Issuer Order or trade continuation in respect of such sale) (provided that if an Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing, neither the Issuer nor the Collateral Manager (on behalf of the Issuer) may direct the Trustee to release or cause to be released such Asset from the lien of this Indenture pursuant to a sale under Section 12.1 unless the sale of such Asset is permitted pursuant to Section 12.3(c)), direct the Trustee to release or cause to be released such Asset from the lien of this Indenture and, upon receipt of such Issuer Order, the Trustee shall deliver any such Asset, if in physical form, duly endorsed to the broker or purchaser designated in such Issuer Order or, if such Asset is a Clearing Corporation Security, cause an appropriate transfer thereof to be made, in each case against receipt of the sales price therefor as specified by the Collateral Manager in such Issuer Order; provided that the Trustee may deliver any such Asset in physical form for examination in accordance with industry custom.
(b) Subject to the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee shall upon an Issuer Order (i) deliver any Asset, and release or cause to be released such Asset from the lien of this Indenture, which is set for any mandatory call or redemption or payment in full to the appropriate payor or paying agent, as applicable, on or before the date set for such call, redemption or payment, in each case against receipt of the call or redemption price or payment in full thereof and (ii) provide notice thereof to the Collateral Manager.
(c) Upon receiving actual notice of any Offer or any request for a waiver, direction, consent, amendment or other modification or action with respect to any Asset, the Trustee on behalf of the Issuer shall notify the Collateral Manager of any Asset that is subject to a tender offer, voluntary redemption, exchange offer, conversion or other similar action (an “Offer”) or such request. Unless the Notes have been accelerated following an Event of Default, the Collateral Manager may, by Issuer Order, direct (x) the Trustee to accept or participate in or decline or refuse to participate in such Offer and, in the case of acceptance or participation, to release from the lien of this Indenture such Asset in accordance with the terms of the Offer against receipt of payment therefor, or (y) the Issuer or the Trustee to agree to or otherwise act with respect to such consent, direction, waiver, amendment, modification or action; provided that in the absence of any such direction, the Trustee shall not respond or react to such Offer or request.
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(d) As provided in Section 10.2(a), the Trustee shall deposit any proceeds received by it from the disposition or replacement of an Asset in the applicable subaccount of the Collection Account, unless simultaneously applied to the purchase of Additional Collateral Obligations or Eligible Investments as permitted under and in accordance with the requirements of this Article X and Article XII.
(e) The Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Issuer Order at such time as there are no Secured Notes Outstanding and all obligations of the Issuer hereunder have been satisfied, release any remaining Assets from the lien of this Indenture.
(f) Any security, Collateral Obligation or amounts that are released pursuant to Section 10.8(a), (b) or (c) shall be released from the lien of this Indenture.
(g) Any amounts paid from the Payment Account to the Holders of the Subordinated Notes in accordance with the Priority of Payments shall be released from the lien of this Indenture.
(h) Any Excluded Amounts (as defined in the Loan Sale Agreement) received by the Issuer shall be released from the lien of this Indenture in accordance with Section 3.03 of the Loan Sale Agreement.
Section 10.8 Reports by Independent Accountants. (a) At the Closing Date, the Issuer shall appoint one or more firms of Independent certified public accountants of recognized international reputation for purposes of reviewing and delivering the reports or certificates of such accountants required by this Indenture, which may be the firm of Independent certified public accountants that performs accounting services for the Issuer or the Collateral Manager. The Issuer may remove any firm of Independent certified public accountants at any time without the consent of any Holder of Notes. Upon any resignation by such firm or removal of such firm by the Issuer, the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) shall promptly appoint by Issuer Order delivered to the Trustee and the Rating Agency a successor thereto that shall also be a firm of Independent certified public accountants of recognized international reputation, which may be a firm of Independent certified public accountants that performs accounting services for the Issuer or the Collateral Manager. If the Issuer shall fail to appoint a successor to a firm of Independent certified public accountants which has resigned within 30 days after such resignation, the Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee of such failure in writing. If the Issuer shall not have appointed a successor within ten days thereafter, the Trustee shall promptly notify the Collateral Manager, who shall appoint a successor firm of Independent certified public accountants of recognized international reputation. The fees of such Independent certified public accountants and its successor shall be payable by the Issuer. In the event such firm requires the Trustee and/or the Collateral Administrator to agree to the procedures performed by such firm, the Issuer hereby directs the Trustee and/or the Collateral Administrator to so agree, which acknowledgment or agreement may include, among other things, (i) acknowledgment of the responsibility for the sufficiency of the procedures to be performed by the Independent accountants for its purposes, (ii) releases by the Trustee (on behalf of itself and the Holders) of claims against the Independent accountants and acknowledgement of other limitations of liability in favor of the Independent accountants and (iii) restrictions or prohibitions on the disclosure of information or documents provided to it by such firm of Independent accountants (including to the Holders). It is understood and agreed that the Trustee and/or the Collateral Administrator will deliver such letter of agreement in conclusive reliance on the foregoing direction of the Issuer, and neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Administrator shall make any inquiry or investigation as to, and shall have no obligation in respect of, the sufficiency, validity or correctness of such procedures. The Trustee and the Collateral Administrator shall not be required to make any such agreements that adversely affect the Bank in its individual capacity.
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(b) On or before June 30th of each year commencing in 2022, the Issuer shall cause to be delivered to the Trustee, the Collateral Manager and each Holder of the Notes upon written request therefor and subject to the execution of an agreement with the Independent certified public accountants, a report from a firm of Independent certified public accountants for each Distribution Report occurring in April and October of each year (i) indicating that such firm has performed agreed-upon procedures to recalculate certain of the calculations within those Distribution Reports have been performed in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and (ii) listing the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Assets and the Aggregate Principal Balance of the Collateral Obligations securing the Secured Notes as of the relevant Determination Dates; provided that in the event of a conflict between such firm of Independent certified public accountants and the Issuer with respect to any matter in this Section 10.8, the determination by such firm of Independent public accountants shall be conclusive.
(c) Upon the written request of the Trustee, or any Holder of a Subordinated Note (and subject to the execution of an agreement with the firm of Independent certified public accountants), the Issuer will cause the firm of Independent certified public accountants appointed pursuant to Section 10.8(a) to provide any Holder of Subordinated Notes with all of the information required to be provided by the Issuer or pursuant to Section 7.17 or assist the Issuer in the preparation thereof.
Section 10.9 Reports to the Rating Agency and Additional Recipients. In addition to the information and reports specifically required to be provided to the Rating Agency pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the Issuer shall provide the Rating Agency with all information or reports delivered to the Trustee hereunder (with the exception of any accountants’ reports or any Accountants’ Report) and such additional information as the Rating Agency may from time to time reasonably request (including notification to the Rating Agency via KCA@kbra.com of (i) any modification of any loan document relating to a DIP Collateral Obligation or any release of collateral thereunder not permitted by such loan documentation and (ii) any material modifications to any Collateral Obligation, in each case, excluding any accountants’ reports or any Accountants’ Report). On or before December 31 of each calendar year, commencing in 2022, the Issuer shall provide KBRA via KCA@kbra.com with (i) the financial statements of each Obligor of a Collateral Obligation and (ii) financial information with respect to any new Collateral Obligations. Within 10 Business Days after the end of the Prefunding Period, and on each Payment Date, the Issuer shall cause to be provided to the Rating Agency, via e-mail in accordance with Section 14.3(a), a Microsoft Excel file of the Excel Default Model Input File and, with respect to each Collateral Obligation, the name of each obligor or issuer thereof and the CUSIP number thereof (if applicable). In accordance with SEC Release No. 34-72936, Form 15-E, only in its complete and unedited form will be provided by the Independent accountants to the Issuer and the Information Agent who will post such Form 15-E, except for the redaction of any sensitive information by the Issuer, on the 17g-5 website.
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Section 10.10 Procedures Relating to the Establishment of Accounts Controlled by the Trustee. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, the Trustee agrees that with respect to each of the Accounts, it will cause each Securities Intermediary establishing such accounts to enter into a securities account control agreement and, if the Securities Intermediary is the Bank or one of its Affiliates, shall cause the Bank, or such Affiliate, to comply with the provisions of such securities account control agreement. The Trustee shall have the right to open such subaccounts of any such account as it deems necessary or appropriate for convenience of administration.
Section 10.11 Section 3(c)(7) Procedures. For so long as any Notes are Outstanding, the Issuer shall do the following:
(a) Notification. Each Distribution Report sent or caused to be sent by the Issuer to the Noteholders will include a notice to the following effect:
“The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), requires that all holders of the outstanding securities of the Issuer that are U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S) be “Qualified Purchasers” (“Qualified Purchasers”) as defined in Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the 1940 Act and related rules. Under the rules, the Issuer must have a “reasonable belief” that all holders of its outstanding securities that are “U.S. persons” (as defined in Regulation S), including transferees, are Qualified Purchasers. Consequently, all sales and resales of the Notes in the United States or to “U.S. persons” (as defined in Regulation S) must be made solely to purchasers that are Qualified Purchasers. Each purchaser of a Secured Note in the United States who is a “U.S. person” (as defined in Regulation S) (such Note a “Restricted Secured Note”) will be deemed (or required, as the case may be) to represent at the time of purchase that: (i) the purchaser is a Qualified Purchaser who is either (x) an institutional accredited investor (“IAI”) within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or (y) a qualified institutional buyer as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“QIB”); (ii) the purchaser is acting for its own account or the account of another Qualified Purchaser and QIB/IAI (as applicable); (iii) the purchaser is not formed for the purpose of investing in the Issuer; (iv) the purchaser, and each account for which it is purchasing, will hold and transfer at least the minimum denominations of the Notes specified herein; (v) the purchaser understands that the Issuer may receive a list of participants holding positions in securities from one or more book-entry depositories; and (vi) the purchaser will provide written notice of the foregoing, and of any applicable restrictions on transfer, to any subsequent transferees. The Restricted Secured Notes may only be transferred to another Qualified Purchaser and QIB/IAI (as applicable) and all subsequent transferees are deemed to have made representations (i) through (vi) above. Each purchaser of a Subordinated Note in the United States who is a “U.S. person” (as defined in Regulation S) (such Note a “Restricted Subordinated Note”) will be required to represent at the time of purchase that: (a) the purchaser is a Qualified Purchaser who is either (x) an accredited investor (“AI”) within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act or (y) a QIB; (b) the purchaser is acting for its own account or the account of another Qualified Purchaser and QIB/AI (as applicable); (c) the purchaser is not formed for the purpose of investing in the Issuer; (d) the purchaser, and each account for which it is purchasing, will hold and transfer at least the minimum denominations of the Notes specified herein; (e) the purchaser understands that the Issuer may receive a list of participants holding positions in securities from one or more book-entry depositories; and (f) the purchaser will provide written notice of the foregoing, and of any applicable restrictions on transfer, to any subsequent transferees. The Restricted Subordinated Notes may only be transferred to another Qualified Purchaser and QIB/AI (as applicable) and all subsequent transferees are deemed to have made representations (a) through (f) above.”
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“The Issuer directs that the recipient of this notice, and any recipient of a copy of this notice, provide a copy to any Person having an interest in this Note as indicated on the books of DTC or on the books of a participant in DTC or on the books of an indirect participant for which such participant in DTC acts as agent.”
“The Indenture provides that if, notwithstanding the restrictions on transfer contained therein, the Issuer determines that any holder of, or beneficial owner of an interest in a Restricted Secured Note or a Restricted Subordinated Note is a “U.S. person” (as defined in Regulation S) who is determined not to have been a Qualified Purchaser at the time of acquisition of such Restricted Secured Note or Restricted Subordinated Note, as applicable, or beneficial interest therein, the Issuer may require, by notice to such Holder or beneficial owner, that such Holder or beneficial owner sell all of its right, title and interest to such Restricted Secured Note or a Restricted Subordinated Note, as applicable, (or any interest therein) to a Person that is either (x) in the case of the Secured Notes, not a “U.S. person” (as defined in Regulation S) or (y) a Qualified Purchaser who is either an IAI (or, in the case of the Subordinated Notes, another AI) or a QIB (as applicable), with such sale to be effected within 30 days after notice of such sale requirement is given. If such holder or beneficial owner fails to effect the transfer required within such 30-day period, (i) the Issuer or the Collateral Manager acting for the Issuer, without further notice to such holder, shall and is hereby irrevocably authorized by such holder or beneficial owner, to cause its Restricted Secured Note or Restricted Subordinated Note, as applicable, or beneficial interest therein to be transferred in a commercially reasonable sale (conducted by the Collateral Manager in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC as in effect in the State of New York as applied to securities that are sold on a recognized market or that may decline speedily in value) to a Person that certifies to the Trustee, the Issuer and the Collateral Manager, in connection with such transfer, that such Person meets the qualifications set forth in clauses (x) and (y) above and (ii) pending such transfer, no further payments will be made in respect of such Restricted Secured Note or Restricted Subordinated Note, as applicable, or beneficial interest therein held by such holder or beneficial owner.”
(b) DTC Actions. The Issuer will direct DTC to take the following steps in connection with the Global Secured Notes:
(i) The Issuer will direct DTC to include the marker “3c7” in the DTC 20-character security descriptor and the 48-character additional descriptor for the Global Secured Notes in order to indicate that sales are limited to Qualified Purchasers.
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(ii) The Issuer will direct DTC to cause each physical deliver order ticket that is delivered by DTC to purchasers to contain the 20-character security descriptor. The Issuer will direct DTC to cause each deliver order ticket that is delivered by DTC to purchasers in electronic form to contain a “3c7” indicator and a related user manual for participants. Such user manual will contain a description of the relevant restrictions imposed by Section 3(c)(7).
(iii) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Issuer will instruct DTC to send a Section 3(c)(7) Notice to all DTC participants in connection with the offering of the Global Secured Notes.
(iv) In addition to the obligations of the Registrar set forth in Section 2.5, the Issuer will from time to time (upon the request of the Trustee) make a request to DTC to deliver to the Issuer a list of all DTC participants holding an interest in the Global Secured Notes.
(v) The Issuer will cause each CUSIP number obtained for a Global Note to have a fixed field containing “3c7” and “144A” indicators, as applicable, attached to such CUSIP number.
(c) Bloomberg Screens, Etc. The Issuer will from time to time request all third-party vendors to include on screens maintained by such vendors appropriate legends regarding Rule 144A and Section 3(c)(7) under the 1940 Act restrictions on the Global Secured Notes. Without limiting the foregoing, the Initial Purchasers will request that each third-party vendor include the following legends on each screen containing information about the Notes:
(i) Bloomberg.
(A) “Iss’d Under 144A/3c7”, to be stated in the “Note Box” on the bottom of the “Security Display” page describing the Global Secured Notes;
(B) a flashing red indicator stating “See Other Available Information” located on the “Security Display” page;
(C) a link to an “Additional Security Information” page on such indicator stating that the Global Secured Notes are being offered in reliance on the exception from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 to Persons that are both (i) “Qualified Institutional Buyers” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act and (ii) “Qualified Purchasers” as defined under Section 2(a)(51) of the 1940 Act, as amended; and
(D) a statement on the “Disclaimer” page for the Global Secured Notes that the Notes will not be and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that the Issuer has not been registered under the 1940 Act, as amended, and that the Global Secured Notes may only be offered or sold in accordance with Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act, as amended.
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(ii) Reuters.
(A) a “144A – 3c7” notation included in the security name field at the top of the Reuters Instrument Code screen;
(B) a “144A3c7Disclaimer” indicator appearing on the right side of the Reuters Instrument Code screen; and
(C) a link from such “144A3c7Disclaimer” indicator to a disclaimer screen containing the following language: “These Notes may be sold or transferred only to Persons who are both (i) Qualified Institutional Buyers, as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and (ii) Qualified Purchasers, as defined under Section 3(c)(7) under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940.”
Section 10.12 No Further Reporting Following the Redemption of the Secured Notes. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture to the contrary, except with respect to (i) Section 4.1 or the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and (ii) if at such time 100% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Subordinated Notes are not owned by the Retention Provider or any Affiliate thereof, Article VIII, from and after the date on which no Secured Notes are deemed or considered Outstanding, all requirements herein that the Issuer, Collateral Manager or Trustee deliver or cause to be delivered any reports, compliance certificates or opinions to any party shall be deemed deleted and have no further force or effect.
ARTICLE XI
Application Of Monies
Section 11.1 Disbursements of Monies from Payment Account. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision herein, but subject to the other sub-sections of this Section 11.1 and to Section 13.1, on each Payment Date and, if elected by the Collateral Manager, on each Redemption Distribution Date, the Trustee shall disburse amounts transferred from the Collection Account to the Payment Account pursuant to Section 10.2 in accordance with the following priorities (the “Priority of Payments”); provided that, unless an Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing, (x) amounts transferred from the Interest Collection Subaccount shall be applied solely in accordance with Section 11.1(a)(i); and (y) amounts transferred from the Principal Collection Subaccount shall be applied solely in accordance with Section 11.1(a)(ii).
(i) On each Payment Date other than any Stated Maturity, unless an Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing and, if elected by the Collateral Manager, on each Redemption Distribution Date, Interest Proceeds on deposit in the Collection Account, to the extent received on or before the related Determination Date and that, in each case, are transferred into the Payment Account, shall be applied in the following order of priority:
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(A) to the payment of (1) first, taxes and governmental fees owing by the Issuer (including any costs of complying with FATCA), if any, and (2) second, the accrued and unpaid Administrative Expenses, in the priority stated in the definition thereof, up to the Administrative Expense Cap (except as otherwise expressly provided in connection with any Optional Redemption or Tax Redemption);
(B) to the payment to the Collateral Manager of (i) any accrued and unpaid Collateral Management Fee due on such Payment Date (including any interest accrued on any Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amount) minus the amount of any Current Deferred Management Fee, if any, and (ii) any Cumulative Deferred Management Fee requested to be paid at the option of the Collateral Manager; provided that Interest Proceeds shall only be used to make payments with respect to the Cumulative Deferred Management Fee pursuant to this clause (B) to the extent such Interest Proceeds are not needed to pay the amounts referred to in any of clauses (C) through (E) below (on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such proposed payment of the Cumulative Deferred Management Fee);
(C) to the payment of (1) first accrued and unpaid interest on the Class A Notes (including, without limitation, defaulted interest, if any, and interest thereon) and (2) second accrued and unpaid interest on the Class B Notes (including, without limitation, defaulted interest, if any, and interest thereon);
(D) (i) prior to the occurrence of a Rapid Amortization Event, if the Class A Borrowing Base Condition is not satisfied, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to all distributions of Principal Proceeds pursuant to clause (B) of Section 11.1(a)(ii), to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application as Principal Proceeds until the Class A Borrowing Base Condition is satisfied and (ii) from and after the occurrence of a Rapid Amortization Event until the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class A Notes is reduced to zero, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to all distributions of Principal Proceeds pursuant to clause (B) of Section 11.1(a)(ii), to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application as Principal Proceeds;
(E) (i) prior to the occurrence of a Rapid Amortization Event, if the Class B Borrowing Base Condition is not satisfied, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to all distributions of Principal Proceeds pursuant to clause (B) of Section 11.1(a)(ii), to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application as Principal Proceeds until the Class B Borrowing Base Condition is satisfied and (ii) from and after the occurrence of a Rapid Amortization Event until the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class B Notes is reduced to zero, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to all distributions of Principal Proceeds pursuant to clause (B) of Section 11.1(a)(ii), to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application as Principal Proceeds;
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(F) to the payment of (1) first, accrued and unpaid interest on the Class C Notes (excluding Deferred Interest, but including interest on Deferred Interest) and (2) second, any Deferred Interest on the Class C Notes;
(G) (i) prior to the occurrence of a Rapid Amortization Event, if the Aggregate Borrowing Base Condition is not satisfied, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to all distributions of Principal Proceeds pursuant to clause (D) of Section 11.1(a)(ii), to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application as Principal Proceeds until the Aggregate Borrowing Base Condition is satisfied and (ii) from and after the occurrence of a Rapid Amortization Event until the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class C Notes is reduced to zero, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to all distributions of Principal Proceeds pursuant to clause (D) of Section 11.1(a)(ii), to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application as Principal Proceeds;
(H) to the payment to the Collateral Manager of any Cumulative Deferred Management Fee not paid pursuant to clause (B)(ii) above due to the limitations contained therein (in the same manner and order of priority stated therein);
(I) to the payment (pro rata based on the amounts payable to the applicable parties under this clause (I)) of any Administrative Expenses not paid pursuant to clause (A)(2) above due to the limitation contained therein (in the same manner and order of priority stated therein) and any additional accrued and unpaid expenses of the Collateral Manager or the Issuer;
(J) during the Reinvestment Period, if so directed by the Collateral Manager, in its sole discretion, (i) to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application as Principal Proceeds or (ii) to make a prepayment of the principal of the Class A Notes; and
(K) any remaining Interest Proceeds to be paid to the Holders of the Subordinated Notes.
(ii) On each Payment Date other than any Stated Maturity, unless an Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing and, if elected by the Collateral Manager, on each Redemption Distribution Date, Principal Proceeds on deposit in the Collection Account that are received on or before the related Determination Date, and that, in each case, are transferred to the Payment Account (which will not include (i) amounts required to meet funding requirements with respect to Delayed Draw Loans and Revolving Loans that are deposited in the Reinvesting Revolver Funding Account or (ii) during the Reinvestment Period, Principal Proceeds that have previously been reinvested in Collateral Obligations or Principal Proceeds which the Issuer has entered into any commitment to reinvest in Collateral Obligations) shall be applied in the following order of priority; provided that after giving effect to any such payment no Commitment Shortfall would exist (and, to the extent that any Commitment Shortfall would exist, Principal Proceeds shall first be deposited in the Principal Collection Subaccount in the amount needed to eliminate such Commitment Shortfall):
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(A) to pay the amounts referred to in clauses (A) through (C) of Section 11.1(a)(i) (and in the same manner and order of priority stated therein), but only to the extent not paid in full thereunder; provided that Principal Proceeds shall only be used to make payments with respect to the Cumulative Deferred Management Fee pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i)(B) to the extent such Principal Proceeds are not needed to pay amounts referred to in clauses (B) through (D) below;
(B) (1) during the Reinvestment Period, to the Principal Collection Subaccount for application for any purpose permitted herein with respect to amounts on deposit in such subaccount and (2) following the Reinvestment Period, (i) if no Rapid Amortization Event has occurred and, if applicable, is continuing, (A) pro rata to the Class A Noteholders, the Class A Principal Distribution Amount and then (B) to the Class B Noteholders, the Class B Principal Distribution Amount and (ii) if a Rapid Amortization Event has occurred, (A) pro rata to the Class A Noteholders until the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class A Notes is reduced to zero and (B) to the Class B Noteholders until the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class B Notes is reduced to zero;
(C) to pay the amounts referred to in Section 11.1(a)(i)(F) (and in the same manner and order of priority stated therein) to the extent not paid in full thereunder;
(D) following the Reinvestment Period, (i) if no Rapid Amortization Event has occurred and, if applicable, is continuing, (A) pro rata to the Class C Noteholders, the Class C Principal Distribution Amount and (ii) if a Rapid Amortization Event has occurred, pro rata, to the Class C Noteholders until the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Class C Notes is reduced to zero;
(E) to pay the amounts referred to in clauses (H) and (I) of Section 11(a)(i) (and in the same manner and order of priority stated therein) to the extent not paid in full thereunder; and
(F) any remaining proceeds to be paid to the Holders of the Subordinated Notes.
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On any Stated Maturity, the Trustee shall pay the net proceeds from the liquidation of the Assets and all available Cash, but only after the payment of (or establishment of a reserve for) all Administrative Expenses (in the same manner and order of priority stated in the definition thereof), Aggregate Collateral Management Fees, and interest and principal on the Secured Notes, to the Holders of the Subordinated Notes in final payment of such Subordinated Notes (such payments to be made in accordance with the priority set forth in Section 11.1(a)(iii)).
(iii) Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing Sections 11.1(a)(i) and 11.1(a)(ii) (other than the last paragraph thereof), on (x) the Stated Maturity of the Notes or (y) if the maturity of the Secured Notes has been accelerated following an Event of Default and has not been rescinded in accordance with the terms herein (clause (y), an “Enforcement Event”), pursuant to Section 5.7, proceeds in respect of the Assets, including all amounts on deposit in the Collection Account and the Prefunding Account, will be applied at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee in the following order of priority:
(A) (1) first, to the payment of taxes and governmental fees owing by the Issuer (including any costs of complying with FATCA), if any, and (2) second, to the payment of the accrued and unpaid Administrative Expenses, in the priority stated in the definition thereof, without the application of the Administrative Expense Cap;
(B) (1) first, to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Class A Notes (including, without limitation, defaulted interest, if any, and interest thereon) and (2) second, to the payment of principal of the Class A Notes, until the Class A Notes have been paid in full;
(C) (1) first, to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Class B Notes (including, without limitation, defaulted interest, if any, and interest thereon) and (2) second, to the payment of principal on the Class B Notes, until the Class B Notes have been paid in full;
(D) (1) first, to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Class C Notes (excluding Deferred Interest, but including interest on Deferred Interest) and (2) second, to the payment of any Deferred Interest on the Class C Notes and (3) third, to the payment of principal of the Class C Notes, until the Class C Notes have been paid in full;
(E) to pay the amounts referred to in clauses (H) and (I) of Section 11.1(a)(i) (and in the same manner and order of priority stated therein) to the extent not paid in full thereunder; and
(F) to pay the balance to the Holders of the Subordinated Notes.
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If any declaration of acceleration has been rescinded in accordance with the provisions herein, proceeds in respect of the Assets will be applied in accordance with Section 11.1(a)(i) or (ii), as applicable.
(b) If on any Payment Date the amount available in the Payment Account is insufficient to make the full amount of the disbursements required by the Distribution Report, the Trustee shall make the disbursements called for in the order and according to the priority set forth under Section 11.1(a) above, subject to Section 13.1, to the extent funds are available therefor.
(c) In connection with the application of funds to pay Administrative Expenses of the Issuer in accordance with Section 11.1(a)(i), Section 11.1(a)(ii) and Section 11.1(a)(iii), the Trustee shall remit such funds, to the extent available (and subject to the order of priority set forth in the definition of “Administrative Expenses”), as directed and designated in an Issuer Order (which may be in the form of standing instructions, including standing instructions to pay Administrative Expenses in such amounts and to such entities as indicated in the Distribution Report in respect of such Payment Date) delivered to the Trustee no later than the Business Day prior to each Payment Date.
(d) The Collateral Manager may, in its sole discretion, elect to irrevocably waive payment of any or all of any Collateral Management Fee otherwise due on any Payment Date by notice to the Issuer, the Collateral Administrator and the Trustee no later than the Determination Date immediately prior to such Payment Date in accordance with the terms of Section 8(c) of the Collateral Management Agreement. Any such Collateral Management Fee, once waived, shall not thereafter become due and payable and any claim of the Collateral Manager therein shall be extinguished.
(e) At any time during or after the Reinvestment Period, any Holder of Subordinated Notes may (i) make a Contribution of Cash, Eligible Investments or Collateral Obligations or (ii) solely in the case of Certificated Subordinated Notes, in accordance with Section 8.3(i), designate any portion of Interest Proceeds or Principal Proceeds that would otherwise be distributed on its Subordinated Notes in accordance with Section 11.1(a)(i)(I) or Section 11.1(a)(ii)(D), to be a contribution to the Issuer (a “Contribution” and each such Person, a “Contributor”); provided that a Notice of Contribution in the form of Exhibit F (solely for Contributions of Cash or Eligible Investments) is provided. The Collateral Manager, on behalf of the Issuer, may accept or reject any Contribution in its sole discretion and shall notify the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator of any such acceptance. Upon receipt and acceptance by the Collateral Manager of a Contribution of cash or Eligible Investments, the Trustee will immediately deposit such Contribution into the Collection Account. A Contribution of cash or Eligible Investments may only be used for a Permitted Use or Permitted Uses as directed by the applicable Contributor at the time such Contribution is made, so long as the Collateral Manager consents to such Permitted Use(s) (or, if no direction is given by the Contributor, at the Collateral Manager’s reasonable discretion). No Contribution of Cash or Eligible Investments or portion thereof will be returned to any applicable holder of Subordinated Notes at any time. For administrative convenience any Contributions or transfers of Cash, Eligible Investments or Collateral Obligations made through one or more intermediate related entities or Affiliates of the Initial Subordinated Noteholders may instead be made on a net basis directly into the Issuer, and by bypassing such intermediate related entity or Affiliate. The value received by the Issuer in Cash, Eligible Investments and/or in the form of Collateral Obligations will not be affected by the elimination of such intermediate steps. In the case of any such payment made to the Issuer in the form of a combination of Cash and Collateral Obligations, the Cash portion of such payment shall be an amount equal to the total payment required to be made to the Issuer reduced by an amount equal to the fair market value as determined by the Collateral Manager as of the date of Contribution of the Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments Contributed or transferred to the Issuer in respect of such payment. For the avoidance of doubt, any purchase of a Collateral Obligation by the Issuer pursuant to an “in-kind” Contribution from any holder of Subordinated Notes shall be subject to satisfaction of the Investment Criteria in connection therewith.
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(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture to the contrary, from and after the date on which no Secured Notes are deemed or considered to be Outstanding, (i) by 12:00 PM New York time, upon three Business Days prior notice to the Trustee, the Collateral Manager may designate any Business Day as a “Payment Date” for purposes of this Section 11.1 and distribute any Interest Proceeds or Principal Proceeds in accordance with the Priority of Payments and (ii) no further Distribution Reports shall be required to be prepared.
(g) On any Redemption Date in connection with a Refinancing in part by Class, Refinancing Proceeds and/or Contributions of cash (together with the Partial Refinancing Interest Proceeds available to pay the accrued interest portion of the Redemption Price and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing in part by Class) shall be applied in the following order of priority:
(i) to the extent such proceeds will be used to pay for expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing in part by Class (as determined by the Collateral Manager), to pay any such expenses;
(ii) to pay the Redemption Price of the applicable Class or Classes of Notes being refinanced, in the order of priority of such Class or Classes; and
(iii) any remaining proceeds from the Refinancing in part by Class to be deposited in the Collection Account as Principal Proceeds.
ARTICLE XII
SALE
OF COLLATERAL OBLIGATIONS;
PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL OBLIGATIONS
Section 12.1 Sales of Collateral Obligations. (a) Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 12.3, the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer may (except as otherwise specified in this Section 12.1) direct the Trustee to sell or substitute and the Trustee shall sell or substitute on behalf of the Issuer in the manner directed by the Collateral Manager any Collateral Obligation or Equity Security if, as certified by the Collateral Manager (which certification shall be deemed to be provided upon delivery of an Issuer Order or trade confirmation in respect of such sale), such sale meets the following requirements of this Section 12.1; provided that if an Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Manager may not direct the Trustee to sell any Collateral Obligation.
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(b) Optional Sales. In no event may the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Collateral Obligations (including any Delinquent Obligations, Restructured Obligations and Defaulted Obligations optionally sold) optionally sold by the Issuer for any reason exceed 20% (rounded to the nearest whole number) of the sum of (x) the highest value of the Adjusted Pool Balance measured since the Closing Date and (y) the sum of the principal balance of each Additional Collateral Obligation owned by the Issuer (determined as of the date such Additional Collateral Obligation is acquired by the Issuer). If a Collateral Obligation is optionally sold to an Affiliate (i) the amount received by the Issuer in connection with such sale must be equal to or greater than the Market Value and (ii) the proceeds of such sale (together with any contributions from holders of the Subordinated Notes) must be in an amount sufficient to not cause a breach of the Borrowing Base Condition (giving pro forma effect to such sale). In the event that the Issuer cannot consent to an amendment to a Collateral Obligation as a result of any applicable restrictions set forth hereof, such Collateral Obligation can be optionally sold to third parties (including Affiliates of the Issuer) without restriction (and shall not be included in the percentage limitation set forth in the first sentence of this Section 12.1(b)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, optional sales of Collateral Obligations to Affiliates of the Issuer pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence will only be permitted if (i) the conditions described under Section 12.3(a) are met and (ii) the proceeds of such sale (together with any contributions from holders of the Subordinated Notes) are in an amount sufficient to satisfy the Borrowing Base Condition (giving pro forma effect to such sale).
The foregoing limitations shall not apply to sales to unaffiliated third parties of (i) Delinquent Obligations, Restructured Obligations or Defaulted Obligations where the Collateral Manager has determined in good faith that the best recovery for such Collateral Obligations is the sale thereof, (ii) a Collateral Obligation which is subject to contractual purchase rights of unaffiliated third parties and such unaffiliated third party has exercised such right and (iii) a Collateral Obligation which is being refinanced and the related Obligor or new lender has requested that such Collateral Obligation be sold to an unaffiliated third party for the purpose of refinancing such Collateral Obligation.
(c) Optional Substitutions. In no event may the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Collateral Obligations (including any Delinquent Obligations, Restructured Obligations and Defaulted Obligations optionally substituted) optionally substituted by the Issuer for any reason exceed 15% (rounded to the nearest whole number) of the sum of (x) the highest value of the Adjusted Pool Balance measured since the Closing Date and (y) the sum of the principal balance of each Additional Collateral Obligation owned by the Issuer (determined as of the date such Additional Collateral Obligation is acquired by the Issuer). Either (A) the Borrowing Base Condition must be satisfied immediately following any substitution or (B) if the Borrowing Base Condition is not satisfied immediately prior to a substitution, such substitution will maintain or lower the difference between the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Secured Notes and the Aggregate Borrowing Base. The Aggregate Principal Balance of all Collateral Obligations following any optional substitution must be greater than or equal to the Aggregate Principal Balance of all Collateral Obligations prior to such optional substitution. Funds must be added to the Collection Account (including via contributions from holders of the Subordinated Notes) to account for the related decrease in the Class A Borrowing Base and Aggregate Borrowing Base ahead of any reinvestments or distributions to holders of Subordinated Notes.
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Section 12.2 Purchase of Additional Collateral Obligations. On any date during the Reinvestment Period, the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer may, subject to the other requirements in this Indenture, direct the Trustee to invest Principal Proceeds, proceeds of Additional Notes issued pursuant to Sections 2.13 and 3.2, amounts on deposit in the Collection Account and, if applicable, the Prefunding Account and Principal Financed Accrued Interest, and the Trustee shall invest such Principal Proceeds and other amounts in accordance with such direction. After the Reinvestment Period, the Collateral Manager shall not direct the Trustee to invest any amounts on behalf of the Issuer. So long as no Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Manager may instruct the Trustee to use, (x) during the Prefunding Period, amounts on deposit in the Prefunding Account and Principal Proceeds to purchase additional obligations and (y) following the Prefunding Period but during the Reinvestment Period, Principal Proceeds to purchase additional obligations, in each case, subject to the requirement that each of the following criteria (such criteria collectively, the “Investment Criteria”) is satisfied, other than, during the Prefunding Period, Section 12.2(ii) below, as of the date the Collateral Manager commits on behalf of the Issuer to make such purchase, in each case as determined by the Collateral Manager after giving effect to such purchase and all other sales or purchases previously or simultaneously committed to:
(i) | such obligation is a Collateral Obligation; |
(ii) | either (A) the Borrowing Base Condition will be satisfied or (B) if the Borrowing Base Condition is not satisfied immediately prior to such investment, such investment will maintain or lower the difference between the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Secured Notes and the Aggregate Borrowing Base; |
(iii) | following the end of the Prefunding Period, either (A) each Level 1 Portfolio Test will be satisfied or (B) if any such test was not satisfied immediately prior to such investment, such test will be maintained or improved after giving effect to the investment; and |
(iv) | there is no Commitment Shortfall after giving effect to such purchase; |
(v) | the pro forma percentage of Recurring Revenue Loans is less than or equal to 75% of the principal balance of all Loans plus cash on deposit in the Reinvestment Collection Subaccount available to purchase Additional Collateral Obligations; |
(vi) | the date on which the Issuer (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer) commits to purchase such Collateral Obligation occurs during the Reinvestment Period; |
(vii) | the Origination Requirement will be satisfied with respect thereto; and |
(viii) | no Retention Deficiency would occur as a result of, and immediately after giving effect to, any such acquisition. |
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If the Issuer has entered into a written trade ticket or other written binding commitment to purchase a Collateral Obligation during the Reinvestment Period which purchase is not scheduled to settle prior to the end of the Reinvestment Period (such Collateral Obligation, a “Post-Reinvestment Period Settlement Obligation”), such Post-Reinvestment Period Settlement Obligation shall, so long as the Collateral Manager anticipates that such purchase shall be settled no later than thirty (30) days following the end of the Reinvestment Period, be treated as having been purchased by the Issuer prior to the end of the Reinvestment Period for purposes of the Investment Criteria, and Principal Proceeds received after the end of the Reinvestment Period may be applied to the payment of the purchase price of such Post-Reinvestment Period Settlement Obligation. Not later than the Business Day immediately preceding the end of the Reinvestment Period, the Collateral Manager shall deliver to the Trustee a schedule of Collateral Obligations purchased by the Issuer with respect to which purchases the trade date has occurred but the settlement date has not yet occurred and shall certify to the Trustee (which certification will be deemed to be made upon delivery of such schedule) that sufficient Principal Proceeds are available (including for this purpose, cash on deposit in the Principal Collection Subaccount and Reinvestment Collection Subaccount, as well as any Principal Proceeds that will be received by the Issuer from the sale of Collateral Obligations for which the trade date has already occurred but the settlement date has not yet occurred) to effect the settlement of such Collateral Obligations.
(a) Trading Plan Period. During the Reinvestment Period and for purposes of calculating compliance with the Investment Criteria, at the election of the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion, any proposed investment (whether a single Collateral Obligation or a group of Collateral Obligations) identified by the Collateral Manager as such at the time when compliance with the Investment Criteria is required to be calculated (a “Trading Plan”) may be evaluated after giving effect to all sales and reinvestments proposed to be entered into within 10 Business Days following the date of determination of such compliance (such period, the “Trading Plan Period”); provided that (i) no Trading Plan may result in the acquisition of Collateral Obligations with an Average Life less than six months, (ii) no Trading Plan may result in the acquisition of a group of Collateral Obligations if the difference between the shortest Average Life of any Collateral Obligation in such group and the longest Average Life of any Collateral Obligation in such group is greater than two years (iii) no Trading Plan may result in the purchase of Collateral Obligations having an Aggregate Principal Balance that is greater than $30,000,000, (iv) no Trading Plan Period may include a Determination Date, (v) no more than one Trading Plan may be in effect at any time during a Trading Plan Period and (vi) the Collateral Manager may modify any Trading Plan during a Trading Plan Period if it determines that, but for the occurrence of an Intervening Event, the Investment Criteria would have been satisfied by the original Trading Plan (provided that the Investment Criteria are satisfied by the modified Trading Plan). The Collateral Manager shall provide prior written notice to the Rating Agency of any Trading Plan, which notice shall specify the proposed investments identified by the Collateral Manager for acquisition as part of such Trading Plan. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, no Trading Plan may be implemented by the Collateral Manager pursuant to this Indenture if any previous Trading Plan failed to be successfully implemented.
(b) Certification by Collateral Manager. Not later than the Cutoff Date for any Collateral Obligation purchased in accordance with this Section 12.2, the Collateral Manager shall deliver by e-mail or other electronic transmission to the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator an Officer’s certificate of the Collateral Manager certifying that such purchase complies with this Section 12.2 and Section 12.3 (which certification shall be deemed to be provided upon delivery of an Issuer Order or trade confirmation in respect of such purchase).
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The Investment Criteria will not be required to be satisfied in connection with any commitment to purchase a Collateral Obligation which purchase is scheduled to settle following the Redemption Date in connection with a Refinancing of the Secured Notes in whole with respect to which notice of redemption has been given as set forth in Section 9.4 (and will instead be required to comply with the terms of this Indenture as amended in connection with such Refinancing).
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Collateral Manager may instruct the Trustee to exchange (i) a Credit Risk Obligation for any other Credit Risk Obligations and any related Equity Securities (if any) (provided that (x) any Credit Risk Obligation to be received by the Issuer in such exchange shall not have a stated maturity later than the stated maturity of the Credit Risk Obligation to be exchanged and (y) after giving effect to such exchange, the Borrowing Base Condition shall be satisfied), (ii) a Defaulted Obligation for any other Defaulted Obligations (provided that the Level 1 Portfolio Test is satisfied), any Credit Risk Obligations and/or any Equity Securities or (iii) an Equity Security for any other Equity Securities (provided that the Level 1 Portfolio Test is satisfied), any Credit Risk Obligations and/or any Defaulted Obligations; provided, however, in each case, that no debt obligation received in any such exchange shall be treated as a Collateral Obligation hereunder unless it satisfies the definition of “Collateral Obligation”.
(c) Investment in Eligible Investments. Cash on deposit in any Account (other than the Payment Account) may be invested at any time (including following the Reinvestment Period) in Eligible Investments in accordance with Article X.
Section 12.3 Conditions Applicable to All Sale and Purchase Transactions. (a) Any transaction effected under this Article XII or in connection with the acquisition, disposition or substitution of any Asset shall be conducted on an arm’s length basis and, if effected with an Affiliate of the Collateral Manager (or with an account or portfolio for which the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates serves as investment adviser), shall be effected in accordance with the requirements of the Collateral Management Agreement on terms no less favorable to the Issuer than would be the case if such Person were not an Affiliate; provided that in the case of any Collateral Obligation sold or otherwise transferred to an Affiliate, the value thereof shall be the mid-point between the “bid” and “ask” prices to the extent such prices are obtained from a nationally recognized independent pricing service or, if unavailable or determined by the Collateral Manager to be unreliable, the fair market value of such Collateral Obligation as reasonably determined by the Collateral Manager (so long as the Collateral Manager is a Registered Investment Adviser) consistent with the Collateral Manager Standard, and such Affiliate shall acquire such Collateral Obligation for a price equal to the value so determined; provided further that an aggregate amount of Collateral Obligations not exceeding 15% of the Net Purchased Loan Balance may be sold or otherwise transferred to the Retention Provider pursuant to this Indenture at a price greater than the value determined pursuant to the immediately preceding proviso, but no greater than the Transfer Deposit Amount of any such Collateral Obligation (and to the extent such price exceeds the fair market value of any such Collateral Obligation, such excess shall be deemed to be a capital contribution from the Retention Provider to the Issuer); provided further that, the Trustee shall have no responsibility to oversee compliance with this paragraph by the other parties. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article XII to the contrary, after the Closing Date, the Issuer shall not acquire any Collateral Obligation from an Affiliate of the Collateral Manager unless (i) such transfer is from a Seller, (ii) such transfer is from an Affiliate of the Collateral Manager that is a bankruptcy-remote special purpose vehicle or (iii) such transfer is made in accordance with the first proviso of this paragraph and other terms that the Collateral Manager determines, based upon advice of counsel, would not adversely impact the conclusions set forth in the Opinion of Counsel relating to bankruptcy matters delivered by Dechert LLP, on the Closing Date.
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(b) Upon any acquisition of a Collateral Obligation pursuant to this Article XII, all of the Issuer’s right, title and interest to the Asset or Assets shall be Granted to the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture, such Asset or Assets shall be Delivered to the Custodian, and, if applicable, the Custodian shall receive such Asset or Assets. The Trustee shall also receive, not later than the Cutoff Date, an Officer’s certificate of the Issuer containing the statements set forth in a Delivery Certificate; provided that such requirement shall be satisfied, and such statements shall be deemed to have been made by the Issuer, in respect of such acquisition by the delivery to the Trustee of a trade ticket, confirmation of trade, or instruction to post or to commit to trade or similar instrument or document or other written instruction (including by email or other electronic communication or file transfer protocol) pursuant to Section 1.3(t).
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article XII or Article V to the contrary, the Issuer shall have the right to effect any sale of any Asset or purchase of any Collateral Obligation (1) with the consent of Noteholders evidencing at least (i) with respect to purchases or optional repurchases or substitutions during the Reinvestment Period and sales during or after the Reinvestment Period, 75% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of each Class of Notes and (ii) with respect to purchases or optional repurchases or substitutions after the Reinvestment Period, 100% of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of each Class of Notes and (2) of which the Rating Agency and the Trustee have been notified.
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article XII or Article V to the contrary, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Enforcement Event, the Issuer shall not have the right to effect any sale of any Asset or purchase of any Collateral Obligation without the consent of a Majority of the Controlling Class.
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ARTICLE XIII
Noteholders’ Relations
Section 13.1 Subordination. (a) Anything in this Indenture or the Notes to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holders of each Class of Notes that constitutes a Junior Class agree for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes of each Priority Class with respect to such Junior Class that such Junior Class shall be subordinate and junior to the Notes of each such Priority Class to the extent and in the manner expressly set forth in the Priority of Payments. In the event one or more Holder(s) cause(s) the filing of a petition in bankruptcy against the Issuer prior to the expiration of the period set forth in clause (b) of this Section 13.1, any claim(s) that such Holder(s) have against the Issuer (including under all Notes of any Class held by such Holder(s)) or with respect to any Assets (including any proceeds thereof) shall, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Priority of Payments and notwithstanding any objection to, or rescission of, such filing, be fully subordinate in right of payment to the claims of each Holder (and each other secured creditor of the Issuer) that does not seek to cause any such filing, with such subordination being effective until all Notes (and each claim of each other secured creditor) held by each Holder of any Note that does not seek to cause any such filing are paid in full in accordance with the Priority of Payments set forth herein (after giving effect to such subordination). The foregoing sentence shall constitute a “subordination agreement” within the meaning of Section 510(a) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
(b) The Holders of each Class of Notes and beneficial owners of each Class of Notes agree, for the benefit of all Holders of each Class of Notes and beneficial owners of each Class of Notes, not to cause the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, insolvency, winding-up or a similar proceeding in the United States or any other jurisdiction against the Issuer until the payment in full of all Notes and the expiration of a period equal to one year and one day or, if longer, the applicable preference period then in effect plus one day, following such payment in full.
(c) The Issuer shall, provided funds are available for such purpose, timely file an answer and any other appropriate pleading objecting to (i) the institution of any Proceeding in bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding in the United States or any other jurisdiction to have the Issuer adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent or (ii) the filing of any petition seeking relief, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Issuer under applicable law. The reasonable fees, costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Issuer (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) in connection with taking any such action shall be payable as “Administrative Expenses.”
Section 13.2 Standard of Conduct. In exercising any of its or their voting rights, rights to direct and consent or any other rights as a Holder under this Indenture, a Holder or Holders shall not have any obligation or duty to any Person or to consider or take into account the interests of any Person and shall not be liable to any Person for any action taken by it or them or at its or their direction or any failure by it or them to act or to direct that an action be taken, without regard to whether such action or inaction benefits or adversely affects any Holder, the Issuer, or any other Person, except for any liability to which such Holder may be subject to the extent the same results from such Holder’s taking or directing an action, or failing to take or direct an action, in bad faith or in violation of the express terms of this Indenture.
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ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 14.1 Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an Officer of the Issuer or the Collateral Manager may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel (provided that such counsel is a nationally or internationally recognized and reputable law firm, one or more of the partners of which are admitted to practice before the highest court of any State of the United States or the District of Columbia which law firm may, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, be counsel for the Issuer), unless such Officer knows, or should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which such certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate of an Officer of the Issuer or the Collateral Manager or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, the Issuer, the Collateral Manager or any other Person (on which the Trustee shall be entitled to rely), stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager or such other Person, unless such Officer of the Issuer or the Collateral Manager or such counsel knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous. Any Opinion of Counsel may also be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an Officer of the Collateral Manager, the Issuer, stating that the information with respect to such matters is in the possession of the Collateral Manager or the Issuer, unless such counsel knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the absence of the occurrence and continuation of a Default or Event of Default is a condition precedent to the taking of any action by the Trustee at the request or direction of the Issuer, then notwithstanding that the satisfaction of such condition is a condition precedent to the Issuer’s right to make such request or direction, the Trustee shall be protected in acting in accordance with such request or direction if it does not have knowledge of the occurrence and continuation of such Default or Event of Default as provided in Section 6.1(d).
The Bank (in any capacity under the Transaction Documents) agrees to accept and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to the Transaction Documents sent by unsecured email or facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods; provided that any Person providing such instructions or directions shall provide to the Bank an incumbency certificate listing authorized persons designated to provide such instructions or directions, which incumbency certificate shall be amended whenever a person is added or deleted from the listing. If such person elects to give the Bank email or facsimile instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Bank in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Bank’s reasonable understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Bank shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Bank’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding such instructions conflicting with or being inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. Any Person providing such instructions agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Bank, including without limitation the risk of the Bank acting on unauthorized instructions accompanied by an incumbency certificate, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties. Any Person providing such instructions acknowledges and agrees that there may be more secure methods of transmitting such instructions than the method(s) selected by such Person and agrees that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection with such Person’s transmission of such instructions provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances.
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Section 14.2 Acts of Holders. (a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee, and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuer. Such instrument or instruments (and the action or actions embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuer, if made in the manner provided in this Section 14.2.
(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved in any manner which the Trustee reasonably deems sufficient.
(c) The principal amount or face amount, as the case may be, and registered numbers of Notes held by any Person, and the date of such Person’s holding the same, shall be proved by the Register or shall be provided by certification by such Holder.
(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by the Holder of any Notes shall bind the Holder (and any transferee thereof) of such and of every Note issued upon the registration thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Issuer in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.
(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note will have the right to receive access to reports on the Trustee’s internet website and will be entitled to exercise rights to vote, give consents and directions which Holders of the related Class of Notes are entitled to give under this Indenture upon delivery of a beneficial ownership certificate (a “Beneficial Ownership Certificate”) to the Trustee which certifies (i) that such Person is a beneficial owner of an interest in a Global Note, (ii) the amount and Class of Notes so owned, and (iii) that such Person will notify the Trustee when it sells all or a portion of its beneficial interest in such Class of Notes. A separate Beneficial Ownership Certificate must be delivered each time any such vote, consent or direction is given; provided that, nothing shall prevent the Trustee from requesting additional information and documentation with respect to any such beneficial owner; provided further that the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on the accuracy and the currency of each Beneficial Ownership Certificate and shall not be required to obtain any further information in this regard.
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Section 14.3 Notices, etc., to Trustee, the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Initial Purchasers, the Collateral Administrator, the Paying Agent and the Rating Agency. (a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, instruction, order, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Noteholders or other documents or communication provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given, e-mailed or furnished to, or filed with:
(i) the Trustee shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to and mailed, by certified mail, return receipt requested, hand delivered, sent by overnight courier service guaranteeing next day delivery, by electronic mail, or by facsimile in legible form, to the Trustee addressed to it at its applicable Corporate Trust Office, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the other parties hereto by the Trustee, and executed by a Responsible Officer of the entity sending such request, demand, authorization, direction, instruction, order, notice, consent, waiver or other document; provided that any demand, authorization, direction, instruction, order, notice, consent, waiver or other document sent to U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (in any capacity hereunder) will be deemed effective only upon receipt thereof by a Trust Officer of U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association at the Corporate Trust Office;
(ii) the Issuer shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first class postage prepaid, hand delivered, sent by overnight courier service or by facsimile in legible form, to the Issuer addressed to it at c/o Puglisi & Associates, 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711 or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the other parties hereto by the Issuer with a copy to the Collateral Manager at its address below;
(iii) the Initial Purchasers shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and mailed, first class postage prepaid, hand delivered, sent by overnight courier service or by telecopy in legible form, addressed to (i) in the case of Jefferies, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: General Counsel and (ii) in the case of KBCM, 1301 Avenue of the Americas, 35th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Andrew Yuder or, in each case, at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Initial Purchasers;
(iv) the Collateral Administrator shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and mailed, first class postage prepaid, hand delivered, sent by overnight courier service or by facsimile in legible form, to the Collateral Administrator addressed to it at the Corporate Trust Office, email: Monroe.Capital.Boston@usbank.com, lynora.caulfield@usbank.com, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the other parties hereto;
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(v) the Collateral Manager shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and mailed, first class postage prepaid, hand delivered, sent by overnight courier service or by facsimile in legible form, to the Collateral Manager addressed to it at c/o Monroe Capital, LLC, 311 S Wacker Drive, Suite 6400, Chicago, IL 60606, Attention: Michael J. Furr or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the parties hereto; and
(vi) the Rating Agency shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first class postage prepaid, hand delivered, sent by overnight courier service to the Rating Agency addressed to it at, in the case of KBRA, Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC, 805 3rd Avenue, 29th Floor, New York, New York 10022, Attn: Structured Credit, or by email to StructuredCredit@kbra.com.
(b) If any provision herein calls for any notice or document to be delivered simultaneously to the Trustee and any other Person, the Trustee’s receipt of such notice or document shall entitle the Trustee to assume that such notice or document was delivered to such other Person or entity unless otherwise expressly specified herein.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein or in any agreement or document related thereto, any report, statement or other information required to be provided by the Issuer or the Trustee may be provided by providing access to a website containing such information.
Section 14.4 Notices to Holders; Waiver. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event,
(a) such notice shall be sufficiently given to Holders if in writing and mailed, first class postage prepaid, or by overnight delivery service (or, in the case of Holders of Global Secured Notes, e-mailed to DTC), to each Holder affected by such event, at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Register, not earlier than the earliest date and not later than the latest date prescribed for the giving of such notice; and
(b) such notice shall be in the English language.
Such notices will be deemed to have been given on the date of such mailing.
Notwithstanding clause (a) above, a Holder may give the Trustee a written notice that it is requesting that notices to it be given by electronic mail or by facsimile transmissions and stating the electronic mail address or facsimile number for such transmission. Thereafter, the Trustee shall give notices to such Holder by electronic mail or facsimile transmission, as so requested; provided that if such notice also requests that notices be given by mail, then such notice shall also be given by mail in accordance with clause (a) above. Notices for Holders may also be posted to the Trustee’s internet website.
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Subject to the requirements of Section 14.15, the Trustee will deliver to the Holders any information or notice relating to this Indenture requested to be so delivered by at least 25% of the Holders of any Class of Notes (by Aggregate Outstanding Amount), at the expense of the Issuer; provided that the Trustee may decline to send any such notice that it reasonably determines to be contrary to (i) any of the terms of this Indenture, (ii) any duty or obligation that the Trustee may have hereunder or (iii) applicable law. The Trustee may require the requesting Holders to comply with its standard verification policies in order to confirm Noteholder status.
Neither the failure to mail any notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service as a result of a strike, work stoppage or similar activity or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail of any event to Holders when such notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then such notification to Holders as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification to such Holders for every purpose hereunder.
Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by any Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
Section 14.5 Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. The Article and Section headings herein (including those used in cross-references herein) and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
Section 14.6 Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements herein by the Issuer shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
Section 14.7 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or condition of this Indenture or the Notes, or the application thereof to any party hereto or any circumstance, is held to be unenforceable, invalid or illegal (in whole or in part) for any reason (in any relevant jurisdiction), the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Indenture or the Notes, modified by the deletion of the unenforceable, invalid or illegal portion (in any relevant jurisdiction), will continue in full force and effect, and such unenforceability, invalidity, or illegality will not otherwise affect the enforceability, validity or legality of the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Indenture or the Notes, as the case may be, so long as this Indenture or the Notes, as the case may be, as so modified continues to express, without material change, the original intentions of the parties as to the subject matter hereof and the deletion of such portion of this Indenture or the Notes, as the case may be, will not substantially impair the respective expectations or reciprocal obligations of the parties or the practical realization of the benefits that would otherwise be conferred upon the parties.
Section 14.8 Benefits of Indenture. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Indenture, nothing herein or in the Notes, expressed or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator, the Holders of the Notes and (to the extent provided herein) the other Secured Parties any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
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Section 14.9 Legal Holidays. If the date of any Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity shall not be a Business Day, then notwithstanding any other provision of the Notes or this Indenture, payment need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the nominal date of any such Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity date.
Section 14.10 Governing Law. This Indenture shall be construed in accordance with, and this Indenture and any matters arising out of or relating in any way whatsoever to this Indenture (whether in contract, tort or otherwise), shall be governed by, the law of the State of New York.
Section 14.11 Submission to Jurisdiction. With respect to any suit, action or proceedings relating to this Indenture or any matter between the parties arising under or in connection with this Indenture (“Proceedings”), each party irrevocably: (i) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof; and (ii) waives any objection which it may have at any time to the laying of venue of any Proceedings brought in any such court, waives any claim that such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further waives the right to object, with respect to such Proceedings, that such court does not have any jurisdiction over such party. Nothing herein precludes any of the parties from bringing Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, nor will the bringing of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the bringing of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction.
Section 14.12 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE HOLDERS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. Each party hereby (i) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of the other has represented, expressly or otherwise, that the other would not, in the event of a Proceeding, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver and (ii) acknowledges that it has been induced to enter into this Indenture by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this paragraph.
Section 14.13 Counterparts. This Indenture (and each amendment, modification and waiver in respect of it) and the Notes may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by e-mail (.pdf) or facsimile transmission or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, including Orbit, Adobe Sign, DocuSign, or any other similar platform identified by the Issuer and reasonably available at no undue burden or expense to the Trustee), each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which together constitute one and the same instrument. This Indenture shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of (i) an original manual signature; (ii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or (iii) any other electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including any relevant provisions of the UCC (collectively, “Signature Law”), in each case to the extent applicable. Each faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature, shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature, of any other party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the UCC or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings. Delivery of an executed counterpart signature page of this Indenture by e-mail (.pdf) or facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Indenture. The Trustee shall have no duty to inquire into or investigate the authenticity or authorization of any such electronic signature and shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any such electronic signature without any liability with respect thereto.
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Section 14.14 Acts of Issuer. Any report, information, communication, request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or performed by the Issuer shall be effective if given or performed by the Issuer or by the Collateral Manager on the Issuer’s behalf.
The Issuer agrees to coordinate with the Collateral Manager with respect to any communication to the Rating Agency and to comply with the provisions of this Section 14.14 and Section 14.17, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Collateral Manager.
Section 14.15 Confidential Information. (a) The Trustee, the Collateral Administrator and each Holder or beneficial owner of Notes will maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information in accordance with procedures adopted by such Person in good faith to protect Confidential Information of third parties delivered to such Person; provided that such Person may deliver or disclose Confidential Information to: (i) such Person’s directors, trustees, officers, employees, agents, attorneys and affiliates who agree to hold confidential the Confidential Information substantially in accordance with the terms of this Section 14.15 and to the extent such disclosure is reasonably required for the administration of this Indenture, the matters contemplated hereby or the investment represented by the Notes; (ii) such Person’s legal advisors, financial advisors and other professional advisors who agree to hold confidential the Confidential Information substantially in accordance with the terms of this Section 14.15 and to the extent such disclosure is reasonably required for the administration of this Indenture, the matters contemplated hereby or the investment represented by the Notes; (iii) any other Holder or beneficial owner of Notes, or any of the other parties to this Indenture, the Collateral Management Agreement or the Collateral Administration Agreement; (iv) except for Specified Obligor Information, any Person of the type that would be, to such Person’s knowledge, permitted to acquire Notes in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.5 hereof to which such Person sells or offers to sell any such Note or any part thereof; (v) except for Specified Obligor Information, any other Person from which such former Person offers to purchase any security of the Issuer; (vi) any federal or state or other regulatory, governmental or judicial authority having jurisdiction over such Person; (vii) the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any similar organization, or any nationally recognized rating agency that requires access to information about the investment portfolio of such Person, reinsurers and liquidity and credit providers that agree to hold confidential the Confidential Information substantially in accordance with this Section 14.15; (viii) KBRA (subject to Section 14.17); (ix) any other Person with the consent of the Issuer and the Collateral Manager; or (x) any other Person to which such delivery or disclosure may be necessary or appropriate (A) to effect compliance with any law, rule, regulation or order applicable to such Person, (B) in response to any subpoena or other legal process (unless prohibited by applicable law, rule, order or decree or other requirement having the force of law), (C) in connection with any litigation to which such Person is a party (unless prohibited by applicable law, rule, order or decree or other requirement having the force of law), (D) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the extent such Person may reasonably determine such delivery and disclosure to be necessary or appropriate in the enforcement or for the protection of the rights and remedies under the Notes or this Indenture or (E) in the Trustee’s or Collateral Administrator’s performance of its obligations under this Indenture, the Collateral Administration Agreement or other transaction document related thereto; and provided that delivery to the Holders or beneficial owners of Notes or to the accountants by the Trustee or the Collateral Administrator of any report of information required by the terms of this Indenture to be provided to Holders or beneficial owners of Notes or to the accountants shall not be a violation of this Section 14.15. Each Holder or beneficial owner of Notes will, by its acceptance of its Note, be deemed to have agreed, except as set forth in clauses (vi), (vii) and (x) above, that it shall use the Confidential Information for the sole purpose of making an investment in the Notes or administering its investment in the Notes; and that the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator shall neither be required nor authorized to disclose to Holders or beneficial owners of Notes any Confidential Information in violation of this Section 14.15. In the event of any required disclosure of the Confidential Information by such Holder or beneficial owner, such Holder or beneficial owner will, by its acceptance of its Note, be deemed to have agreed to use reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the Confidential Information. Each Holder or beneficial owner of a Note, by its acceptance of a Note, will be deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to be entitled to the benefits of this Section 14.15 (subject to Section 7.17(e)).
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(b) For the purposes of this Section 14.15, (A) “Confidential Information” means information delivered to the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator or any Holder or beneficial owner of Notes by or on behalf of the Issuer in connection with and relating to the transactions contemplated by or otherwise pursuant to this Indenture (including, without limitation, information relating to Obligors); provided that such term does not include information that: (i) was publicly known or otherwise known to the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator or such Holder or beneficial owner prior to the time of such disclosure; (ii) subsequently becomes publicly known through no act or omission by the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator, any Holder or beneficial owner of Notes or any Person acting on behalf of the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator or any Holder or beneficial owner of Notes; (iii) otherwise is known or becomes known to the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator or any Holder or beneficial owner of Notes other than (x) through disclosure by the Issuer or (y) to the knowledge of the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator, a Holder or a beneficial owner of Notes, as the case may be, in each case after reasonable inquiry, as a result of the breach of a fiduciary duty to the Issuer or a contractual duty to the Issuer; or (iv) is allowed to be treated as non-confidential by consent of the Issuer; and (B) “Specified Obligor Information” means Confidential Information relating to Obligors that is not otherwise included in the Distribution Reports.
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(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator may disclose Confidential Information to the extent disclosure thereof may be required by law or by any regulatory or governmental authority and the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator may disclose on a confidential basis any Confidential Information to its agents, attorneys and auditors in connection with the performance of its responsibilities hereunder.
Section 14.16 [Reserved].
Section 14.17 Communications with the Rating Agency. If the Issuer shall receive any written or oral communication from the Rating Agency (or any of its respective officers, directors or employees) with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby or under the Transaction Documents or in any way relating to the Notes, the Issuer agrees to refrain from communicating with the Rating Agency and to promptly (and, in any event, within one Business Day) notify the Collateral Manager of such communication. The Issuer agrees that in no event shall it engage in any oral or written communication with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby or under the Transaction Documents or in any way relating to the Notes with the Rating Agency (or any of its respective officers, directors or employees) without the participation of the Collateral Manager, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Collateral Manager. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 14.17 shall prohibit the Trustee from making available on its internet website the Distribution Reports and other notices or documentation relating to the Notes or this Indenture. For the avoidance of doubt, the Accountants’ Reports or reports prepared by the Independent accountants pursuant to this Indenture (or information received, orally or in writing, about the contents of such reports) shall not be disclosed or distributed to the Rating Agency. In accordance with SEC Release No. 34-72936, Form 15-E, only in its complete and unedited form will be provided by the Independent accountants to the Issuer who will post such Form 15-E on the 17g-5 website.
Section 14.18 Notices to KBRA; Rule 17g-5 Procedures. (a) To enable the Rating Agency to comply with their obligations under Rule 17g-5, the Issuer shall post on a password-protected internet website, at the same time such information is provided to the Rating Agency, all information the Issuer provides to the Rating Agency for the purposes of determining the initial credit rating of the Notes or undertaking credit rating surveillance of the Notes. In the case of information provided for the purposes of undertaking credit rating surveillance of the Notes, such information shall be posted on a password protected internet website in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 14.18(b).
(b) To the extent that the Rating Agency makes an inquiry or initiates communications with the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator or the Trustee that is relevant to the Rating Agency’s credit rating surveillance of the Secured Notes, all responses to such inquiries or communications from the Rating Agency shall be formulated in writing by the responding party or its representative or advisor and shall be provided to the Information Agent who shall promptly forward such written response to the Issuer’s Website in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 14.18(d) and the Collateral Administration Agreement and such responding party or its representative or advisor may provide such response to the Rating Agency and to the extent that any of the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator or the Trustee is required to provide any information to, or communicate with, the Rating Agency in accordance with its obligations under this Indenture or the Collateral Management Agreement, the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator or the Trustee, as applicable (or their respective representatives or advisors), shall provide such information or communication to the Information Agent by e-mail at Monroe.Capital.Boston@usbank.com, which the Information Agent shall promptly forward to the Issuer’s Website in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 14.18(d) and the Collateral Administration Agreement.
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(c) Subject to Section 14.17 hereof, the Issuer, the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator and the Trustee (and their respective representatives and advisors) shall be permitted (but shall not be required) to orally communicate with the Rating Agency regarding any Collateral Obligation or the Notes; provided, that such party summarizes the information provided to the Rating Agency in such communication and provides the Information Agent with such summary in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 14.18 and the Collateral Administration Agreement within one Business Day of such communication taking place. The Information Agent shall forward such summary to the Issuer’s Website in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 14.18(d).
(d) All information to be made available to the Rating Agency pursuant to this Section 14.18 shall be forwarded by the Information Agent for posting on the Issuer’s Website pursuant to the Collateral Administration Agreement. Information will be posted on the same Business Day of receipt provided that such information is received by 12:00 p.m. (New York time) or, if received after 12:00 p.m. (New York time), on the next Business Day. The Information Agent shall have no obligation or duty to verify, confirm or otherwise determine whether the information being delivered is accurate, complete, conforms to the transaction or otherwise is or is not anything other than what it purports to be. In the event that any information is delivered or posted in error, the Issuer may remove it from the Issuer’s Website. None of the Trustee, the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Administrator and the Information Agent shall have obtained or shall be deemed to have obtained actual knowledge of any information solely due to receipt and posting to the Issuer’s Website. Access to the Issuer’s Website will be provided by the Issuer to (A) any NRSRO (other than the Rating Agency) upon receipt by the Issuer and the Information Agent of an NRSRO Certification in the form of Exhibit E hereto (which may be submitted electronically via the Issuer’s Website) and (B) the Rating Agency, without submission of an NRSRO Certification.
(e) None of the Issuer, the Trustee, or the Collateral Manager shall be responsible or liable for any delays caused by the failure of the Information Agent to forward the applicable response to the Issuer’s Website.
(f) Notwithstanding the requirements of this Section 14.18, neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Administrator shall have any obligation to engage in, or respond to, any inquiry or oral communications from the Rating Agency. Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Administrator shall be responsible for maintaining the Issuer’s Website, posting information on the Issuer’s Website or assuring that the Issuer’s Website complies with the requirements of this Indenture, Rule 17g-5, or any other law or regulation. In no event shall the Trustee, the Information Agent or the Collateral Administrator be deemed to make any representation as to the content of the Issuer’s Website (other than with respect to the Information Agent, to the extent such content was prepared by the Information Agent) or with respect to compliance by the Issuer’s Website with this Indenture, Rule 17g-5 or any other law or regulation.
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(g) In connection with providing access to the Issuer’s Website, the Issuer may require registration and the acceptance of a disclaimer. The Information Agent shall not be liable for the dissemination of information in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Collateral Administration Agreement and makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of such information being made available, and assumes no responsibility for such information. The Information Agent shall not be liable for its failure to make any information available to the Rating Agency or NRSROs unless such information was delivered to the Information Agent at the email address set forth herein, with a subject heading of “Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC” and sufficient detail to indicate that such information is required to be posted on the Issuer’s Website.
(h) Notwithstanding anything therein to the contrary, the maintenance by the Trustee of the website described in Section 10.7(g) shall not be deemed as compliance by or on behalf of the Issuer with Rule 17g-5 or other law or regulation related thereto.
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture (including, without limitation, Section 5.1), any failure by the Issuer or any other Person to comply with the provisions of this Section 14.18 shall not constitute an Event of Default or breach of this Indenture, the Collateral Management Agreement or any other agreement, and the Holders and the holders of any beneficial interests in the Notes shall have no rights with respect thereto or under this Section 14.18. This Section 14.18 may be amended or modified by agreement of the Collateral Manager, the Issuer, the Trustee, the Information Agent and the Rating Agency, without the consent of any Noteholders or any other Person.
(j) In accordance with SEC Release No. 34-72936, Form 15-E, only in its complete and unedited form, will be provided by the Independent accountants to the Issuer who will post such Form 15-E on the 17g-5 website.
Section 14.19 Proceedings. Each purchaser, beneficial owner and subsequent transferee of a Note will be deemed by its purchase to acknowledge and agree as follows: (i) (a) the express terms of this Indenture govern the rights of the Noteholders to direct the commencement of a Proceeding against any person, (b) this Indenture contains limitations on the rights of the Noteholders to direct the commencement of any such Proceeding, and (c) each Noteholder shall comply with such express terms if it seeks to direct the commencement of any such Proceeding; (ii) there are no implied rights under this Indenture to direct the commencement of any such Proceeding; and (iii) notwithstanding any provision of this Indenture, or any provision of the Notes, or of the Collateral Administration Agreement or of any other agreement, the Issuer shall be under no duty or obligation of any kind to the Noteholders, or any of them, to institute any legal or other proceedings of any kind, against any person or entity, including, without limitation, the Trustee, the Collateral Manager or the Collateral Administrator.
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ARTICLE XV
Assignment Of Certain Agreements
Section 15.1 Assignment of Collateral Management Agreement. (a) The Issuer hereby acknowledges that its Grant pursuant to the first Granting Clause hereof includes all of the Issuer’s estate, right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral Management Agreement, including (i) the right to give all notices, consents and releases thereunder, (ii) the right to give all notices of termination and to take any legal action upon the breach of an obligation of the Collateral Manager thereunder, including the commencement, conduct and consummation of proceedings at law or in equity, (iii) the right to receive all notices, accountings, consents, releases and statements thereunder and (iv) the right to do any and all other things whatsoever that the Issuer is or may be entitled to do thereunder; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trustee shall not have the authority to exercise any of the rights set forth in (i) through (iv) above or that may otherwise arise as a result of the Grant until the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder and such authority shall terminate at such time, if any, as such Event of Default is cured or waived. From and after the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Manager shall continue to perform and be bound by the provisions of the Collateral Management Agreement and this Indenture applicable thereto.
(b) The assignment made hereby is executed as collateral security, and the execution and delivery hereby shall not in any way impair or diminish the obligations of the Issuer under the provisions of the Collateral Management Agreement, nor shall any of the obligations contained in the Collateral Management Agreement be imposed on the Trustee at any time, including following the resignation or removal of the Collateral Manager.
(c) Upon the retirement of the Notes, the payment of all amounts required to be paid pursuant to the Priority of Payments and the release of the Assets from the lien of this Indenture, this assignment and all rights herein assigned to the Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders shall cease and terminate and all the estate, right, title and interest of the Trustee in, to and under the Collateral Management Agreement shall revert to the Issuer and no further instrument or act shall be necessary to evidence such termination and reversion.
(d) The Issuer represents that, as of the date hereof, the Issuer has not executed any other assignment of the Collateral Management Agreement.
(e) The Issuer agrees that this assignment is irrevocable, and that it will not take any action which is inconsistent with this assignment or make any other assignment inconsistent herewith. The Issuer will, from time to time, execute all instruments of further assurance and all such supplemental instruments with respect to this assignment as may be necessary to continue and maintain the effectiveness of such assignment.
(f) The Issuer hereby agrees, and hereby undertakes to obtain the agreement and consent of the Collateral Manager in the Collateral Management Agreement, to the following:
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(i) The Collateral Manager shall consent to the provisions of this assignment and agree to perform any provisions of this Indenture applicable to the Collateral Manager subject to the terms (including the Collateral Manager Standard) of the Collateral Management Agreement.
(ii) The Collateral Manager shall acknowledge that the Issuer is assigning all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral Management Agreement to the Trustee as representative of the Noteholders and the Collateral Manager shall agree that all of the representations, covenants and agreements made by the Collateral Manager in the Collateral Management Agreement are also for the benefit of the Trustee.
(iii) The Collateral Manager shall deliver to the Trustee copies of all notices, statements, communications and instruments delivered or required to be delivered by the Collateral Manager to the Issuer pursuant to the Collateral Management Agreement.
(iv) Except as otherwise set forth herein and therein (including pursuant to Section 9 of the Collateral Management Agreement), the Collateral Manager shall continue to serve as Collateral Manager under the Collateral Management Agreement notwithstanding that the Collateral Manager shall not have received amounts due it under the Collateral Management Agreement because sufficient funds were not then available hereunder to pay such amounts in accordance with the Priority of Payments set forth under Section 11.1. The Collateral Manager agrees not to cause the filing of a petition in bankruptcy against the Issuer for the nonpayment of the fees or other amounts payable by the Issuer to the Collateral Manager under the Collateral Management Agreement until the payment in full of all Notes issued under this Indenture and the expiration of a period equal to one year and a day, or, if longer, the applicable preference period and one day, following such payment. Nothing in this Section 15.1 shall preclude, or be deemed to stop, the Collateral Manager (i) from taking any action prior to the expiration of the aforementioned period in (A) any case or Proceeding voluntarily filed or commenced by the Issuer or (B) any involuntary insolvency Proceeding filed or commenced by a Person other than the Collateral Manager, or (ii) from commencing against the Issuer or any of its properties any legal action which is not a bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium or liquidation proceeding.
(v) Except with respect to transactions contemplated by Section 5 of the Collateral Management Agreement, if the Collateral Manager determines that it or any of its Affiliates has a conflict of interest between the Holder of any Note and any other account or portfolio for which the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates is serving as investment adviser which relates to any action to be taken with respect to any Asset, then the Collateral Manager will give written notice briefly describing such conflict and the action it proposes to take to the Trustee, who shall promptly forward such notice to the relevant Holder. The provisions of this clause (v) shall not apply to any transaction permitted by the terms of the Collateral Management Agreement.
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(g) The Issuer and the Trustee agree that the Collateral Manager shall be a third party beneficiary of this Indenture, and shall be entitled to rely upon and enforce such provisions of this Indenture to the same extent as if it were a party hereto.
(h) Upon a Trust Officer of the Trustee receiving written notice from the Collateral Manager that an event constituting “Cause” as defined in the Collateral Management Agreement has occurred with a request that the Trustee forward such notice to Holders, the Trustee shall, not later than two Business Days thereafter, forward such notice to the Noteholders (as their names appear in the Register).
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hands as of the day and year first written above.
Monroe Capital Income
Plus ABS Funding, LLC, as Issuer |
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
U.S. BANK Trust Company,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee |
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Schedule 1
List of Collateral Obligations
S-8-1
Exhibit 10.2
EXECUTION VERSION
COLLATERAL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
dated as of April 7, 2022
by and between
MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, LLC,
as Issuer
and
MONROE CAPITAL BDC ADVISORS, LLC,
as Collateral Manager
Table of Contents | ||
Page |
Section 1. | Definitions | 1 |
Section 2. | Duties of the COLLATERAL Manager | 4 |
Section 3. | Brokerage; Agency Cross Transactions | 8 |
Section 4. | Additional Activities of the COLLATERAL Manager | 10 |
Section 5. | Conflicts of Interest | 13 |
Section 6. | Records; Confidentiality | 14 |
Section 7. | Obligations Concerning Particular Matters | 15 |
Section 8. | Compensation | 16 |
Section 9. | Limits of COLLATERAL Manager Responsibility; Indemnification | 19 |
Section 10. | No Joint Venture | 22 |
Section 11. | Term; Removal and Resignation | 22 |
Section 12. | Obligations of Resigning or Removed COLLATERAL Manager; Effect of Termination, Resignation or Removal | 24 |
Section 13. | Delegation; Assignments | 26 |
Section 14. | Representations and Warranties | 27 |
Section 15. | No Petition; No Recourse | 31 |
Section 16. | Notices | 31 |
Section 17. | Binding Nature of Agreement; Successors and Assigns; Benefits of Agreement | 32 |
Section 18. | Entire Agreement; Amendments | 32 |
Section 19. | Third Party Beneficiaries | 32 |
Section 20. | 17g-5; Other Agreements | 32 |
Section 21. | Governing Law | 33 |
Section 22. | Indulgences Not Waivers | 33 |
Section 23. | Titles Not to Affect Interpretation | 33 |
Section 24. | Execution in Counterparts | 33 |
Section 25. | Provisions Separable | 34 |
Section 26. | Number and Gender | 34 |
Section 27. | Collateral Assignment | 34 |
Section 28. | Written Disclosure Statement | 34 |
Section 29. | Survival | 34 |
-i-
Table of Contents | ||
(continued) | ||
Page |
ANNEX A | FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION | 36 |
ANNEX 1 | TO FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION | 3 |
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COLLATERAL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
This Collateral Management Agreement (this "Agreement"), dated as of April 7, 2022 is entered into by and between Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (together with its successors and assigns permitted hereunder, the "Issuer"), and Monroe Capital BDC Advisors, LLC, as collateral manager (together with its successors and assigns permitted hereunder, the "Collateral Manager").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of the date hereof (the "Indenture"), between the Issuer and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"), the Issuer intends to issue the Secured Notes (as defined in the Indenture) and the Subordinated Notes (as defined in the Indenture);
WHEREAS, the Issuer intends to pledge the Assets (as defined in the Indenture) to the Trustee;
WHEREAS, the Issuer wishes to enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Collateral Manager agrees to perform, on behalf of the Issuer, certain duties with respect to the Assets in the manner and on the terms set forth herein and to provide such additional services as are consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Indenture; and
WHEREAS, the Collateral Manager has the capacity to provide the services required hereunder and is prepared to perform such services upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.
"Actions": The meaning specified in Section 9(b).
"Advisers Act": The U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
"Affiliate" or "Affiliated": With respect to a Person, (i) any other Person who, directly or indirectly, is in control of, or controlled by, or under common control with, such Person or (ii) any other Person who is a director, manager, member, partner, shareholder, officer or employee (a) of such Person, (b) of any subsidiary or parent company of such Person or (c) of any Person described in clause (i) above. For the purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall mean the power, direct or indirect, (x) to vote more than 50% of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of any such Person or (y) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether by contract or otherwise. For purposes of this definition, no entity to which the Collateral Manager provides investment management or advisory services will be deemed an Affiliate of the Collateral Manager solely because the Collateral Manager acts in such capacity.
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"Aggregate Collateral Management Fee": The meaning specified in Section 8(a).
"Cause": The meaning specified in Section 11(c).
"Collateral Management Fee": The meaning specified in Section 8(a).
"Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amount": The meaning specified in Section 8(a).
"Collateral Manager": The meaning specified in the Preamble.
"Collateral Manager Information": The meaning specified in Section 9(a).
"Collateral Manager Notes": Any Notes owned by the Collateral Manager, an Affiliate thereof, or any account, fund, client or portfolio established and controlled by the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof or for which the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof acts as the investment adviser or with respect to which the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate thereof exercises discretionary control.
"Confidential Information": The meaning specified in Section 6(b).
"Cumulative Deferred Management Fee": The meaning specified in Section 8(a).
"Current Deferred Management Fee": The meaning specified in Section 8(a).
"Expenses": The meaning specified in Section 9(b).
"Indemnified Party": The meaning specified in Section 9(d).
"Indemnifying Party": The meaning specified in Section 9(d)(i).
"Indenture": The meaning specified in the Recitals.
"Independent": As to any Person, any other Person (including, in the case of an accountant or lawyer, a firm of accountants or lawyers, and any member thereof, or an investment bank and any member thereof) who (i) does not have and is not committed to acquire any material direct or any material indirect financial interest in such Person or in any Affiliate of such Person, and (ii) is not connected with such Person as an officer, employee, promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, partner, manager, director or Person performing similar functions. "Independent" when used with respect to any accountant may include an accountant who audits the books of such Person if in addition to satisfying the criteria set forth above, the accountant is independent with respect to such Person within the meaning of Rule 101 of the Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. For purposes of this definition, no manager or director of any Person will fail to be Independent solely because such Person acts as an independent manager or independent director thereof or of any such Person's Affiliates.
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"Independent Investment Professional": A conflicts review board established by the Issuer or Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer or an independent third party appointed by the Issuer or Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer to act on behalf of the Issuer with respect to affiliate transactions.
"Issuer": The meaning specified in the Preamble.
"Issuer Documents": The meaning specified in Section 14(a)(i).
"Liabilities": The meaning specified in Section 9(a).
"Manager Termination Date": The meaning specified in Section 12(a).
"Organizational Instruments": The memorandum and articles of association or certificate of incorporation and bylaws (or the comparable documents for the applicable jurisdiction), in the case of a corporation, or the certificate of partnership and partnership agreement (or the comparable documents for the applicable jurisdiction), in the case of a partnership, or the certificate of formation and limited liability company agreement (or the comparable documents for the applicable jurisdiction), in the case of a limited liability company, or the certificate of trust and trust agreement (or the comparable documents for the applicable jurisdiction), in the case of a statutory trust.
"Person": An individual, corporation (including a business trust), partnership (general or limited), limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust (including any beneficiary thereof), bank, unincorporated association or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity of similar nature.
"Registered Investment Adviser": A Person duly registered as an investment adviser (including by being identified as a "relying adviser" in its related "filing adviser's" Form ADV) in accordance with and pursuant to Section 203 of the Advisers Act.
"Successor Criteria": The meaning specified in Section 12(a).
"Successor Manager": The meaning specified in Section 12(a).
"Trustee": The meaning specified in the Recitals.
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Section 2. Duties of the COLLATERAL Manager.
Subject to and in accordance with the Indenture and this Agreement, the Collateral Manager shall provide services to the Issuer as follows:
(a) Duties Specified Herein and in the Indenture; Power of Attorney. The Collateral Manager agrees to manage the investment and reinvestment of the Assets and shall perform, on behalf of the Issuer, those investment-related duties that have been expressly delegated to the Collateral Manager in this Agreement and in the Indenture. Any reference in this Agreement to the Collateral Manager's duties or obligations shall also include those duties expressly delegated to it in the Indenture and the Collateral Administration Agreement and those duties of the Issuer under the Indenture which the Collateral Manager, in its sole discretion, has agreed to perform on the Issuer's behalf; it being understood that the Collateral Manager shall have no obligation to perform any duties other than its duties as specified herein or expressly delegated to it in the Indenture and the Collateral Manager shall not be subject to any implied obligations of any kind.
In furtherance of the foregoing, the Issuer hereby appoints the Collateral Manager as the Issuer's true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and full authority in the Issuer's name, place and stead, and without any necessary further approval of the Issuer, in connection with the performance of the Collateral Manager's duties provided for in this Agreement, including, without limitation, the following powers: (i) to buy, sell, exchange, convert and otherwise trade Collateral Obligations, Eligible Investments, Restructured Obligations, Specified Equity Securities and Equity Securities and (ii) to negotiate, execute and deliver all necessary and appropriate documents and instruments on behalf of the Issuer to the extent necessary or appropriate to perform the services referred to in the first paragraph of this Section 2(a). The foregoing power of attorney is a continuing power, coupled with an interest, and shall remain in full force and effect until revoked by the Issuer in writing by virtue of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 11 hereof or an assignment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 13 hereof; provided that any such revocation shall not affect any transaction initiated prior to such revocation. Nevertheless, if so requested by the Collateral Manager or a purchaser of a Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment, Restructured Obligation, Specified Equity Security or an Equity Security, the Issuer shall ratify and confirm any such sale or other disposition by executing and delivering to the Collateral Manager or such purchaser all proper assignments, releases and other instruments as may be designated in any such request.
(b) Standard of Care. The Collateral Manager shall perform its obligations hereunder and under, and in accordance with, the Indenture with reasonable care and in good faith using a degree of skill and attention no less than that which the Collateral Manager exercises with respect to comparable assets that it manages for itself and others having similar investment objectives and restrictions and in accordance with its existing practices and procedures with respect to investing in assets of the nature and character of the Assets, except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement or the Indenture; provided, however, that in no event shall the Collateral Manager be (i) liable or responsible for the performance of the Assets, (ii) obligated to perform any other duties other than as expressly specified in this Agreement or in the Indenture or (iii) obligated to pursue any particular investment strategy or opportunity with respect to the Assets. To the extent not inconsistent with the foregoing, the Collateral Manager will follow its customary standards, policies and procedures in performing its duties under this Agreement and the Indenture; provided that the Collateral Manager shall not be liable for any loss or damages resulting from any failure to satisfy the standard of care set forth in this paragraph except to the extent such failure would result in liability pursuant to Section 9 hereof. In providing services to the Issuer hereunder, the Collateral Manager shall take into consideration the interests of the Holders of Notes as a whole. The Collateral Manager may, with respect to the affairs of the Issuer, consult with counsel, accountants and other advisors as deemed necessary or appropriate, in their capacity as such, selected by the Collateral Manager, and the Collateral Manager shall be fully protected, to the extent permitted by applicable law, in acting or failing to act hereunder if such action or inaction is taken or not taken by the Collateral Manager in good faith in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel, accountants or advisors.
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(c) Compliance with the Indenture; Amendments to the Indenture. The Collateral Manager shall comply with all the terms and conditions of the Indenture applicable to the duties and functions the Collateral Manager has agreed to perform pursuant to this Agreement. If this Agreement requires any action to be taken with respect to any matter and the Indenture requires that a different action be taken with respect to such matter, and such actions are mutually exclusive, the provisions of the Indenture in respect thereof shall control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral Manager shall not be bound to follow any supplemental indenture until (i) the Collateral Manager has received written notice and a copy thereof and (ii) the Collateral Manager shall have consented thereto in writing. The Issuer agrees not to execute any such supplemental indenture unless the Collateral Manager has consented thereto in writing.
(d) Monitoring and Reporting. The Collateral Manager shall monitor the Assets, on behalf of the Issuer, on an ongoing basis and, consistent with the Collateral Administration Agreement, cooperate with the Collateral Administrator in providing to or at the direction of the Issuer all reports, schedules and other data which the Issuer is required to prepare, deliver or furnish under the Indenture in the form and containing all information required thereby and in sufficient time for the Issuer to review such required reports, schedules and data and to deliver them to the parties entitled thereto under the Indenture. The Collateral Manager shall also provide all reports, schedules and other data which it is required to prepare, deliver or furnish under the Indenture, including pursuant to Section 10.6(a) of the Indenture. The Collateral Manager shall, on behalf of the Issuer, be responsible for obtaining to the extent reasonably practicable (and subject to any confidentiality restrictions) and from sources of information normally available to it any information concerning whether a Collateral Obligation has become a Defaulted Obligation.
(e) Selection and Management of Assets; Optional Redemption. The Collateral Manager shall in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, the Loan Sale Agreement and this Agreement (1) select all Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments to be acquired by the Issuer and pledged to the Trustee pursuant to the Indenture and acquire on behalf of the Issuer all such Collateral Obligations and Eligible Investments, (2) facilitate and manage the acquisition and settlement of Collateral Obligations, Restructured Obligations, Equity Securities, Specified Equity Securities and Eligible Investments by the Issuer and (3) consistent with the Collateral Manager's standard of care set forth in Section 2(b), take action on behalf of the Issuer in connection with effectuating any Optional Redemption (including any Refinancing) in accordance with the Indenture, including directing the sale (and the manner thereof) of Assets to the extent necessary to make payments in connection therewith. The Collateral Manager may, in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and this Agreement, take any of the following actions on behalf of the Issuer or, subject to and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture and this Agreement, direct the Trustee in writing to take any of the following actions, with respect to a Collateral Obligation, Restructured Obligation, Specified Equity Security, Equity Security or Eligible Investment:
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(i) retain such Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment, Restructured Obligation, Specified Equity Security or Equity Security;
(ii) sell or dispose of such Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment, Restructured Obligation, Specified Equity Security or Equity Security in the open market or otherwise;
(iii) acquire, in substitution for or in addition to any one or more Collateral Obligations or Eligible Investments included in the Assets, one or more additional Collateral Obligations or Eligible Investments;
(iv) if applicable, tender such Collateral Obligation, Eligible Investment, Equity Security or Specified Equity Security pursuant to an Offer;
(v) if applicable consent to any proposed amendment, extension, restatement, restructuring, modification or waiver;
(vi) retain or dispose of any securities or other property (if other than Cash) received pursuant to an Offer;
(vii) vote (by proxy or otherwise) or refrain from voting with respect to any Assets;
(viii) waive any default with respect to any Defaulted Obligation;
(ix) vote to accelerate (or rescind the acceleration of) the maturity of any Defaulted Obligation; and
(x) exercise any other rights or remedies with respect to a Collateral Obligation, Restructured Obligation, Specified Equity Security, Equity Security or Eligible Investment as provided in the related Underlying Instruments or take any other action consistent with the terms of the Indenture.
In performing its duties hereunder and when exercising its discretion and judgment in connection with any transactions involving the Assets, the Collateral Manager shall make a good faith attempt to carry out any reasonable written directions of the Issuer for the purpose of the Issuer's compliance with its Organizational Instruments and the Indenture; provided that such directions are not inconsistent with any provision of this Agreement or the Indenture by which the Collateral Manager is bound or prohibited by applicable law.
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Notwithstanding anything herein or any other Transaction Document to the contrary, the Collateral Manager shall have no authority to hold (directly or indirectly), or otherwise take possession of, any funds or securities of the Issuer (including Collateral Obligations or Eligible Investments). Without limiting the foregoing, the Collateral Manager shall have no authority to (i) sign checks on the Issuer's behalf, (ii) deduct fees from any Account, (iii) withdraw funds or securities from any Account, or (iv) dispose of funds in any Account for any purpose other than pursuant to transactions authorized by the Indenture; provided that, subject to Sections 2 and 3 hereof, the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv) shall not limit the Collateral Manager's ability to acquire Collateral Obligations, Restructured Obligations, Specified Equity Securities, Equity Securities and Eligible Investments pursuant to and in accordance with the Indenture and this Agreement or to direct the sale of Collateral Obligations, Restructured Obligations, Specified Equity Securities, Equity Securities and Eligible Investments pursuant to and in accordance with the Indenture and this Agreement. The Collateral Manager agrees that any requests regarding the disbursement of any funds in any Account must be made in accordance with the Indenture and must be sent to the Trustee. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit the Collateral Manager from issuing instructions to the Trustee or Collateral Administrator to effect or to settle any bills of sale, assignments, agreements and other instruments in connection with any acquisition, sale or other disposition of any Assets of the Issuer as permitted by the Indenture and the terms hereof.
(f) With respect to each Payment Date, the Collateral Manager (on behalf of the Issuer) shall make available to the Rating Agency, the Trustee, the Collateral Manager, the Initial Purchasers and to any other Holder shown on the register of a Note, and any beneficial owner of a Note who has delivered a Beneficial Ownership Certificate to the Trustee, the Distribution Report no later than the Business Day prior to the related Payment Date. The Distribution Report shall be completed with the information specified in the form of Distribution Report attached to the Collateral Management Agreement, in each case for the related Collection Period and Payment Date.
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Section 3. Brokerage; Agency Cross Transactions.
(a) Brokerage. The Collateral Manager shall cause any purchase or sale of any Collateral Obligation to be conducted on arm's length terms, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the best execution (but shall have no obligation to obtain the lowest price available) of all orders placed with respect to the Assets, considering all relevant circumstances. Subject to the preceding sentence, the Collateral Manager may take into consideration research and other brokerage services furnished to the Collateral Manager or its Affiliates by brokers and dealers in compliance with Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act. Such services may be used by the Collateral Manager or its Affiliates in connection with their respective other advisory activities or investment operations. The Collateral Manager may, but shall not be required to, aggregate sales and purchase orders of securities placed with respect to the Assets with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts managed by the Collateral Manager or with similar orders being made simultaneously for its proprietary accounts or accounts of its Affiliates. In accounting for such aggregate order price, commissions and other expenses may be apportioned on a weighted average basis. In assessing the best execution available for any purchase or sale of any Collateral Obligation, the Collateral Manager will consider all factors it deems relevant including, but not limited to, the requirements of the Indenture and of this Agreement, the timing for such purchase or sale, the breadth of the market in the relevant security or loan, market conditions, price, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer. When any aggregate sales or purchase orders occur, the Collateral Manager (and any of its Affiliates involved in such transactions) shall allocate the executions among the accounts and shall execute or direct the execution of all such transactions in a manner deemed equitable by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion. In addition to the foregoing and subject to the objective of obtaining best execution and to the extent permitted by applicable law and the Indenture, the Collateral Manager may, on behalf of the Issuer, acquire or direct the Trustee in writing to acquire any and all of the Eligible Investments or other Assets from, or sell Collateral Obligations or other Assets to, any of the Collateral Manager's Affiliates, the Initial Purchasers, the Collateral Administrator and any of their respective Affiliates.
The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that (i) the determination by the Collateral Manager of any benefit to the Issuer will be subjective and will represent the Collateral Manager's evaluation at the time that the Issuer will be benefited by relatively better purchase or sales prices, lower brokerage commissions, lower transaction costs and expenses and beneficial timing of transactions or any combination of any of these and/or other factors and (ii) the Collateral Manager shall be fully protected with respect to any such determination to the extent the Collateral Manager acts in accordance with Section 2(b) hereof. The Issuer further acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates may acquire or sell obligations or securities, for its own account or for the accounts of its customers, without either requiring or precluding the acquisition or sale of such obligations or securities for the account of the Issuer. Such investments may be the same or different from those made on behalf of the Issuer. If, in light of market conditions and investment objectives, the Collateral Manager determines that it would be advisable to sell or purchase the same item of Collateral Obligations both for the Issuer, and either the proprietary account of the Collateral Manager or any Affiliate of the Collateral Manager or another client of the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Manager shall allocate such investment opportunities across such entities for which such opportunities are appropriate consistent with any applicable requirements of the Advisers Act. The Issuer agrees that, in the course of managing the Collateral Obligations held by the Issuer, the Collateral Manager may consider its relationships with other clients (including obligors and issuers) and its Affiliates. The Collateral Manager may decline to make a particular investment for the Issuer in view of such relationships.
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(b) Agency Cross Transactions and Cross Trades.
(i) The Issuer hereby agrees that the Collateral Manager (or any Affiliated broker-dealer) shall be permitted to engage in agency cross transactions, as defined in Rule 206(3)-2 under the Advisers Act; provided that the Collateral Manager complies with the requirements of such Rule as specified in Section 3(b)(iii). The Issuer acknowledges that with respect to such agency cross transactions, the Collateral Manager (or any Affiliated broker-dealer) will act as broker for the Issuer and for the other party to the transaction and may be compensated by any or all participants in the transaction, to the extent permitted under applicable law.
(ii) The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Manager may direct the Issuer to acquire or dispose of Collateral Obligations in cross trades between the Issuer and other clients of the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. In such case, the Collateral Manager and such Affiliates may have potentially conflicting division of loyalties and responsibilities regarding the Issuer and the other parties to such trade. The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates may determine that it is appropriate to avoid such conflicts by selling a Collateral Obligation at a fair value that has been calculated pursuant to the Collateral Manager's valuation procedures to another fund managed or advised by the Collateral Manager or such Affiliates.
(iii) To the extent that any transactions set forth in the above Section 3(b)(i) or 3(b)(ii) are Affiliate transactions, the Collateral Manager shall obtain the Issuer's consent to such transaction through the Independent Investment Professional, following written disclosure thereto prior to settlement of such transaction which shall constitute the consent of the Issuer required under Section 206(3) of the Advisers Act. The Issuer hereby authorizes and consents to the Collateral Manager engaging in transactions contemplated by the above Sections 3(b)(i) or 3(b)(ii) and acting in such capacity as specified in this Section 3(b)(iii) so long as the Collateral Manager presents such trade to the Independent Investment Professional for review and such trade is approved in writing by the Independent Investment Professional.
(iv) To the extent that the Issuer acquires any Collateral Obligations directly from the Collateral Manager or its Affiliates, the Collateral Manager shall cause such acquisition to be made pursuant to an assignment and assumption agreement that is in all material respects substantially in the form of Annex A hereto.
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Section 4. Additional Activities of the COLLATERAL Manager.
(a) Other Activities. Nothing herein shall prevent the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates from engaging in other businesses, or from rendering services of any kind to the Issuer and its Affiliates, the Trustee, the Holders or any other Person to the extent permitted by applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Collateral Manager, its Affiliates and the individuals who are partners, managers, members, shareholders, directors, officers, employees or agents of the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates may, subject to any limits specified in the Indenture:
(i) serve as managers or directors (whether supervisory or managing), officers, partners, employees, agents, nominees or signatories for the Issuer or any Affiliate thereof, or for any issuer or obligor of any obligations included in the Assets or their respective Affiliates, to the extent permitted by their Underlying Instruments, as from time to time amended, or by any resolutions duly adopted by the Issuer, its Affiliates or any issuer of any obligations included in the Assets or its Affiliates, pursuant to their respective Underlying Instruments;
(ii) receive fees for services of any nature rendered to the issuer or obligor of any obligations included in the Assets or their Affiliates;
(iii) be a secured or unsecured creditor of, or hold an equity interest (including a controlling interest) in, or own or hold securities issued by, the Issuer (including any Notes), its Affiliates or any issuer or obligor of any obligation included in the Assets; and
(iv) act as collateral manager, portfolio manager, investment manager and/or investment advisers or subadviser in collateralized bond obligation vehicles, collateralized loan obligation vehicles and other similar warehousing, financing or other investment vehicles.
As a result, such individuals may possess information relating to obligors and issuers of Collateral Obligations that is (a) not known to or (b) known but restricted as to its use by, the individuals at the Collateral Manager responsible for monitoring the Collateral Obligations and performing the other obligations of the Collateral Manager under this Agreement. Each of such ownership and other relationships may result in securities laws restrictions on transactions in such securities by the Issuer and otherwise create conflicts of interest for the Issuer. The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that, in all such instances, the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates may in their discretion make investment recommendations and decisions that may be the same as or different from those made with respect to the Issuer's investments and they have no duty, in making or managing such investments, to act in a way that is favorable to the Issuer.
The Issuer acknowledges that there are generally no ethical screens or information barriers among the Collateral Manager and certain of its Affiliates of the type that many firms implement to separate Persons who make investment decisions from others who might possess material, non-public information that could influence such decisions. The officers or Affiliates of the Collateral Manager may possess information relating to obligors of Collateral Obligations that is not known to the individuals at the Collateral Manager responsible for monitoring the Collateral Obligations and performing the other obligations under this Agreement.
(b) Trading on Behalf of Self and Others. The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates may hold, purchase, sell, trade or take other related actions both for their respective accounts and for the accounts of their respective clients, on a principal or agency basis, with respect to loans, securities and other investments and financial instruments of all types. In addition, Affiliates of the Collateral Manager may also engage in any other business, including private equity and capital markets-oriented investment activities, and furnish investment management and advisory services and other types of services to others which may include, without limitation, serving as collateral manager or asset manager for, investing in, lending to, or being Affiliated with, other entities organized to issue collateralized loan obligations or asset-backed securities secured by debt obligations such as the Collateral Obligations, and as investment adviser to other trusts and pooled investment vehicles that acquire interests in, provide financing to, or otherwise deal with debt obligations issued by obligors that would be suitable investments for the Issuer. The Collateral Manager and any of its Affiliates will not be restricted in their performance of any such services or in the types of debt or equity investments which they may make and will be free, in their sole discretion, to make recommendations to others, or effect transactions on behalf of itself or for others, that may be the same as or different from those effected on behalf of the Issuer.
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(c) Advisory Services to Others. The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Manager and any of its Affiliates may engage in any other business and furnish lending, work-out, capital markets, investment and advisory services to others, including Persons that may have investment policies similar to or different from those followed by the Collateral Manager with respect to the Issuer and that may own debt obligations of the same class, or which are the same type, as the Collateral Obligations as well as other assets which are the same or similar to other assets owned by the Issuer. The Collateral Manager will be free, in its sole discretion, to make recommendations to others, or effect transactions on behalf of itself or for others, which may be the same as or different from those effected with respect to the Assets and the Issuer.
(d) Collateral Manager to Other Transactions. The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Manager and/or its Affiliates may act as the collateral manager, asset manager or other similar capacity of other collateralized loan obligation or asset-backed securities vehicles that have similar investment objectives, policies and restrictions as the Issuer. The Issuer agrees that if a determination is made that the Issuer and another client of the Collateral Manager and/or any Affiliate should trade in the same debt obligations on the same day, the Collateral Manager shall allocate such debt obligations between the Issuer and other accounts in a manner that the Collateral Manager and/or its Affiliates determine is fair and equitable over time and in accordance with their internal conflict of interest and allocation policies and applicable law. Additionally, the Collateral Manager and/or an Affiliate may at certain times be seeking simultaneously to purchase or dispose of investments for their respective accounts, the Issuer, any similar entity for which it serves as manager or advisor and for its clients or Affiliates. The Issuer agrees that, in such circumstances, the Collateral Manager and/or the Affiliate may recommend activities that compete with or otherwise adversely affect the Issuer.
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(e) Relationships with Obligors. The Issuer acknowledges and agrees that Affiliates of the Collateral Manager may have economic interests in or other relationships with obligors in whose debt obligations or credit exposures the Issuer may invest. In particular, such Persons may make and/or hold an investment in an obligor's debt obligations that may be pari passu, senior or junior in ranking to an investment in such obligor's debt obligations made and/or held by the Issuer or in which partners, security holders, members, officers, directors, agents or employees of such Persons serve on boards of directors or otherwise have ongoing relationships. In such instances, the Issuer understands that Affiliates of the Collateral Manager may in their discretion make investment recommendations and decisions that may be the same as or different from those made with respect to the Issuer's investments. In connection with any such activities described in this Section 4(e), the Issuer agrees that Affiliates of the Collateral Manager may hold, purchase, sell, trade or take other related actions in debt obligations or investments of a type that may be suitable to be included as Collateral Obligations. The Affiliates of the Collateral Manager shall not be required to offer such debt obligations or investments to the Issuer or provide notice of such activities to the Issuer. In addition, in servicing and administering the Collateral Obligations, the Issuer agrees that the Collateral Manager may take into account its relationship or the relationships of its Affiliates with obligors and their respective Affiliates, but the foregoing shall not excuse the Collateral Manager from performing its activities hereunder in accordance with the standard of care required in Section 2(b) hereof. Furthermore, in connection with actions taken in the ordinary course of business of the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates in accordance with its fiduciary duties to its other clients, the Issuer acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates may take actions which adversely affect the interests of the Issuer in the Collateral Obligations.
(f) Non-Public Information. Unless the Collateral Manager determines in its sole discretion that such purchase or sale is appropriate and satisfies the requirements of this Agreement, the Indenture and applicable law, the Collateral Manager may refrain from directing the purchase or sale hereunder of securities or obligations issued by (i) Persons of which the Collateral Manager, its Affiliates or any of its or their partners, members, officers, directors or employees are directors or officers, (ii) Persons for which the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates acts as financial advisor, lender or underwriter, (iii) Persons about which the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates has information that the Collateral Manager deems confidential or non-public or otherwise might prohibit it from trading such securities or obligations in accordance with applicable law or (iv) the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates. The Collateral Manager may refrain from directing the purchase or sale hereunder of securities or obligations that, as a result of ownership (including a controlling interest) of securities or obligations of any issuer by the Collateral Manager or its Affiliates or accounts for which they act as investment advisers, the Collateral Manager reasonably determines might prohibit it from trading such securities or obligations in accordance with applicable law. The Collateral Manager will not be obligated to utilize with respect to the Collateral Obligations any particular investment opportunity of which it becomes aware.
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(g) Knowledge in Collateral Manager's Possession. The Issuer acknowledges that (i) certain employees of the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates may possess information relating to certain borrowers or issuers that have issued obligations included in the Collateral Obligations, that is not known to employees of the Collateral Manager who are responsible for monitoring the Collateral Obligations and performing the other obligations of the Collateral Manager hereunder and (ii) because the Collateral Manager and/or its Affiliates may trade in the public equity or debt securities of certain borrowers or issuers that have issued obligations included in the Collateral Obligations and receipt of material non-public information with respect to any such borrower or issuer could have adverse consequences with respect to the Collateral Manager's or its Affiliates' other managed accounts, the Collateral Manager may refuse to receive, or may be restricted from receiving, material non-public information with respect to any issuer. The Collateral Manager will be required to act hereunder with respect to any information within its possession only if such information was known to those employees of the Collateral Manager responsible for performing the obligations of the Collateral Manager hereunder in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements, and only to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the Collateral Manager's internal policies and procedures.
Section 5. Conflicts of Interest.
(a) The fees and expenses of the Independent Investment Professional related to work on behalf of the Issuer will be payable and/or reimbursable by the Issuer as part of its expenses in accordance with the Priority of Payments (or, with respect to any amounts due on the Closing Date, from the gross proceeds of the sale of the Notes). The Independent Investment Professional shall receive compensation as agreed between the Independent Investment Professional and the Issuer. The Independent Investment Professional will also be entitled to indemnification from the Issuer and broad exculpation provisions (i.e., no liability except for willful misconduct, fraud or gross negligence) in relation to its performance of its services, which will be payable as an Administrative Expense (as part of the Issuer's expenses) in accordance with the Priority of Payments.
(b) The Collateral Manager may from time to time come into possession of material non-public confidential information that may restrict the Collateral Manager from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients (including the Issuer) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself, and the Issuer's investment may be constrained as a consequence of the Collateral Manager's inability to use such information for advisory purposes or otherwise to effect transactions that otherwise may have been initiated on behalf of its clients (including the Issuer). The Collateral Manager shall have complete discretion to determine on a case-by-case basis whether to refuse to accept material non-public information that would have the effect of imposing trading restrictions or to accept such information on the understanding that trading restrictions will result therefrom until such information is disclosed to the public. The Issuer acknowledges that receipt or nonreceipt of such information, including in connection with unrelated activities, could have an adverse effect on the ability of the Collateral Manager to perform the services to be provided by it hereunder.
(c) In the event that, in light of market conditions and investment objectives, the Collateral Manager determines that it would be advisable to (i) facilitate the sale of the same Collateral Obligation both for the Issuer and for either the proprietary account of the Collateral Manager or any Collateral Manager Affiliate or for another client of the Collateral Manager or any Collateral Manager Affiliate or (ii) facilitate the acquisition of the same Collateral Obligation both for the Issuer and for either the proprietary account of the Collateral Manager or any Collateral Manager Affiliate or for another client of the Collateral Manager or any Collateral Manager Affiliate, then, in each such case, the purchases or sales will be allocated in a manner believed by the Collateral Manager to be fair and equitable over time and that is consistent with the Collateral Manager's obligations hereunder as set forth in Section 3, its standard practices and applicable law.
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(d) The Issuer acknowledges that the Collateral Manager, Affiliates of the Collateral Manager, and/or funds or accounts for which the Collateral Manager or its Affiliates acts as investment adviser may at times own Notes of one or more Classes. In certain circumstances, the interests of the Issuer and/or the Holders with respect to matters as to which the Collateral Manager is advising the Issuer may conflict with the foregoing interests of the Collateral Manager. The Issuer hereby acknowledges and consents to various potential and actual conflicts of interest that may exist with respect to the Collateral Manager as described above.
(e) The Issuer acknowledges that the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates have certain conflicts of interest as detailed in the Section entitled "Risk Factors—Relating to Certain Conflicts of Interest—Certain Conflicts of Interest Relating to the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates" in the Offering Circular.
Section 6. Records; Confidentiality.
(a) Maintenance of Books and Records. The Collateral Manager shall maintain appropriate books of account and records relating to services performed hereunder, and such books of account and records shall be accessible for inspection by a representative of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Independent accountants appointed by the Issuer pursuant to the Indenture, at a mutually agreed-upon time during normal business hours and upon not less than three Business Days' prior notice; provided that the Collateral Manager shall not be obligated to provide access to any non-public information if it determines in good faith that the disclosure of such information would violate any applicable law, regulation or (unless the recipient of such access agrees to maintain the confidentiality of such non-public information in a manner satisfactory to the Collateral Manager) contractual arrangement.
(b) Confidentiality. The Collateral Manager shall keep confidential any and all information that is either (A) of a type that the Collateral Manager reasonably believes would ordinarily be considered proprietary or confidential or (B) designated as confidential in writing (collectively, "Confidential Information") obtained in connection with the services rendered hereunder and shall not disclose any such Confidential Information to non-affiliated third parties except (i) with the prior written consent of the Issuer, (ii) such information as any Rating Agency shall request in connection with such Rating Agency's rating (or confirmation of rating) or monitoring of any Class of Secured Notes, (iii) as required by law, regulation, court order or rule, or by request or demand in connection with routine investigations, of any regulatory or self-regulatory organization, body or official having jurisdiction over the Collateral Manager or any of its Affiliates, (iv) to the Collateral Manager's and its Affiliates' professional advisers or to any member of the control, compliance or audit department of the Collateral Manager and its Affiliates, (v) such information as shall have been publicly disclosed other than in violation of this Agreement or the Indenture, (vi) such information that was or is obtained by the Collateral Manager on a non-confidential basis or from a non-affiliated third party; provided that the Collateral Manager does not know or have reason to know of any breach by such source of any confidentiality obligations with respect thereto, and provided, further, that the Collateral Manager may follow its usual and customary procedures in carrying out the requirements of this Section 6(b), (vii) such information as is necessary or appropriate to disclose so that the Collateral Manager may perform its duties hereunder, under the Indenture or any other Transaction Document or (viii) information related to investment performance, any Collateral Obligation or general portfolio composition data and statistics disclosed by the Collateral Manager pursuant to marketing, monitoring and reporting activities, as well as in offering and related materials for future transactions (including information relating to the investment performance of the Assets and the Collateral Manager's engagement to perform services hereunder as well as the identity and performance of any Collateral Obligation).
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(c) The Issuer shall keep confidential any and all information obtained by it from the Collateral Manager in connection with the services rendered hereunder that is either (A) of a type that the Issuer reasonably believes would ordinarily be considered proprietary or confidential or (B) designated as confidential in writing to the Issuer and shall not disclose any such information to non-affiliated third parties except (i) with the prior written consent of the Collateral Manager, (ii) such information as any Rating Agency shall reasonably request in connection with such Rating Agency's rating of any Class of Secured Notes, (iii) as required by law, regulation, court order or rule, or by request or demand in connection with routine investigations, of any regulatory or self-regulatory organization, body or official having jurisdiction over the Issuer or any of its Affiliates, (iv) to the Issuer's professional advisers, (v) such information as shall have been publicly disclosed other than in violation of this Agreement or the Indenture or (vi) such information that was or is obtained by the Issuer on a non-confidential basis or from a non-affiliated third party; provided that the Issuer does not know or have reason to know of any breach by such source of any confidentiality obligations with respect thereto.
(d) For purposes of this Section 6, none of the Holders and beneficial owners of the Notes, the Trustee, the Collateral Administrator, the Initial Purchasers or their respective agents shall be considered a "non-affiliated third party."
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the Indenture to the contrary, the Collateral Manager, the Trustee and the Holders and beneficial owners of the Notes (and each of their respective employees, representatives or other agents) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. tax treatment and U.S. tax structure (in each case, under applicable federal, state or local law) of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to them relating to such U.S. tax treatment and U.S. tax structure that may be relevant to understanding such U.S. tax treatment and U.S. tax structure; provided that such U.S. tax treatment and U.S. tax structure shall be kept confidential to the extent reasonably necessary to comply with applicable U.S. federal or state laws.
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Section 7. Obligations Concerning Particular Matters.
Unless otherwise specifically required by any provision of the Indenture, this Agreement or by applicable law, the Collateral Manager shall not intentionally take any action, which would (a) if such action is on behalf of the Issuer, not be permitted under the its Organizational Instruments, (b) violate any law, rule or regulation (in each case, which is known to a senior officer of the Collateral Manager responsible for managing the portfolio of the Assets) of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Issuer, including, without limitation, any United States federal, state or other applicable securities law the violation of which would have a material adverse effect on any Holder, on the business, operations, assets or financial condition of the Issuer, or on the ability of the Collateral Manager to perform its obligations hereunder, (c) require registration of the Issuer or the pool of Assets as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act or (d) cause the Issuer to violate any material provision of the Indenture.
Section 8. Compensation.
(a) Collateral Management Fees. Subject to the waiver of fees as described below, as compensation for its performance of its obligations as Collateral Manager under this Agreement and the Indenture, the Collateral Manager will be entitled to receive on each Payment Date (in accordance with the Priority of Payments) a fee, which will accrue quarterly in arrears on each Payment Date (prorated for the related Interest Accrual Period), in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum (calculated on the basis of the actual number of days in the applicable Collection Period divided by 360) of the Fee Basis Amount at the beginning of the Collection Period relating to such Payment Date (the "Collateral Management Fee"); provided that the Collateral Management Fee due on any Payment Date shall not include any such fee (or any portion thereof) that has been waived or deferred by the Collateral Manager pursuant to Section 8(a) of this Agreement no later than the Determination Date immediately prior to such Payment Date. The Collateral Management Fee will be payable on each Payment Date to the extent of the funds available for such purpose in accordance with the Priority of Payments.
The Collateral Management Fee is payable on each Payment Date only to the extent that sufficient Interest Proceeds or Principal Proceeds are available in accordance with the Priority of Payments. To the extent the Collateral Management Fee is not paid on a Payment Date due to insufficient Interest Proceeds or Principal Proceeds (and such fee was not voluntarily deferred or waived by the Collateral Manager), the unpaid portion of the Collateral Management Fee due on such Payment Date (the "Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amount") will be automatically deferred for payment on the succeeding Payment Date, with interest, in accordance with the Priority of Payments. Interest on Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amounts shall accrue at the prime rate for the period beginning on the first Payment Date on which the related Collateral Management Fee was due (and not paid) through the Payment Date on which such Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amount (including accrued interest) is paid.
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At the option of the Collateral Manager, by written notice to the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator, no later than the Determination Date immediately prior to such Payment Date, on each Payment Date, (i) all or a portion of the Collateral Management Fees or the Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amount (including accrued interest) due and owing on such Payment Date may be deferred for payment on a subsequent Payment Date, without interest (the "Current Deferred Management Fee") and (ii) all or a portion of the previously deferred Collateral Management Fees or Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amounts (collectively, the "Cumulative Deferred Management Fee") may be declared due and payable (to the extent there are sufficient Interest Proceeds and Principal Proceeds therefor).
At such time as all of the Secured Notes are redeemed in connection with an Optional Redemption, Tax Redemption or Clean-Up Call Redemption without duplication, all accrued and unpaid Collateral Management Fees, Current Deferred Management Fees, Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amounts (including accrued interest) and Cumulative Deferred Management Fees (collectively, the "Aggregate Collateral Management Fee") shall be due and payable to the Collateral Manager.
The initial Collateral Manager shall, and any successor Collateral Manager may, in its sole discretion (but shall not be obligated to), elect to waive all or any portion of the Collateral Management Fee payable to the Collateral Manager on any Payment Date, notwithstanding that the Collateral Manager may be entitled to such Collateral Management Fee. Any such election shall be made by the Collateral Manager delivering written notice thereof to the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator no later than the Determination Date immediately prior to such Payment Date; provided that no such notice shall be required with respect to the initial Collateral Manager. Any election to waive the Collateral Management Fee may also be made by written standing instructions to the Trustee and the Collateral Administrator; provided that such standing instructions may be rescinded by the Collateral Manager at any time,
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(b) Expenses of Collateral Manager. The Issuer shall pay or reimburse the Collateral Manager (at closing in the case of clause (i) below or otherwise in accordance with the Indenture and payable in accordance with the Priority of Payments) for its payment of any and all commercially reasonable and documented costs and expenses incurred on behalf of the Issuer, including, without limitation: (i) the costs and expenses of the Collateral Manager incurred in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and all other agreements and matters related to the issuance of the Notes; (ii) any transfer fees necessary to register any Collateral Obligation in accordance with the Indenture; (iii) any fees and expenses in connection with the acquisition, management or disposition of Assets or otherwise in connection with the Notes or the Issuer (including, but not limited to (a) investment related travel, communications and related expenses, (b) loan processing fees, legal fees and expenses and other expenses of professionals retained by the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Issuer and (c) amounts in connection with the termination, cancellation or abandonment of a potential acquisition or disposition of any Assets that is not consummated); (iv) any and all taxes and governmental charges that may be incurred or payable by the Issuer; (v) any and all insurance premiums or expenses incurred in connection with the activities of the Issuer by the Collateral Manager (which insurance premiums or expenses will be allocated in a commercially reasonable manner among the Issuer and all other clients of the Collateral Manager for whose benefit such insurance is obtained); (vi) any and all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the rating of the Notes or obtaining ratings or credit estimates on Collateral Obligations, and communications with the Rating Agency; (vii) costs, fees and expenses for services to the Issuer (excluding services provided by the Collateral Manager or its Affiliates, but including (without limitation) the fees and expenses of the Independent Investment Professional) in respect of the Assets relating to asset pricing and rating services and licensing and development fees for specialty database and applications software for the purpose of modeling, evaluating and monitoring the Assets and the Notes (which services and software will be allocated in a commercially reasonable manner among the Issuer and all other clients of the Collateral Manager for whose benefit such services and software are utilized); (viii) any and all expenses incurred on behalf of the Issuer to comply with any law or regulation applicable to the activities of the Issuer and, to the extent relating to the Issuer and the Assets and (ix) any fees and expenses in connection with compliance with the U.S. Risk Retention Rules, EU Securitization Laws or UK Securitization Laws. Other than as stated above, the Issuer will bear, and will pay directly in accordance with the Indenture, all other costs and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf in connection with the organization, operation or liquidation of the Issuer.
(c) Fees Payable on Termination, Resignation or Removal. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, or if the Collateral Manager resigns or is removed, (i) Collateral Management Fees shall be prorated for any partial period elapsing from the last Payment Date on which such Collateral Manager received the Collateral Management Fee to the effective date of such termination, resignation or removal and (ii) any unpaid Cumulative Deferred Management Fees and Collateral Management Fee Shortfall Amounts (including related interest) shall be determined as of the effective date of such termination, resignation or removal and, in each case, shall be due and payable on each Payment Date following the effective date of such termination, resignation or removal in accordance with the Priority of Payments until paid in full. Otherwise, such Collateral Manager shall not be entitled to any further compensation for further services but shall be entitled to receive any expense reimbursement accrued to the effective date of termination, resignation or removal and any indemnity amounts owing (or that may become owing) under this Agreement. Any Aggregate Collateral Management Fee, expense reimbursement and indemnities owed to such Collateral Manager or owed to any successor Collateral Manager on any Payment Date shall be paid pro rata based on the amount thereof then owing to each such Person, subject to the Priority of Payments.
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Section 9. Limits of COLLATERAL Manager Responsibility; Indemnification.
(a) Exculpation of Collateral Manager. The Collateral Manager assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to perform the Collateral Manager's duties called for hereunder and under the terms of the Indenture applicable to the Collateral Manager, and shall not be responsible for any action of the Issuer or the Trustee in following or declining to follow any advice, recommendation or direction of the Collateral Manager. The Collateral Manager (and its Affiliates, equityholders, members, managers, officers, directors, employees, agents and professionals) shall not be liable to the Issuer, the Trustee, the Holders or any other Person for any decrease in the value of the Assets or any losses, claims, damages, judgments, assessments, costs or other liabilities (collectively, "Liabilities") incurred by any such Person which arise out of or in connection with the performance by the Collateral Manager of its duties hereunder, except, in the case of the Collateral Manager only, (i) by reason of acts or omissions constituting bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of, or reckless disregard with respect to, the obligations of the Collateral Manager hereunder and under the terms of the Indenture applicable to the Collateral Manager as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (ii) with respect to the "Collateral Manager Information" in the Offering Circular, to the extent such information contained any untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment. The matters described in clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein as "Collateral Manager Breaches". Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the Indenture to the contrary, any obligation of the Collateral Manager to apply commercially reasonable efforts in purchasing or disposing of Collateral Obligations, Restructured Obligations, Specified Equity Securities, Equity Securities and Eligible Investments and the performance of its other duties under this Agreement and the Indenture shall permit the Collateral Manager to take into account its investment decision-making process and any other considerations it deems appropriate and consistent with the terms of this Agreement. The Collateral Manager and its directors, officers, stockholders, members, partners, agents and employees, and its Affiliates and their trustees, directors, officers, stockholders, members, partners, agents and employees shall be entitled to indemnification by the Issuer in accordance with Section 9(c) and the Priority of Payments, except to the extent such indemnification would not be permitted under applicable law.
(b) Indemnity by Collateral Manager. The Collateral Manager shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Issuer and its members, managers, authorized persons, directors, officers, stockholders, agents and employees from and against any and all Liabilities and shall reimburse each such Person for all reasonable fees and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) (collectively, "Expenses") in investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any claim, action, proceeding or investigation with respect to any pending or threatened litigation (collectively, "Actions"), to the extent that such Action is directly caused by any Collateral Manager Breach; provided that no such indemnity shall be paid to the extent that such Action was caused by, or arose out of or in connection with, bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of any such indemnified Persons; provided, further, that the Collateral Manager shall not be liable (including under Section 9(a) hereof and this Section 9(b)) for any consequential, special or punitive damages.
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(c) Indemnity by Issuer. The Issuer shall, to the extent that funds are available therefor under the Priority of Payments, indemnify and hold harmless the Collateral Manager and its directors, officers, stockholders, members, partners, agents and employees, and its Affiliates and their trustees, directors, officers, stockholders, members, partners, agents and employees from and against any and all Liabilities (as Administrative Expenses) and shall reimburse each such Person for all Expenses (as Administrative Expenses) that are incurred in investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any Action related to (i) the issuance of the Notes, (ii) the transactions contemplated by the Offering Circular, the Indenture or the performance of the Collateral Manager's duties under this Agreement or (iii) in respect of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Offering Circular other than Collateral Manager Information, or any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact necessary to make the statements in the Offering Circular other than Collateral Manager Information, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that such Person shall not be indemnified for any Liabilities or Expenses with respect to which the Collateral Manager indemnifies the Issuer pursuant to Section 9(b) hereof. The obligations of the Issuer under this Section 9 to indemnify for any Liabilities will be payable solely out of the Assets in accordance with the Priority of Payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing and for the avoidance of doubt, the Collateral Manager will not be entitled to indemnification by the Issuer where such indemnification would not be allowed under applicable law.
(d) Indemnification Procedures. With respect to any claim made or threatened against a party entitled to indemnification under this Section 9 (an "Indemnified Party"), or compulsory process or request or other notice of any loss, claim, damage or liability served upon an Indemnified Party, for which such Indemnified Party is or may be entitled to indemnification under this Section 9, such Indemnified Party shall (or with respect to Indemnified Parties that are directors, officers, stockholders, members, partners, agents or employees of the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Manager shall cause such Indemnified Party to):
(i) give written notice to the party required to indemnify the Indemnified Party under this Section 9 (the "Indemnifying Party") of such claim within 10 days after such claim is made or threatened, which notice shall specify in reasonable detail the nature of the claim and the amount (or an estimate of the amount) of the claim; provided, however, that the failure of any Indemnified Party to provide such notice to the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Section 9 except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced or otherwise forfeits rights or defenses by reason of such failure;
(ii) at the expense of the Indemnifying Party, provide the Indemnifying Party such information and cooperation with respect to such claim as the Indemnifying Party may reasonably require, including, without limitation, making appropriate personnel available to the Indemnifying Party at such reasonable times as the Indemnifying Party may request;
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(iii) in the event suit is brought with respect to such claim, upon reasonable prior notice, afford to the Indemnifying Party the right, which the Indemnifying Party may exercise in its sole discretion and at its expense, to participate in the investigation, defense and settlement of such claim;
(iv) subject to clause (v) below, neither incur any material expense to defend against nor release or settle any such claim or make any admission with respect thereto (other than routine or incontestable admissions or factual admissions the failure to make of which would expose such Indemnified Party to unindemnified liability) nor permit a default or consent to the entry of any judgment in respect thereof, in each case without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party; and
(v) upon reasonable prior notice, afford to the Indemnifying Party the right, in such Indemnifying Party's sole discretion and at such Indemnifying Party's sole expense, to assume the defense of such claim, including, without limitation, the right to designate counsel and to control all negotiations, litigation, arbitration, settlements, compromises and appeals of such claim; provided that, (1) if the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense and appeals of such claim, the Indemnified Party must consent in writing to the entry of any settlement, compromise, or entry of judgment in respect thereof (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); (2) if the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of such claim, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any fees and expenses of counsel for any Indemnified Party incurred thereafter in connection with such claim except that, if such Indemnified Party reasonably determines that counsel designated by the Indemnifying Party has a conflict of interest due to the conflicting interests of the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party or that either an Indemnified Party or the Indemnifying Party has defenses that are not available to the other, such Indemnifying Party shall pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from such Indemnifying Party's own counsel for all Indemnified Parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances; (3) prior to entering into any final settlement or compromise, such Indemnifying Party shall use its best reasonable efforts in the light of the then-prevailing circumstances to defend such claim; and (4) if any Indemnified Party waives its right to indemnification hereunder, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to appoint counsel to represent such Indemnified Party nor shall the Indemnifying Party reimburse such Indemnified Party for any costs of counsel to such Indemnified Party.
(e) Advancement of Expenses. If any or all of the Collateral Manager, its Affiliates or their directors, managers, officers, stockholders, members, partners, agents or employees become involved in any Action, to the extent that funds are available therefor under the Priority of Payments, the Issuer will periodically reimburse each such Indemnified Party for his, her or its legal and other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) incurred in connection therewith; provided, however, that such Indemnified Party shall execute an undertaking to promptly repay to the Issuer the amount of any such reimbursed expenses paid to such Indemnified Party if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to be indemnified by the Issuer in connection with such action, proceeding or investigation. The Indemnified Parties shall be entitled to rely on the written advice of counsel as to legal matters, which shall be a nationally recognized law firm, or public accountants, as to accounting matters, which shall be a nationally recognized accounting firm, and any act or omission by them in accordance with such advice shall in no event subject them to liability to the Issuer, the Trustee, the Holders or to any other Person.
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(f) No Waiver of Statutory Rights. Nothing herein shall in any way constitute a waiver or limitation of any rights that the Issuer or the Collateral Manager may have under any applicable law.
Section 10. No Joint Venture.
The Issuer and the Collateral Manager are not partners or joint venturers with each other, and nothing herein shall be construed to make them such partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such on either of them. The Collateral Manager shall be deemed, for all purposes herein, an independent contractor and shall, except as otherwise provided herein or in the Indenture or authorized by the Issuer from time to time, have no authority to act for or represent the Issuer in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Issuer. It is acknowledged that neither the Collateral Manager nor any of its Affiliates has provided or shall provide any tax, accounting or legal advice or assistance to the Issuer or any other Person in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 11. Term; Removal and Resignation.
(a) General. This Agreement shall commence as of the date first set forth above and shall continue in force and effect until the earlier of (i) the discharge of the Indenture in accordance with its terms, (ii) the liquidation of the Assets and the final distribution of the proceeds pursuant to the Indenture or (iii) the effective date of a management agreement between the Issuer and a successor Collateral Manager. The entity serving as Collateral Manager hereunder may resign or be removed as provided below in this Section 11 with the effect specified in Section 12 hereof. This Agreement shall automatically terminate if the Collateral Manager determines in good faith that the Issuer or the pool of Assets has become an investment company required to be registered under the Investment Company Act and the Collateral Manager notifies the Issuer of such determination.
(b) Resignation of Collateral Manager. The Collateral Manager may resign or terminate its obligations hereunder upon 30 days' (or such shorter notice as is acceptable to the Issuer) written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee (who will forward the notice to the Rating Agency and each Holder of Notes); provided, however, that the Collateral Manager shall have the right to resign immediately upon the effectiveness of any change in applicable law or regulations which renders the performance by the Collateral Manager of its duties under this Agreement or under the Indenture to be a violation of such law or regulation, unless such violation can be reasonably remedied without adverse effect or liability on the Collateral Manager (as determined by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion).
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(c) Removal of Collateral Manager upon the Occurrence of Cause. The Collateral Manager may be removed upon the occurrence of Cause upon 30 days' prior written notice by the Issuer or the Trustee, at the direction of a Supermajority of the Controlling Class (disregarding any Collateral Manager Notes) or a Supermajority of the Subordinated Notes (disregarding any Collateral Manager Notes). Notice of such removal for Cause will be given by or on behalf of the Issuer to the Holders of each Class of Notes. No such removal shall be effective (A) until the date as of which a successor Collateral Manager has agreed in writing to assume all of the Collateral Manager's duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement and (B) unless the party seeking such termination (or a representative thereof), prior to delivering any notice of termination to the Collateral Manager, shall have given three days' prior written notice to the Trustee (who shall forward such notice to each of the Holders of Notes) of its decision that the Collateral Manager's services should be terminated. "Cause" will mean the occurrence of one or more of the following:
(i) willful violation by the Collateral Manager of any material provision of this Agreement or the Indenture expressly applicable to the Collateral Manager (not including a willful breach that results from a good faith dispute regarding reasonable alternative courses of action or interpretation of instructions or provisions of this Agreement or the Indenture), which violation is not cured by the Collateral Manager within 30 Business Days;
(ii) other than as covered by clause (i), violation in any material respect by the Collateral Manager of any provision of this Agreement or the Indenture applicable to the Collateral Manager (except for any such violations that could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Issuer, the Assets or any Holder; it being understood that any failure by the Issuer to meet any Concentration Limitation, Borrowing Base Condition or Portfolio Tests, in each case, is not such a violation; provided that the foregoing will not limit the Collateral Manager's or the Issuer's obligations in respect of such tests when purchasing or selling Collateral Obligations on behalf of the Issuer) and, if capable of being cured, such violation is not cured within 30 days of the Collateral Manager becoming aware of, or receiving notice from the Issuer or the Trustee of, such violation and if such violation was not capable of being cured within the initial 45 days of the Collateral Manager becoming aware of, or receiving notice from the Issuer or the Trustee of, such violation, such violation is not cured within 60 days of a responsible officer of the Collateral Manager becoming aware of, or receiving notice from the Issuer or the Trustee of, such violation;
(iii) the failure of any representation, warranty, certification or statement made or delivered by the Collateral Manager pursuant to this Agreement or the Indenture to be correct in any material respect when made (except for any such violations that could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Issuer, the Assets or any Holder) which failure is not corrected by the Collateral Manager within 45 days of its becoming aware of, or its receipt of notice from the Issuer or the Trustee of, such failure or if such breach is not capable of cure within 45 days, the Collateral Manager fails to cure such breach within the period in which a reasonably diligent person could cure such breach (but in no event more than 75 days);
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(iv) the Collateral Manager is wound up or dissolved or there is appointed over it or a substantial portion of its assets a receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, trustee or similar officer; or the Collateral Manager (A) ceases to be able to, or admits in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they become due and payable, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of, or enters into any composition or arrangement with, its creditors generally, (B) applies for or consents (by admission of material allegations of a petition or otherwise) to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, assignee, custodian, liquidator or sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Collateral Manager or of any substantial part of its properties or assets, or authorizes such an application or consent, or proceedings seeking such appointment are commenced without such authorization, consent or application against the Collateral Manager and continue undismissed for 60 days, (C) authorizes or files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or applies for or consents (by admission of material allegations of a petition or otherwise) to the application of any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of debt, insolvency or dissolution, or authorizes such application or consent, or proceedings to such end are instituted against the Collateral Manager without such authorization, application or consent and are approved as properly instituted and remain undismissed for 60 days or result in adjudication of bankruptcy or insolvency, or (D) permits or suffers all or substantially all of its properties or assets to be sequestered or attached by court order and the order remains undismissed for 60 days; or
(v) (A) the occurrence of any act by the Collateral Manager that constitutes fraud or criminal activity in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or the Indenture or the Collateral Manager being convicted for a criminal offense related to its business of providing asset management services or (B) the conviction (and failure to remove within 20 Business Days of such conviction) of any director, manager or executive officer of the Collateral Manager or any employee of the Collateral Manager who has primary responsibility for the oversight and management of the Assets resulting from an act of fraud or criminal activity by such person in the performance of the Collateral Manager's obligations under this Agreement or the Indenture.
(d) If any of the events specified in Section 11(c) hereof shall occur, the Collateral Manager shall give prompt written notice thereof to the Issuer, the Rating Agency and the Trustee upon the Collateral Manager's becoming aware of the occurrence of such event. In no event shall the Trustee be required to determine whether Cause exists under this Agreement.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11 to the contrary, any event described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (v) of Section 11(c) hereof may be waived as a basis for removal of the Collateral Manager by a Majority of the Controlling Class (disregarding any Collateral Manager Notes) or a Majority of the Subordinated Notes (disregarding any Collateral Manager Notes), that, in either case, were a part of the Supermajority that directed removal of the Collateral Manager.
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Section 12. Obligations of Resigning or Removed COLLATERAL Manager; Effect of Termination, Resignation or Removal.
(a) Appointment of Successor Collateral Manager. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11, no resignation or removal of the Collateral Manager or termination of this Agreement shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by a successor Collateral Manager (the "Successor Manager") satisfying the Successor Criteria described below and notice of which has been given to the Rating Agency. Within 30 days after the removal or resignation of the Collateral Manager (the "Manager Termination Date"), by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, the Holders of a Majority of the Subordinated Notes (Collateral Manager Notes will not be disregarded for this purpose) may propose a Successor Manager. The Issuer will appoint such Successor Manager if it satisfies the Successor Criteria, subject to the approval of the Holders of a Majority of the Controlling Class. If no Successor Manager has been selected within 60 days of the Manager Termination Date, the Issuer, the resigning Collateral Manager, the Trustee or any Holder of Notes may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a Successor Manager that satisfies the Successor Criteria.
A Successor Manager will satisfy the "Successor Criteria" if: (i) that Successor Manager has demonstrated an ability to professionally and competently perform duties similar to those imposed upon the Collateral Manager under this Agreement; (ii) that Successor Manager is legally qualified and has the capacity to act as Collateral Manager and has agreed in writing to assume all of the responsibilities, duties and obligations of the Collateral Manager under this Agreement and the Indenture; (iii) its appointment would not cause or result in the Issuer becoming, or require the pool of Assets to be registered as, an investment company under the Investment Company Act; and (iv) the Rating Agency has been notified of such Successor Manager.
For the avoidance of doubt, Collateral Manager Notes will be disregarded and have no voting rights with respect to any vote in respect of any of the following actions: (i) the removal of the Collateral Manager as a result of Cause and (ii) the waiver of any event constituting Cause, and such Notes will be deemed not to be Outstanding in connection with any such vote. For any such action, if the Notes of the Controlling Class or the Subordinated Notes consist entirely of Collateral Manager Notes, such action must be undertaken by the required percentage of the most senior Class of Notes that is not comprised entirely of Collateral Manager Notes, disregarding any Collateral Manager Notes.
No compensation payable to a successor Collateral Manager from payments on the Collateral will be greater than that permitted to the Collateral Manager under this Agreement without (a) the prior written consent of a Majority of each Class of Notes (each Class voting separately) and (b) prior notice to the Rating Agency. Upon expiration of the applicable notice periods with respect to termination specified in this Agreement, all authority and power of the Collateral Manager under this Agreement, whether with respect to the Assets or otherwise, will automatically and without action by any Person pass to and be vested in the successor institution upon the acceptance by such institution of its appointment under this Agreement. The Issuer and the successor will take such action (or cause the outgoing Collateral Manager to take such action) consistent with this Agreement and as will be necessary to effect any such succession.
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(b) Effect of Termination, Resignation or Removal. From and after the effective date of the termination of this Agreement or the resignation or removal of the Collateral Manager hereunder the Collateral Manager (or, in the case of resignation or removal, the resigning or removed Collateral Manager) (1) shall be paid all compensation accrued and expenses incurred to the effective date of the termination of this Agreement or the resignation or removal of the Collateral Manager, as provided in Section 8 hereof, shall be entitled to receive any amounts, to which the Collateral Manager is or becomes entitled under Section 9 hereof (without regard to whether such amounts have been determined on the date of termination) and shall be entitled to retain any Notes issued or sold to it and (2) shall reasonably cooperate in any Proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, the Indenture or any of the Assets (excluding any such Proceeding in which claims are asserted against the Collateral Manager or any Affiliate of the Collateral Manager) upon receipt of indemnification and expense reimbursement, in each case, satisfactory to the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion. Upon any such termination of this Agreement, or resignation or removal of the Collateral Manager, the Collateral Manager shall, as soon as practicable:
(i) deliver to the Issuer all property and documents of the Issuer or otherwise relating to the Assets then in the custody of the Collateral Manager, but shall be entitled to keep a copy of any such documents; and
(ii) deliver to the Trustee an internally prepared accounting with respect to the books and records delivered to the Issuer pursuant to clause (i) above.
Section 13. Delegation; Assignments.
(a) (i) The Collateral Manager may delegate to or employ third parties (including its Affiliates) to perform any or all of the obligations of the Collateral Manager under this Agreement (other than investment decision making responsibilities); provided, that (A) the Collateral Manager will not be relieved of any of its duties hereunder as a result of such delegation to or employment of third parties and (B) the Collateral Manager will be solely responsible for the fees and expenses payable to any such third party except to the extent such expenses are payable by the Issuer hereunder. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that pursuant to the Collateral Administration Agreement the Issuer has retained the Collateral Administrator to perform certain services to assist the Collateral Manager in the performance of its duties hereunder.
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(ii) Subject to any consent required for an assignment under the Advisers Act, the Collateral Manager may assign its rights or responsibilities (including its asset selection, credit review, trade execution and/or related asset management duties) under this Agreement (A) with, except as set forth in clause (B), the consent of a Majority of the Controlling Class or (B) without obtaining consent of any Holder, the Trustee or any other Person, (1) to the surviving entity of a merger, consolidation or restructuring of the Collateral Manager, or (2) to an Affiliate of the Collateral Manager, or (3) to any other entity to which all or substantially all of the assets, or at the time of such transfer, the asset management business, of the Collateral Manager has been transferred, so long as, in each case, the successor, surviving entity or assignee satisfies the Successor Criteria and so long as in each case the surviving entity or assignee becomes by operation of law, or agrees in writing to be, bound by the provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Manager's obligations hereunder; provided that, in addition to the conditions set forth above, after giving effect to any merger, consolidation or restructuring, if the surviving entity is not the Collateral Manager, the surviving entity has demonstrated an ability to professionally and competently perform duties similar to those imposed upon the Collateral Manager hereunder (including through (a) experience substantially similar to that of the Collateral Manager at the time of such merger, consolidation or restructuring and (b) employing principal personnel responsible for managing the Assets with experience managing substantially similar middle market loans and collateralized loan obligation vehicles).
In addition, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the consent of any Holder nor satisfaction of the Rating Agency Confirmation shall be required in the case of a change of control transaction with respect to the Collateral Manager, including a change in control resulting from a direct or indirect transfer or hypothecation of voting securities of the Collateral Manager, that is deemed to be an assignment within the meaning of Section 202(a)(1) of the Advisers Act at the time of any such transaction; provided that the Collateral Manager shall if required by applicable law, and otherwise in its discretion may, obtain the consent of the Issuer to any such transaction upon approval by the Issuer's manager in a manner consistent with SEC Staff interpretations of Section 205(a)(2) of the Advisers Act.
(b) Assignment by Issuer. This Agreement shall not be assigned by the Issuer without the prior written consent of the Collateral Manager and Rating Agency Confirmation, except in the case of assignment by the Issuer to (i) an entity that is a successor to the Issuer permitted under the Indenture (pursuant to Section 7.11 of the Indenture), in which case such successor organization shall be bound hereunder and by the terms of said assignment in the same manner as the Issuer is bound thereunder or (ii) the Trustee as contemplated by the Granting Clauses of the Indenture. In the event of any assignment by the Issuer, the Issuer shall use its best efforts to cause its successor to execute and deliver to the Collateral Manager such documents as the Collateral Manager shall consider reasonably necessary to effect fully such assignment.
Section 14. Representations and Warranties.
(a) The Issuer hereby represents and warrants to the Collateral Manager as follows:
(i) The Issuer (A) has been duly formed as a limited liability company and is validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (B) has the full limited liability company power and authority to own its assets and the securities proposed to be owned by it and included in the Collateral and to engage in the transactions contemplated herein and in the Indenture and (C) is duly qualified under the laws of each jurisdiction where the Issuer's ownership or lease of property or the conduct of the Issuer's business requires, or the performance of the Issuer's obligations under this Agreement, the Notes or under the Indenture and the Collateral Administration Agreement (collectively, the "Issuer Documents") would require, such qualification, except for failures to be so qualified, authorized or licensed that would not in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets or financial condition of the Issuer, or on the Issuer's ability to perform its obligations, or on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement.
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(ii) The Issuer has the necessary limited liability company power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the Issuer's obligations under the Issuer Documents and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Issuer Documents. The Issuer has duly executed all of the Issuer Documents. No consent of any other Person, including, without limitation, members and creditors of the Issuer, and no license, permit, approval or authorization of, exemption by, notice or report to, or registration, filing or declaration with, any governmental authority, other than those that may be required under state securities or "blue sky" laws and those that have been or will be obtained in connection with the Indenture and the issuance of the Notes, is required by the Issuer in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of the Issuer Documents. This Agreement constitutes, and each instrument or document required hereunder, when executed and delivered hereunder, will constitute, the legally valid and binding obligation of the Issuer enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with their respective terms, subject, as to enforcement, to (A) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights, as such laws would apply in the event of any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar event applicable to the Issuer and (B) general equitable principles (whether enforceability of such principles is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
(iii) The execution, delivery and performance of the Issuer Documents (A) do not violate any provision of any existing law or regulation binding on the Issuer, any order, judgment, award or decree of any court, arbitrator or governmental authority binding on the Issuer, any securities issued by the Issuer or any mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or other agreement, instrument or undertaking to which the Issuer is a party or by which the Issuer or any of its assets may be bound, the violation of which would have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets or financial condition of the Issuer or its ability to perform its obligations under the Issuer Documents, (B) do not result in or require the creation or imposition of any lien on any of the Issuer's property, assets or revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or other agreement, instrument or undertaking (other than the lien of the Indenture) and (C) do not violate any provision of the Issuer’s Organizational Instruments.
(iv) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or declaration or filing with any governmental instrumentality or court or other Person is required for the performance by it of its duties hereunder and under the Indenture, except such as have been duly made or obtained.
(v) The Issuer is not required to register as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act.
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(vi) The Issuer (A) is not in breach or violation of or in default under the Indenture or any other contract or agreement to which the Issuer is a party or by which it or any of its assets may be bound, any applicable statute or any rule, regulation or order of any court, government agency or body having jurisdiction over the Issuer or its properties, the breach or violation of which or default under which would have a material adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or its Organizational Instruments or the performance by the Issuer of its duties hereunder or thereunder and (B) is not in violation of its Organizational Instruments.
(vii) There is no charge, investigation, action, suit or proceeding before or by any court pending or, to the best knowledge of the Issuer, threatened that, if determined adversely to the Issuer, would have a material adverse effect upon the performance by the Issuer of its duties under, or on the validity or enforceability of, this Agreement.
(viii) A complete copy of the Issuer’s Organizational Instruments has been delivered to the Collateral Manager (and the Issuer will deliver promptly any amendment or modification made thereof to the Collateral Manager).
(b) The Collateral Manager hereby represents and warrants to the Issuer as follows:
(i) The Collateral Manager (A) is a Delaware limited liability company that has been duly formed and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (B) has full power and authority to own its assets and to transact the business in which it is currently engaged, (C) is duly qualified and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where the Collateral Manager's ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires, or the performance of its obligations under this Agreement would require, such qualification, except for those jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified, authorized or licensed would not have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets or financial condition of the Collateral Manager or on the ability of the Collateral Manager to perform its obligations hereunder, or on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement and (D) is a Registered Investment Adviser.
(ii) The Collateral Manager has the necessary power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all obligations required hereunder, and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the performance of all of the Collateral Manager's obligations imposed on it hereunder. The Collateral Manager has duly executed this Agreement. No consent of any other Person, including, without limitation, creditors of the Collateral Manager, and no license, permit, approval or authorization of, exemption by, notice or report to, or registration, filing or declaration with, any governmental authority is required by the Collateral Manager in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the performance by the Collateral Manager of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been, and each instrument and document required hereunder or under the terms of the Indenture to be executed by the Collateral Manager shall be, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Collateral Manager, and this Agreement constitutes, and each instrument and document required hereunder or under the terms of the Indenture to be executed by the Collateral Manager when executed and delivered by the Collateral Manager hereunder or under the terms of the Indenture shall constitute, the valid and legally binding obligations of the Collateral Manager enforceable against the Collateral Manager in accordance with their respective terms, subject to (A) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights and (B) general equitable principles (whether enforceability of such principles is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
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(iii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the documents and instruments required to be executed by the Collateral Manager hereunder or under the terms of the Indenture (A) do not violate any provision of any law or regulation binding on the Collateral Manager, any order, judgment, award or decree of any court, arbitrator or governmental authority binding on the Collateral Manager, any securities issued by the Collateral Manager or any mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or other agreement, instrument or undertaking to which the Collateral Manager is a party or by which the Collateral Manager or any of its assets may be bound, the violation of which would have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets or financial condition of the Collateral Manager or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, (B) do not result in or require the creation or imposition of any lien on any of the Collateral Manager's property, assets or revenues pursuant to the provisions of any such mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or other agreement, instrument or undertaking, the existence of which would have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets or financial condition of the Collateral Manager or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement and (C) do not violate any provision of the Collateral Manager's articles of incorporation or by-laws.
(iv) There is no charge, investigation, action, suit or proceeding before or by any court pending or, to the best knowledge of the Collateral Manager, threatened that, if determined adversely to the Collateral Manager, would have a material adverse effect upon the performance by the Collateral Manager of its duties under, or on the validity or enforceability of, this Agreement.
(v) The Collateral Manager (A) is not in breach or violation of or in default under any contract or agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its property may be bound, any applicable statute or any rule, regulation or order of any court, government agency or body having jurisdiction over the Collateral Manager or its properties, the breach or violation of which or default under which would have a material adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the performance by the Collateral Manager of its duties hereunder and (B) is not in violation of its certificate of formation or operating agreement.
(vi) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or declaration or filing with any governmental instrumentality or court or other Person is required for the performance by it of its duties hereunder and under the Indenture, except such as have been duly made or obtained.
(vii) The Collateral Manager Information in each Offering Circular, as of its date and as of the Closing Date, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
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Section 15. No Petition; No Recourse.
(a) No-Petition Covenant. The Collateral Manager agrees not to institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, the Issuer any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium, winding-up or liquidation Proceedings or other Proceedings under U.S. federal or state bankruptcy or similar laws, or the similar laws of any other applicable jurisdiction until at least one year (or, if longer, the applicable preference period then in effect) plus one day after the payment in full of all Notes issued under the Indenture. Nothing in this Section 15(a) shall preclude, or be deemed to stop, the Collateral Manager (i) from taking any action prior to the expiration of the aforementioned period in connection with (A) any insolvency case or Proceeding voluntarily filed or commenced by the Issuer or (B) any involuntary insolvency Proceeding filed or commenced by a Person other than the Collateral Manager or (ii) from commencing against the Issuer or any of its respective properties any legal action that is not a bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium winding-up or liquidation Proceeding.
(b) Limited Recourse. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Collateral Manager hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Issuer's obligations hereunder are from time to time and at any time limited recourse obligations of the Issuer payable solely from the Assets available at such time in accordance with the Priority of Payments and that the Collateral Manager will not have any recourse to any other asset of the Issuer or any of the members, managers, authorized persons, directors, officers, employees, shareholders, incorporators, partners or Affiliates of the Issuer with respect to any amounts owing hereunder or any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, indemnities or other obligations in connection with any transactions contemplated hereby. On the exhaustion of the Assets, all obligations of, and all claims against, the Issuer arising from this Agreement or any transactions contemplated hereby shall be extinguished and shall not thereafter revive. It is further understood that the foregoing provisions of this Section 15(b) shall not limit the right of the Collateral Manager to name the Issuer as a party defendant in any action or suit or in the exercise of any other remedy under the Notes or this Indenture, so long as no judgment in the nature of a bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium, winding-up or liquidation Proceeding, deficiency judgment or seeking personal liability shall be asked for or (if obtained) enforced against the Issuer.
Section 16. Notices.
Unless expressly provided otherwise herein, all notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing (including, without limitation, by email or fax) and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made and received when delivered against receipt or upon actual receipt of registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, in the case of email, when received or, in the case of fax notice, when received in legible form, addressed as set forth in Section 14.3 of the Indenture.
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Section 17. Binding Nature of Agreement; Successors and Assigns; Benefits of Agreement.
The Collateral Manager agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be enforceable, at the insistence of the Issuer, on behalf of the Issuer by the Trustee under the Indenture, as provided in the Indenture (subject to the rights and defenses of the Collateral Manager and the provisions of Section 15 hereunder). The Collateral Manager agrees and consents to the provisions contained in Article XV of the Indenture. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns as provided herein.
Section 18. Entire Agreement; Amendments.
This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever with respect to the subject matter hereof. The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof. No amendment to this Agreement may, without the prior written consent of a Majority of the Controlling Class and a Majority of the Subordinated Notes and notice to the Rating Agency, (i) modify the definition of the term "Cause," (ii) increase the Collateral Management Fee, (iii) modify the method for calculation of any component of the Collateral Management Fee or any definition in this Agreement related to the Collateral Management Fee or (iv) modify the Class or Classes or the percentage of the Aggregate Outstanding Amount of any Class that has the right to remove the Collateral Manager, consent to any assignment of this Agreement or nominate or approve any successor portfolio manager; provided that (i) the prior written consent of a Majority of the Subordinated Notes shall be required if any such amendment would have a material adverse effect on the Subordinated Notes and (ii) the prior written consent of a Majority of the Controlling Class shall be required if any such amendment would have a material adverse effect on the Controlling Class. This Agreement may be amended for any other purpose without the consent of any Class of Notes upon notice to the Rating Agency. The Issuer shall provide the Holders with notice of any amendment to this Agreement.
Section 19. Third Party Beneficiaries.
The Issuer and the Collateral Manager agree that the Trustee on behalf of the Secured Parties is intended to be a third party beneficiary of this Agreement, and shall be entitled to rely upon and enforce such provisions of this Agreement to the same extent as if the Trustee was a party hereto.
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Section 20. 17g-5; Other Agreements.
(a) The Collateral Manager shall use commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Issuer in complying with its obligation under Rule 17g-5 and to assist the Issuer and the Trustee in performing its respective obligations under Section 14.18 of the Indenture in respect of Rule 17g-5.
(b) The Collateral Manager shall deliver to the Trustee duplicate copies of all written notices, statements, communications and instruments delivered to the Issuer pursuant to this Agreement. If the Collateral Manager obtains knowledge that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (other than by reason of its receipt of notice thereof from the Trustee), the Collateral Manager shall promptly notify the Issuer and the Trustee thereof.
(c) Upon each acquisition or disposition of a Collateral Obligation, the Collateral Manager shall deliver to the Trustee the applicable certification required by Article XII of the Indenture.
Section 21. Governing Law.
THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Section 22. Indulgences Not Waivers.
Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of any party hereto to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
Section 23. Titles Not to Affect Interpretation.
The titles of Sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience only. They neither form a part of this Agreement nor are to be used in the construction or interpretation hereof.
Section 24. Execution in Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts by facsimile or other written form of communication, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party the signature of which appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.
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Section 25. Provisions Separable.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, in case any provision in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as written, such provision shall be construed in the manner most closely resembling the apparent intent of the parties with respect to such provision so as to be valid, legal and enforceable; provided, however, that, if there is no basis for such a construction, to the fullest extent permitted by law such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and, unless the ineffectiveness of such provision destroys the basis of the bargain for one of the parties to this Agreement, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or thereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 26. Number and Gender.
Words used herein, regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires.
Section 27. Collateral Assignment.
The Collateral Manager hereby acknowledges and consents to the collateral assignment by the Issuer to the Trustee, on behalf of the Secured Parties, pursuant to the Indenture of all of the Issuer's right, title and interest in and to this Agreement and agrees that all of the representations, covenants and agreements made by the Collateral Manager herein are also for the benefit of the Trustee.
Section 28. Written Disclosure Statement.
The Issuer acknowledges receipt of Part 2A of the Collateral Manager's Form ADV, as required by Rule 204-3 under the Advisers Act, more than 48 hours prior to the date of execution of this Agreement.
Section 29. Survival.
(a) Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 12(b), 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 21 shall survive the execution and delivery and any termination or assignment of this Agreement or resignation or removal of the Collateral Manager.
(b) Each representation and warranty made or deemed to be made herein or pursuant hereto, and each indemnity provided for hereby, shall survive until two years after the earliest to occur of the termination or assignment of this Agreement or the resignation or removal of the Collateral Manager and then be of no further force or effect except with respect to claims relating to events which occurred prior to the expiration of such survival period.
[signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY: | |||
MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
In the presence of the following Witness: | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
MONROE CAPITAL BDC ADVISORS, LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
Signature Page to the Collateral
Management Agreement
ANNEX A
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
This Assignment and Assumption (this "Assignment and Assumption") is dated as of the Effective Date set forth in item 6 below and is entered into by and between the Assignor identified in item 1 below the "Assignor" and Monroe Capital Income Plus ABS Funding, LLC (the "Assignee"). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified in item 4 below (the "Credit Agreement"), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The standard terms and conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto (the "Standard Terms and Conditions") are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
For an agreed consideration as specified in item 5 below, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, without recourse, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date (i) all of the Assignor's rights and obligations in its capacity as a [Lender] (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a [Lender]) against any person or entity, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by the Assignor to the Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the "Assigned Interest"). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.
1. Assignor: [●]
2. Borrower(s): [●]
3. Facility Agent: [●], as the facility agent under the Credit Agreement
4. Credit Agreement: Credit Agreement dated as of [●] (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among [●] (the "Borrower"), various financial institutions, [●], as Facility Agent, and [●], as [Servicing Agent]
5. Assigned Interest:
Assignor | Facility Assigned |
Aggregate Amount of Commitment/ Loans for all [Lenders] under Credit Agreement |
Amount of Commitment/Loans Assigned |
Percentage Assigned of Commitment/Loans |
Aggregate Purchase Price for Assigned Interest |
[●] | [Senior Secured Term Loan] / [Second Lien Term Loan] / [●] | $[●] | $[●] | [●]% | $[●] (includes $[●] of accrued and unpaid interest) |
Annex A – Page 2 |
6. Effective Date: [●] [●], 20[●]
The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
As Assignor: | |||
[●] | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
As Assignee: | |||
MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, LLC, | |||
As Assignee | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
[Accepted:
[●], as Facility Agent
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title:] |
Annex A – Page 3 |
ANNEX 1 TO FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
[●] and its Subsidiaries
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
1. General Representations and Warranties.
1.1 Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other [Loan Document], (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the [Loan Documents] or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of Borrower, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or any other person or entity obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by Borrower, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or any other person or entity of any of their respective obligations under any [Loan Document].
1.2 Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a [Lender] under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a [Lender] thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a [Lender] thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or its asset manager making the investment decision on its behalf to acquire such Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section [●] thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest, and (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon [Facility Agent], [Servicing Agent] or any other [Lender] and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon [Facility Agent], [Servicing Agent], the Assignor or any other [Lender], and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the [Loan Documents], and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the [Loan Documents] are required to be performed by it as a [Lender].
Annex A – Page 4 |
2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, [Facility Agent] shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.
3. Solvency. The Assignor represents and warrants that (a) at the time of and after giving effect to each conveyance of any Assigned Interest hereunder, it is solvent and is not aware of any pending insolvency of the Assignor, (b) it will not be rendered insolvent as a result of any transfer of any Assigned Interest, (c) it will not be left with an unreasonably small remaining capital as a result of any such transfer and (d) the sale and transfer of any Assigned Interest by the Assignor constitutes a reasonable and practicable action in the Assignor's business.
4. Sale Treatment.
4.1 Assignor's Representations and Warranties. The Assignor represents and warrants that (a) it properly treats, and will continue to treat, the transfer of any Assigned Interest to the Assignee for all purposes as a sale on all of its relevant books and records (including for tax and accounting purposes), (b) after the Effective Date hereof, any balance sheet or financial statement that identifies or itemizes any Assigned Interest will properly note that such Assigned Interest is not available to satisfy the claims of any of the Assignor's or any other person's or entity's creditors and (c) it has not made any transfer of the Assigned Interest or entered into any other transaction in connection therewith with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud its creditors.
4.2 Assignee's Representations and Warranties. The Assignee represents and warrants that it properly treats, and will continue to treat, the transfer of any Assigned Interest to the Assignee for all purposes as a purchase on all of its relevant books and records (including for tax and accounting purposes).
5. Value Given. The Assignor represents and warrants that (i) the cash payment received by the Assignor in respect of the purchase price of the Assigned Interests conveyed hereunder constitutes fair consideration and fair market value in consideration for the transfer to the Assignee of such Assigned Interests under this Assignment and Assumption, (ii) such transfer was not made for or on account of an antecedent debt owed by the Assignee to the Assignor and (iii) such transfer was not and is not voidable or subject to avoidance under any insolvency or bankruptcy laws.
6. Miscellaneous Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict of laws principles of such State.
Annex A – Page 5 |
7. Limited Recourse. The obligations of the Assignee and the Assignor under this Assignment and Assumption are solely the limited liability company or corporate obligations, as applicable, of the Assignee and the Assignor, respectively. No recourse shall be had for the payment of any amount owing by the Assignee or the Assignor under this Assignment and Assumption or any other obligation or claim of or against the Assignee or the Assignor arising out of or based upon this Assignment and Assumption, against any employee, officer, director, shareholder, partner, member or manager of the Assignee or the Assignor or of any affiliate of such person or entity (other than the Assignor or the Assignee, as applicable). Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Assignment and Assumption, the obligations of the Assignee hereunder are payable subject to and in accordance with the Priority of Payments (as defined in the Indenture, dated as of April 7, 2022, between the Assignee, as Issuer and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the "Indenture")) and are from time to time and at any time limited in recourse to the Assets (as defined in the Indenture) of the Assignee available at such time, and following application of the Assets (as defined in the Indenture) in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, all obligations of and all claims against the Assignee will be extinguished and shall not thereafter revive.
8. No Bankruptcy Petition. The Assignor covenants and agrees that, prior to the date that is one year and one day (or, if longer, the applicable preference period then in effect plus one day) after the payment in full of all Notes (as defined in the Indenture) and the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, it will not institute against the Assignee or join any other person or entity in instituting against the Assignee any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings or other similar proceedings under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States.
Annex A – Page 6 |
Exhibit 10.3
EXECUTION VERSION
LOAN SALE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
by and between
MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS CORPORATION,
as the Seller,
and
MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, LLC,
as the Buyer
Dated as of April 7, 2022
Table of Contents
Page | ||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS | 1 | |
Section 1.01 | Definitions | 1 |
Section 1.02 | Other Terms | 4 |
Section 1.03 | Computation of Time Periods | 4 |
Section 1.04 | Interpretation | 4 |
Section 1.05 | References | 5 |
Section 1.06 | Calculations | 5 |
ARTICLE II TRANSFER OF LOAN ASSETS | 5 | |
Section 2.01 | Sale, Transfer and Assignment | 5 |
Section 2.02 | Purchase Price | 8 |
Section 2.03 | Payment of Purchase Price | 8 |
ARTICLE III CONDITIONS PRECEDENT | 9 | |
Section 3.01 | Conditions Precedent | 9 |
Section 3.02 | Conditions Precedent to all Purchases | 10 |
Section 3.03 | Release of Excluded Amounts | 10 |
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 10 | |
Section 4.01 | Representations and Warranties Regarding the Seller | 10 |
Section 4.02 | Representations and Warranties of the Seller Relating to the Agreement and the Collateral | 14 |
Section 4.03 | Representations and Warranties Regarding the Buyer | 15 |
Section 4.04 | Ordinary Course of Business | 16 |
ARTICLE V COVENANTS | 16 | |
Section 5.01 | Affirmative Covenants of the Seller | 16 |
Section 5.02 | Negative Covenants of the Seller | 19 |
ARTICLE VI Option to repurchase AND Substitute Collateral Obligations | 19 | |
Section 6.01 | Optional Repurchases or Substitution of Collateral Obligations | 19 |
Section 6.02 | Reassignment of Substituted or Repurchased Collateral Obligations | 20 |
ARTICLE VII INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SELLER | 20 | |
Section 7.01 | Indemnification | 20 |
Section 7.02 | Liabilities to Obligors | 21 |
Section 7.03 | Operation of Indemnities | 21 |
Section 7.04 | Limitation on Liability | 21 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page | ||
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS | 22 | |
Section 8.01 | Amendments and Waivers | 22 |
Section 8.02 | Notices, Etc | 23 |
Section 8.03 | Binding Effect; Benefit of Agreement | 23 |
Section 8.04 | GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF OBJECTION TO VENUE SERVICE OF PROCESS | 23 |
Section 8.05 | WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 24 |
Section 8.06 | Certain Taxes | 24 |
Section 8.07 | Non-Petition | 24 |
Section 8.08 | Recourse Against Certain Parties | 25 |
Section 8.09 | Protection of Right, Title and Interest in the Collateral; Further Action Evidencing Purchases | 25 |
Section 8.10 | Execution in Counterparts; Severability; Integration | 26 |
Section 8.11 | Headings, Exhibits and Schedules | 26 |
Section 8.12 | Assignment | 26 |
Section 8.13 | Duration of Agreement | 27 |
Section 8.14 | Acts of Buyer | 27 |
Section 8.15 | No Partnership | 27 |
Exhibit A | Formof Assignment | |
Schedule I | Collateral Obligations |
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LOAN SALE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS LOAN SALE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, dated as of April 7, 2022 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, this “Agreement”), is between MONROE capital income plus corporation, a Maryland corporation (together with its successors and assigns, “Fund,” and in its capacity as seller hereunder, together with its successors and assigns, the “Seller”), and MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, llc, a Delaware limited liability company (together with its successors and assigns, the “Buyer”).
WHEREAS, in the regular course of its business, the Seller originates and/or otherwise acquires Collateral Obligations; and
WHEREAS, the Seller desires to acquire certain of the Collateral Obligations (the “Initial Collateral Obligations”) and the Buyer desires to acquire the Initial Collateral Obligations from the Seller on the Closing Date, and from time to time after the Closing Date acquire from the Seller additional or substitute Collateral Obligations hereunder, together with certain related property as more fully described herein and included as part of the “Assets” in the Indenture, dated as of April 7, 2022 (as amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”), between the Buyer, as Issuer and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Definitions.
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Indenture unless the context otherwise requires. In addition, as used herein, the following defined terms shall have the following meanings:
“Agreement” shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, public body, administrative tribunal, central bank, public office, court, arbitration or mediation panel, or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of government, including the FINRA, the SEC, the stock exchanges, any Federal, state, territorial, county, municipal or other government or governmental agency, arbitrator, board, body, branch, bureau, commission, court, department, instrumentality, master, mediator, panel, referee, system or other political unit or subdivision or other entity of any of the foregoing, whether domestic or foreign.
“Buyer” shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Collateral” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.01(a).
“Dodd-Frank” means the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
“Excluded Amounts” means (a) any amount received by, on or with respect to any Collateral Obligation in the Collateral, which amount is attributable to the payment of any tax, fee or other charge imposed by any Authority on such Collateral Obligation, (b) any amount representing escrows relating to taxes, insurance and other amounts in connection with any Collateral Obligation which is held in an escrow account for the benefit of the related Obligor and the secured party (other than the Seller in its capacity as lender with respect to such Collateral Obligation) pursuant to escrow arrangements, (c) any amount with respect to any Collateral Obligation repurchased or substituted by the Seller under Article VI hereof to the extent such amount is attributable to a time after the effective date of such repurchase or substitution, (d) any Retained Fee retained by the Person(s) entitled thereto in connection with the origination of any Collateral Obligation, (e) any accrued and unpaid interest on any Collateral Obligation with respect to the period of time prior to and excluding the Closing Date and (f) any Equity Security related to any Collateral Obligation that the Seller determines will not be transferred by the Seller in connection with the sale of any related Collateral Obligation hereunder.
“Financing Facility” means any credit facility or collateral obligation transaction entered into by the Seller or any Affiliate thereof pursuant to which any Collateral Obligation may be released from the lien thereof and sold by the Seller as a Collateral Obligation hereunder.
“Fund” shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Governmental Authorizations” means all franchises, permits, licenses, approvals, consents, orders and other authorizations of all Authorities.
“Governmental Filings” means all filings, including franchise and similar tax filings, and the payment of all fees, assessments, interests and penalties associated with such fillings with all Authorities.
“Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning provided in Section 7.01.
“Indenture” shall have the meaning provided in the Preamble to this Agreement.
“Lien” means any security interest, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing (including any UCC financing statement or any similar instrument filed against a Person’s assets or properties).
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“Loan List” means the list, attached as Schedule I to this Agreement, of Collateral Obligations provided by the Seller to the Buyer on the Closing Date, as supplemented on each Purchase Date following the Closing Date, by incorporating each additional Collateral Obligation listed in an assignment of such Collateral Obligation substantially in the form of Exhibit A to this Agreement, as such list may be further amended, supplemented or modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
“Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to the Person making the related representation and warranty or agreeing to the related covenant, any event that has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, financial condition or operations of such Person, (b) the ability of such Person to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party or (c) the rights, interests, remedies or benefits (taken as a whole) available to the Trustee under the Transaction Documents.
“Payment in Full Date” means the date on which the Indenture is satisfied and discharged in accordance with its terms.
“Permitted Liens” means (i) with respect to the Collateral, security interests, Liens and other encumbrances created pursuant to the Transaction Documents, (ii) with respect to agented Collateral Obligations, security interests, liens and other encumbrances in favor of the lead agent, the collateral agent or the paying agent on behalf of all holders of indebtedness of such Obligor under the related facility (including the Buyer), (iii) with respect to any Equity Security in an Obligor, any security interests, liens and other encumbrances granted on such Equity Security to secure indebtedness of the related Obligor and/or any security interests, liens and other rights or encumbrances granted under any governing documents or other agreement between or among or binding upon the Issuer as the holder of equity in such Obligor and (iv) with respect to the Collateral Obligations, security interests, liens and other encumbrances, if any, which have priority over first priority perfected security interests in the Collateral Obligations or any portion thereof under the UCC or any other applicable law.
“Purchase” means a purchase or other acquisition of Collateral by the Buyer from or as directed or referred by the Seller pursuant to Section 2.01.
“Purchase Date” means any day on which any Collateral Obligation is acquired by the Buyer from the Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (including any Substitution Date).
“Purchase Price” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.02.
“Repurchase Price” means, on any date of determination with respect to any Collateral Obligation with respect to which the Seller elects to exercise its option to purchase or repurchase pursuant to Section 6.01 of this Agreement, an amount at least equal to the Market Value of such Collateral Obligation.
“Retained Fee” means any reasonable origination, structuring or similar closing fee charged by the Person originating a loan on behalf of its lenders for services it has performed in connection with such origination, which is not customarily made available to the lenders as part of their return with respect to such loan, and provided such Person is entitled to retain the same in accordance with applicable law.
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“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as from time to time in effect, or any successor law, rules or regulations, and any reference to any statutory or regulatory provisions shall be deemed to be a reference to any successor statutory or regulatory provision.
“Seller” shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Substitution Date” means any date on which the Seller transfers a substitute Collateral Obligation to the Buyer.
“Trustee” shall have the meaning provided in the Preamble to this Agreement.
“Volcker Rule” means Section 13 of the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder.
Section 1.02 Other Terms.
All accounting terms used but not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The symbol “$” shall mean the lawful currency of the United States of America. 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.
Section 1.03 Computation of Time Periods.
Unless otherwise stated in this Agreement, in the computation of a period of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including,” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”.
Section 1.04 Interpretation.
In this Agreement, unless a contrary intention appears:
(i) | the singular number includes the plural number and vice versa; |
(ii) | reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by the Transaction Documents; |
(iii) | references to “including” means “including, without limitation”; |
(iv) | reference to day or days without further qualification means calendar days; |
(v) | unless otherwise stated, reference to any time means New York, New York time; |
(vi) | references to “writing” include printing, typing, lithography, electronic or other means of reproducing words in a visible form; |
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(vii) reference to any agreement (including any Transaction Document), document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended, modified, supplemented, replaced, restated, waived or extended and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and, if applicable, the terms of the other Transaction Documents, and reference to any promissory note includes any promissory note that is an extension or renewal thereof or a substitute or replacement therefore;
(viii) reference to any applicable law means such applicable law as amended, modified, codified, replaced or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, including rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and reference to any Section or other provision of any applicable law means that provision of such applicable law from time to time in effect and constituting the substantive amendment, modification, codification, replacement or reenactment of such Section or other provision; and
(ix) reference to any gender includes each other gender.
Section 1.05 References.
All section references (including references to the preamble), unless otherwise indicated, shall be to Sections (and the preamble) in this Agreement.
Section 1.06 Calculations.
Except as otherwise provided herein, all interest rate and basis point calculations hereunder will be made on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-days months and the actual days elapsed in the relevant period and will be carried out to at least three decimal places.
ARTICLE II
TRANSFER OF LOAN ASSETS
Section 2.01 Sale, Transfer and Assignment.
(a) Transfer from the Seller to the Buyer. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (including the conditions to purchase set forth in Article III), on each Purchase Date, the Seller hereby sells, transfers, assigns, sets over and otherwise conveys to the Buyer, and the Buyer hereby Purchases and takes from the Seller all right, title and interest (whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located) of the Seller (including all obligations of the Seller as lender to fund any Revolving Loan or Delayed Draw Loan conveyed by the Seller to the Buyer hereunder which obligations the Buyer hereby assumes) in the property identified in clauses (i)-(v) below and all accounts, cash and currency, chattel paper, tangible chattel paper, electronic chattel paper, copyrights, copyright licenses, equipment, fixtures, financial assets, general intangibles, payment intangibles, instruments, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, inventory, investment property, letter-of-credit rights, securities, money, documents, goods, accessions, proceeds and other property consisting of, arising out of, or related to any of the following (in each case excluding the Excluded Amounts) (collectively, the “Collateral”):
(i) the Collateral Obligations listed on the Loan List delivered by the Seller to the Buyer from time to time pursuant to this Agreement, all payments paid in respect thereof and all monies due, to become due or paid in respect of such Collateral Obligations on and after the related Purchase Date, including but not limited to all collections on the Collateral Obligations and other recoveries thereon, in each case as they arise after the related Purchase Date;
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(ii) all Liens with respect to the Collateral Obligations referred to in clause (i) above;
(iii) all Underlying Instruments with respect to the Collateral Obligations referred to in clause (i) above;
(iv) all collateral security granted under any Underlying Instruments; and
(v) all income, payments and proceeds and other supporting obligations of the foregoing.
(b) In addition to the rights of the Buyer to acquire Collateral Obligations from the Seller hereunder after the Closing Date, the Buyer may acquire Collateral Obligations from certain other entities managed by the Collateral Manager or an affiliate of the Collateral Manager, each of which shall be (or be deemed to be) a Collateral Obligation referred by the Seller to the Buyer and sold by the Seller to the Buyer hereunder.
(c) [Reserved].
(d) From and after each Purchase Date, the Collateral listed on the Loan List shall be deemed to be Collateral hereunder.
(e) On any Purchase Date with respect to the Collateral to be acquired by the Buyer on that date, the Seller shall be deemed to, and hereby does, certify to the Buyer and to the Trustee, on behalf of the Secured Parties, as of such Purchase Date, that each of the representations and warranties in Section 4.02 is true and correct in all material respects as of such Purchase Date.
(f) Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, the sale and purchase of Collateral under this Agreement shall be without recourse to the Seller; it being understood that the Seller shall be liable to the Buyer for all representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made by the Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, all of which obligations are limited so as not to constitute recourse to the Seller for the credit risk of the Obligors.
(g) In connection with each Purchase of Collateral as contemplated by this Agreement, the Buyer hereby directs the Seller to, and the Seller agrees that it will, deliver in accordance with the Indenture, or cause to be delivered in accordance with the Indenture (on behalf of the Buyer), to the Trustee, each Collateral Obligation being transferred to the Buyer on such Purchase Date in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture.
(h) The Seller shall take such action requested by the Buyer, from time to time hereafter, that may be necessary or appropriate to ensure that the Buyer has an enforceable ownership interest and its assigns under the Indenture have an enforceable and perfected security interest in the Collateral Purchased by the Buyer as contemplated by this Agreement.
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(i) In connection with the Purchase by the Buyer of the Collateral as contemplated by this Agreement, the Seller agrees that it will, at its own expense, indicate clearly and unambiguously in its computer files on and after each such Purchase that such Collateral has been Purchased by the Buyer and the Seller agrees that it will indicate clearly and unambiguously on and after the related Purchase Date in its financial statements that such Collateral is owned by the Buyer and is not available to pay creditors of the Seller.
(j) The Seller agrees to deliver to the Buyer on or before each Purchase Date a computer file containing a true, complete and correct Loan List (which shall contain the related Principal Balance, outstanding principal balance and Obligor name for each Collateral Obligation) as of the related Purchase Date. Such file or list shall be marked as Schedule I to this Agreement, shall be delivered to the Buyer as confidential and proprietary (subject to the exceptions set forth herein and in the other Transaction Documents), and is hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement, as such Schedule I may be supplemented and amended from time to time. In addition, with respect to each Collateral Obligation sold by the Seller to the Buyer hereunder, the Seller shall deliver to the Buyer an assignment of such Collateral Obligation substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto.
(k) [Reserved].
(l) [Reserved].
(m) It is the intention of the parties hereto that the conveyance of all right, title and interest in and to the Collateral to the Buyer by the Seller on each Purchase Date, as provided in this Section 2.01 shall constitute an absolute sale, conveyance and transfer of ownership of such Collateral conveying good title, free and clear of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens), rather than the mere granting of a security interest to secure a borrowing, and that the Collateral shall not be part of the Seller’s bankruptcy estate in the event of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the Seller. Furthermore, it is not intended that any such conveyance be deemed a pledge of the Collateral Obligations and the other Collateral to the Buyer to secure a debt or other obligation of the Seller.
(n) If, however, notwithstanding the intention of the parties set forth in Section 2.01(m), the conveyances provided for in this Section 2.01 by the Seller are determined to be a transfer for security, then this Agreement shall also be deemed to be, and hereby is, a “security agreement” within the meaning of Article 9 of the UCC. With respect to the Collateral transferred on any Purchase Date hereunder, (A) the Seller hereby grants to the Buyer a duly perfected, first priority “security interest” within the meaning of Article 9 of the UCC in all of its right, title and interest in and to such Collateral, now existing and hereafter created, to secure the prompt and complete payment of a loan deemed to have been made in an amount equal to the aggregate Purchase Price of such Collateral and all other obligations hereunder, (B) the Buyer shall have, in addition to the rights and remedies which it may have under this Agreement, all other rights and remedies provided to a secured creditor under the UCC and other applicable law with respect thereto, which rights and remedies shall be cumulative, and (C) the Seller authorizes the Buyer and, so long as the Payment in Full Date has not occurred, the Trustee on behalf of the Secured Parties to file UCC financing statements and amendments, as necessary, naming the Seller as “debtor,” the Buyer as “assignor secured party,” and the Trustee, as “assignee secured party,” or similar applicable designations, each describing such Collateral, in each jurisdiction that the Buyer deems necessary in order to protect the security interests in the Collateral granted under this Section 2.01(n).
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Section 2.02 Purchase Price.
The purchase price with respect to the Collateral sold on any Purchase Date by the Seller to the Buyer shall be a dollar amount equal to the Market Value thereof as determined by the Seller and the Buyer, and such transaction shall be on terms no less favorable to the Buyer than it would obtain in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate (in each case, the “Purchase Price”).
Section 2.03 Payment of Purchase Price.
(a) The Purchase Price for any Collateral acquired by the Buyer from the Seller on any Purchase Date pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid in a combination of (A) immediately available funds in cash and (B) if the Buyer does not have sufficient funds in cash to pay the full amount of the Purchase Price, by means of a contribution by the Seller to the Buyer.
(b) [Reserved].
(c) The Purchase Price for any Collateral Purchased by the Buyer to be settled directly with a third party on any Purchase Date shall be paid in immediately available funds, which may comprise, if the Buyer does not have sufficient funds in cash to pay the full amount of the Purchase Price, amounts contributed by the Seller to the Buyer to be paid to such third party.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Seller may on any Purchase Date elect to designate all or a portion of the Collateral proposed to be transferred to the Buyer on such date as a contribution to the Buyer. In such event, the cash portion of the Purchase Price payable with respect to such transfer shall be reduced by that portion of the Purchase Price of the Collateral that was so contributed; provided that Collateral contributed to the Buyer as shall constitute Collateral for all purposes of this Agreement. To the extent the fair market value of any Collateral purchased or acquired by replacement and substitution by the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement exceeds the amount of cash paid or other consideration exchanged therefore, such excess shall be deemed to be a contribution from the Seller to the Buyer. In addition, the Seller may also elect to contribute cash or Collateral to the Buyer for any other purpose.
(e) The Seller, in connection with each Purchase hereunder relating to any Collateral, shall be deemed to have certified, and hereby does certify, with respect to the Collateral to be Purchased by the Buyer on such day, that its representations and warranties contained in Article IV are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such day, with the same effect as though made on and as of such day.
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(f) Upon the payment of the Purchase Price for any Purchase, title to the Collateral included in such Purchase shall vest in the Buyer, as provided herein, whether or not the conditions precedent to such Purchase and the other covenants and agreements contained herein were in fact satisfied; provided that the Buyer shall not be deemed to have waived any claim it may have under this Agreement for the failure by the Seller in fact to satisfy any such condition precedent, covenant or agreement.
(g) The Seller and the Buyer acknowledge and agree that, solely for administrative convenience, any transfer or assignment agreement (or, in the case of any underlying promissory note, any chain of endorsement) required to be executed and delivered in connection with the transfer of a Collateral Obligation in accordance with the terms of any Underlying Instruments may reflect that the Seller is transferring and/or assigning such Collateral Obligation directly to the Buyer. Nothing in any such documents or transfer or assignment agreements shall be deemed to impair the transfers of the Collateral Obligations by the Seller to the Buyer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Any such Collateral Obligation so transferred or assigned for administrative convenience shall be deemed sold and transferred by the related seller to the Seller and, pursuant to this Agreement, shall be sold and transferred directly or indirectly, as applicable, by the Seller to the Buyer. For the avoidance of doubt, all of the applicable provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation the conditions precedent to all purchases, the representations and warranties of the Seller, the covenants of the Seller and the indemnity of the Seller, contained in Section 3.02, Article IV, Article V and Article VII hereof, respectively, shall apply to the Seller with equal force with respect to any sales and assignments for administrative convenience under this Agreement (whether in connection with any sale or assignment by any related seller to the Buyer) as if such sale and assignment was directly or indirectly, as applicable, from the Seller to the Buyer as provided herein.
(h) Collateral Obligations may be purchased or acquired from time to time by the Buyer from the Seller or any of its Affiliates hereunder only if (i) the terms and conditions thereof are no less favorable to the Buyer than the terms it would obtain in a comparable, timely purchase or acquisition with a non-Affiliate and (ii) the transactions are effected in accordance with all applicable laws.
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Section 3.01 Conditions Precedent
This Agreement is subject to the conditions precedent that on or prior to the Closing Date each of the conditions precedent to the execution, delivery and effectiveness of each other Transaction Document (other than a condition precedent in any such other Transaction Document relating to the effectiveness of this Agreement) shall have been fulfilled, and:
(a) Counterparts of this Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Seller and the Buyer; and
(b) Seller shall have delivered to Buyer draft UCC-1 financing statements to be filed on the Closing Date as required by Section 2.01(n) describing the applicable Collateral and meeting the requirements of the laws of each jurisdiction in which it is necessary or reasonably desirable, or in which the Seller is required by applicable law, and in such manner as is necessary or reasonably desirable, to perfect the back-up security interest granted under Section 2.01(n).
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Section 3.02 Conditions Precedent to all Purchases.
(a) The obligations of the Buyer to Purchase the Collateral from the Seller on any Purchase Date shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent that:
(i) all representations and warranties of the Seller contained in Sections 4.01 and 4.02 shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of such date as though made on and as of such date and shall be deemed to have been made on and as of such date (unless stated to relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date);
(ii) the Seller shall have delivered to the Buyer a duly completed Loan List that is true, accurate and complete in all respects as of the related Purchase Date, which list shall be as of such date incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement and an assignment substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto;
(iii) on and as of such Purchase Date, the Seller shall have performed all of the obligations, covenants and agreements required to be performed by it with respect to the related Collateral on or prior to such date pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including ensuring that all financing statements or other similar instruments or documents necessary under the UCC (or any comparable law) of all appropriate jurisdictions to perfect the Buyer’s ownership interest in the related Collateral Obligations have been duly filed; and
(iv) such Purchase Date occurs during the Prefunding Period or the Reinvestment Period.
Section 3.03 Release of Excluded Amounts.
The parties acknowledge and agree that the Buyer has no interest in the Excluded Amounts. Promptly upon the receipt by or release to the Buyer of any Excluded Amounts, the Buyer hereby irrevocably agrees to deliver and release to (or as directed by) the Seller such Excluded Amounts, which release shall be automatic and shall require no further act by the Buyer; provided that the Buyer agrees that it will execute and deliver such instruments of release and assignment or other documents, or otherwise confirm the foregoing release of such Excluded Amounts, as may be reasonably requested by the Seller in writing.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 4.01 Representations and Warranties Regarding the Seller.
As of the Closing Date and as of each Purchase Date after the Closing Date, the Seller represents and warrants to the Buyer for the benefit of the Buyer and each of its successors and assigns, that:
(a) Due Organization. The Seller is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland, with full power and authority to own and operate its assets and properties, conduct the business in which it is now engaged and to execute and deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
(b) Due Qualification and Good Standing. The Seller is in good standing in the State of Maryland. The Seller is duly qualified to do business and, to the extent applicable, is in good standing and has obtained all material governmental licenses and approvals as required in Delaware and each other jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified, maintain good standing or obtain such license or approval, is likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Due Authorization; Execution and Delivery; Legal, Value and Binding; Enforceability; Valid Sale. The execution and delivery by the Seller of, and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the other instruments, certificates and agreements contemplated hereby and thereby are within its powers and have been duly authorized by all requisite action by it and have been duly executed and delivered by it and constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, subject, as to enforcement, (A) to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights as such laws would apply in the event of any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar event applicable to the Seller and (B) to general equitable principles (whether enforceability of such principles is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). This Agreement shall effect a valid sale, transfer and assignment of or grant of a security interest by the Seller to the Buyer of its right, title and interest in the Collateral Obligations as set forth herein, enforceable against the Seller, its creditors and purchasers from the Seller, subject, as to enforcement, (A) to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights as such laws would apply in the event of any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar event applicable to the Seller and (B) to general equitable principles (whether enforceability of such principles is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
(d) Non-Contravention. None of the execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the consummation of the transactions herein or therein contemplated, or performance and compliance by it with the terms, conditions and provisions hereof or thereof, will (i) contravene in any material respect the terms of the certificate of incorporation of the Seller or its bylaws, or any amendment of either thereof, (ii) (A) contravene in any material respect any applicable law, (B) conflict in any material respect, with or result in any breach of, any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, loan, agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other contractual restriction binding on or affecting it or any of its assets, or (C) contravene in any material respect any order, writ, injunction or decree binding on or affecting it or any of its assets or properties or (iii) result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any contractual obligation or any agreement or document to which it is a party or by which it or any of its assets are bound (or to which any such obligation, agreement or document relates), in each case under this clause (d) which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(e) Governmental Authorizations; Governmental Filings. The Seller has obtained, maintained and kept in full force and effect all Governmental Authorizations which are necessary for it to properly carry out its business, and has made all Governmental Filings necessary for the execution and delivery by it of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the performance by the Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and no Governmental Authorization or Governmental Filing which has not been obtained or made is required to be obtained or made by it in connection with the execution and delivery by it of any Transaction Document to which it is a party or the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
(f) Compliance with Applicable Law. The Seller has duly observed and complied with all applicable laws, including the Securities Act and the 1940 Act, relating to the conduct of its business and its assets except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(g) Solvency. The Seller, at the time of and after giving effect to each conveyance of Collateral Obligations hereunder and the transactions contemplated hereunder and under the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents, is solvent on and as of the date thereof.
(h) Taxes. The Seller has filed or caused to be filed all tax returns which, to its knowledge, are required to be filed and has paid all taxes shown to be due and payable on such returns or on any assessments made against it or any of its property and all other taxes, fees or other charges imposed on it or any of its property by any applicable Authority (other than any amount of tax due, the validity of which is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which reserves in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been provided on the books of the Seller); no tax Lien has been filed and, to the Seller’s knowledge, no claim is being asserted, with respect to any such tax, fee or other charge.
(i) Place of Business; No Changes. The Seller’s location (within the meaning of Article 9 of the UCC) is the State of Maryland. The Seller has not changed its name, whether by amendment of its certificate of incorporation, by reorganization or otherwise, and has not changed its location within the four months preceding the Closing Date.
(j) [Reserved]
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(k) Sale Treatment. Other than for accounting and tax purposes, the Seller has treated the transfer of Collateral Obligations to the Buyer hereunder for all purposes as a sale and/or contribution by the Seller and purchase by the Buyer on all of its relevant books and records.
(l) Security Interest.
(i) As described in Section 2.01(n) hereof, it is the intention of the parties hereto that the conveyance of the Collateral by the Seller to or the Buyer be, and be construed as, an absolute sale without recourse. If, however, notwithstanding the intention of the parties, such conveyance is determined for any reason not to be an absolute sale, this Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) granted by the Seller in favor of the Buyer in all right, title and interest of the Seller in, to and under the Collateral transferred by the Seller thereto, as applicable, which security interest shall be a first priority perfected security interest prior to all other Liens (except for Permitted Liens), and is enforceable as such against creditors of and purchasers from the Seller upon execution and delivery of this Agreement, subject, as to enforcement, (A) to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights as such laws would apply in the event of any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar event applicable to the Seller and (B) to general equitable principles (whether enforceability of such principles is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity);
(ii) the Collateral Obligations, along with the Underlying Instruments, constitute “general intangibles,” “instruments,” “accounts,” “investment property,” or “chattel paper,” within the meaning of the applicable UCC;
(iii) the Seller owns and has, and upon the sale and transfer thereof by the Seller to the Buyer, the Buyer will have, good and marketable title to such Collateral Obligations free and clear of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens), claim or encumbrance of any Person;
(iv) the Seller has received all consents and approvals, if any, required by the terms of the Collateral Obligations to the sale of the Collateral Obligations hereunder to the Buyer (except (A) to the extent that the requirement for such consent is rendered ineffective under Section 9-406 of the UCC and (B) for any customary procedural requirements and agents’ and/or Obligors’ consents expected to be obtained in due course in connection with the transfer of the Collateral Obligations to the Buyer (except, in the case of clause (B), for any such agents’ consents where the Seller or any of its Affiliates is the agent which the Seller has or will obtain));
(v) the Seller has caused the filing of all appropriate financing statements in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the security interest in the Collateral Obligations granted by the Seller to the Buyer under this Agreement to the extent perfection can be achieved by filing a financing statement;
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(vi) other than the sale by the Seller to the Buyer hereunder and the back up security interest granted by the Seller to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, the Seller has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in or otherwise conveyed any of the Collateral Obligations, except in connection with any Financing Facility, if any, which security interests, if any, with respect to such Collateral Obligations will be released on the applicable Purchase Date. The Seller has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements naming the Seller as debtor that include a description of collateral covering the Collateral Obligations constituting Collateral hereunder other than any financing statement (A) relating to the security interest granted to the Buyer under this Agreement, or (B) that has been or will be terminated as of the related Purchase Date or for which a release or partial release has been or will be timely filed. The Seller is not aware of the filing of any judgment or tax Lien filings against the Seller;
(vii) except with respect to any Collateral Obligation for which there is no promissory note, all original executed copies of each promissory note that constitutes or evidences the Collateral Obligations sold by the Seller hereunder have been delivered by the Seller at the direction of the Buyer, as required hereunder; and
(viii) none of the promissory notes, if any that constitute or evidence any Collateral Obligations sold by the Seller hereunder has any marks or notations indicating that they have been pledged, assigned or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Buyer.
(m) Value Given. The cash payments, if any, received by the Seller, and the increase in the value of the Seller’s interest in the Buyer as a result of any contribution by the Seller to the Buyer in respect of the Purchase Price of the Collateral Obligations sold by the Seller hereunder constitute reasonably equivalent value in consideration for the transfer by the Seller to the Buyer of such Collateral Obligations under this Agreement, such transfer was not made for or on account of an antecedent debt owed by the Seller to the Buyer and such transfer was not and is not voidable or subject to avoidance under any applicable bankruptcy laws.
(n) Bulk Transfer Laws. The transfer, assignment and conveyance of the Collateral Obligations by the Seller pursuant to this Agreement are not subject to the bulk transfer laws or any similar statutory provisions in effect in any applicable jurisdiction.
(o) Lack of Intent to Hinder, Delay or Defraud. Neither the Seller nor any of its Affiliates has sold, or will sell, any interest in any Collateral Obligations conveyed to the Buyer hereunder with any intent to hinder, delay or defraud any of their respective creditors.
(p) No Proceedings. There is no action, suit or proceeding pending against or, to the actual knowledge of an Authorized Officer of the Seller after due inquiry, threatened against or adversely affecting (i) the Seller or (ii) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, before any court, arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official, in each case, which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(q) Accuracy of Information. All written factual information heretofore furnished by the Seller for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which the Seller is a party, or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby is, and all such written factual information hereafter furnished by the Seller to any party to the Transaction Documents will be, accurate in all material respects, on or as of the date such information is stated or certified; provided that the Seller shall not be responsible for, nor have any liability with respect to, any factual information furnished to it by any third party, except to the extent that an Authorized Officer of the Seller has actual knowledge that such factual information is inaccurate in any material respect.
The representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4.01 shall survive the sale, transfer and assignment of the Collateral Obligations to the Buyer and be for the benefit of the Buyer and the Trustee, on behalf of the Secured Parties, and the Seller acknowledges that the Buyer and the Trustee may enforce directly any obligations of the Seller with respect to breaches of such representations and warranties that materially and adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders.
Section 4.02 Representations and Warranties of the Seller Relating to the Agreement and the Collateral.
The Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Buyer, as of the Closing Date and as of each Purchase Date after the Closing Date:
(a) Valid Transfer and Security Interest. This Agreement constitutes a valid transfer to the Buyer of all right, title and interest of the Seller in, to and under all of the Collateral sold thereto by the Seller on the related Purchase Date, free and clear of any Lien of any Person claiming through or under the Seller or its Affiliates, except for Permitted Liens. If the conveyances contemplated by this Agreement are determined to be a transfer for security, then this Agreement constitutes a grant of a security interest by the Seller in all of the Collateral sold by the Seller on the related Purchase Date to the Buyer, which security interest is a valid and first priority perfected security interest in all Collateral, subject only to Permitted Liens. Neither the Seller nor any Person claiming through the Seller shall have any claim to or interest in the Collection Accounts and if this Agreement constitutes the grant of a security interest in such property, except for the interest of the Seller in such property as a debtor for purposes of the UCC.
(b) Eligibility of Collateral. As of each Purchase Date, (i) the Loan List is an accurate and complete listing of all Collateral as of the related Purchase Date and the information contained therein with respect to the identity of such Collateral and the amounts owing thereunder is true and correct as of the related Purchase Date, (ii) as of the related Purchase Date, each such loan asset sold by the Seller hereunder satisfies or satisfied, as applicable, the definition of Collateral Obligation, and (iii) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.02(a) are true and correct with respect to each item of Collateral.
(c) No Fraud. Each Collateral Obligation sold by the Seller hereunder was originated without any fraud or material misrepresentation by the Seller or, to the best of the Seller’s knowledge, on the part of the Obligor.
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(d) Ordinary Course of Business. Any sale of Collateral Obligations by the Seller to the Buyer, as applicable, pursuant to this Agreement is in the ordinary course of business and financial affairs of the Seller. Each remittance of collections on such Collateral Obligations by the Seller to the Buyer, as transferee thereof under this Agreement, will have been made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Seller.
Section 4.03 Representations and Warranties Regarding the Buyer.
By its execution of this Agreement, the Buyer represents and warrants to the Seller that:
(a) Due Organization. The Buyer is a limited liability company duly formed and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with full power and authority to own and operate its assets and properties, conduct the business in which it is now engaged and to execute and deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
(b) Due Qualification and Good Standing. The Buyer is in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Buyer is duly qualified to do business and, to the extent applicable, is in good standing and has obtained or will obtain all material governmental licenses and approval in the State of Delaware and in each other jurisdiction in which the nature of its business, assets and properties, including the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified, maintain good standing or obtain such license or approval would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Due Authorization; Execution and Delivery; Legal, Valid and Binding; Enforceability. The execution and delivery by the Buyer of, and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the other instruments, certificates and agreements contemplated hereby or thereby are within its powers and have been duly authorized by all requisite action by it and have been duly executed and delivered by it and constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally or general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
(d) Non-Contravention. None of the execution and delivery by the Buyer of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the consummation of the transactions herein or therein contemplated, or performance and compliance by it with the terms, conditions and provisions hereof or thereof, will (i) contravene in any material respect or result in any breach of, any of the terms and provisions of, its certificate of formation and limited liability company agreement, (ii) conflict with or contravene (A) any applicable law, (B) any indenture, agreement or other contractual restriction binding on or affecting it or any of its assets, including any Underlying Instrument, or (C) any order, writ, judgment, award, injunction or decree binding on or affecting it or any of its assets or properties or (iii) result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, or permit the acceleration of any obligation or liability in, or but for any requirement of the giving of notice or the passage of time (or both) would constitute such a conflict with, breach or violation of, or default under, or permit any such acceleration in, any contractual obligation or any agreement or document to which it is a party or by which it or any of its assets are bound (or to which any such obligation, agreement or document relates), in each case under this clause (d) which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(e) Governmental Authorizations; Private Authorizations; Governmental Filings. No order, consent, approval, license, authorization, or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, or exemption by, any governmental or public body or authority, or any subdivision thereof, is required to authorize, or is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of any Transaction Documents to which the Buyer is a party or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated thereby other than those that have already been duly made or obtained and remain in full force and effect or those recordings and filings in connection with the Liens granted to the Trustee under the Transaction Documents, except for any order, consent, approval, license, authorization, or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, or exemption, that, if not obtained, would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Sale Treatment. Other than for accounting and tax purposes, the Buyer has treated the transfer of Collateral Obligations hereunder to the Buyer for all purposes as a sale by the Seller and purchase by the Buyer on all of its relevant books and records and other applicable documents.
Section 4.04 Ordinary Course of Business.
Each of the Seller and the Buyer represents and warrants to the other as to itself that in the event the conveyances of the Collateral provided for in Section 2.01(a) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a transfer for security purposes, each remittance of payments, if any, by the Seller under this Agreement will have been (i) in payment of an obligation incurred by the Seller in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Seller and the Buyer, as the case may be, and (ii) made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Seller and the Buyer.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
Section 5.01 Affirmative Covenants of the Seller.
From the date hereof until the Payment in Full Date:
(a) Compliance with Laws. The Seller will comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law with respect to the Collateral Obligations except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Preservation of Corporate Existence. The Seller will preserve and maintain its corporate existence, rights, franchises and privileges in the jurisdiction of its incorporation, and qualify and remain qualified in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the failure to preserve and maintain such existence, rights, franchises, privileges and qualification has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on the business operations, assets or financial condition of the Seller or on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the provisions of any other Transaction Document applicable to the Seller, or the performance by the Seller of its duties hereunder or thereunder.
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(c) Performance and Compliance with Collateral. The Seller will, at its expense, timely and fully perform and comply in all material respects with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under all agreements related to such Collateral.
(d) Protection of Interest in Collateral. With respect to the Collateral Purchased by the Buyer from the Seller, the Seller will (i) sell such Collateral pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (ii) (at the Seller’s expense) take all action necessary to perfect, protect and more fully evidence the Buyer’s, or its assignee’s, ownership of or security interest in such Collateral free and clear of any Lien, other than the Lien created hereunder and Permitted Liens, as provided in Section 2.01(n) including, without limitation (a) filing and maintaining (at the Seller’s expense) effective financing statements in all necessary or appropriate filing offices and filing all continuation statements, amendments or assignments with respect thereto in the appropriate filing offices, and (b) executing or causing to be executed such other instruments or notices as may be necessary or appropriate, and (iii) take all additional action that the Buyer or the Trustee, as applicable, may reasonably request to perfect, protect and more fully evidence the respective interests of the parties to this Agreement in the Collateral and of the Trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Indenture.
(e) Delivery of Collections. The Seller will cause all payments relating to all Collateral to be remitted directly to the Collection Account. In the event any payments relating to any Collateral are remitted directly to the Seller or any Affiliate of the Seller, the Seller will remit (or will cause all such payments to be remitted) directly to the applicable Collection Account as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence within two (2) Business Days following receipt thereof, and, at all times prior to such remittance, the Seller will itself hold or, if applicable, will cause such payments to be held in trust for the exclusive benefit of the Buyer (and its assignees).
(f) Separate Identity. The Seller acknowledges that the Buyer, the Trustee and the other Secured Parties are entering into the transactions contemplated by the Indenture in reliance upon the Buyer’s identity as a legal entity that is separate from the Seller (except as otherwise required under GAAP or applicable tax law). Therefore, from and after the date hereof, the Seller will take all reasonable steps to maintain the Buyer’s identity as a legal entity that is separate from the Seller and to make it manifest to third parties that the Buyer is an entity with assets and liabilities distinct from those of the Seller and not just a division of the Seller (except as otherwise required under GAAP or applicable tax law). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and in addition to the other covenants set forth herein, the Seller agrees that:
(i) the Seller shall maintain corporate records and books of account separate from those of the Buyer;
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(ii) the annual financial statements of the Seller shall disclose the effects of the Seller’s transactions in accordance with GAAP and the annual financial statements of the Seller shall not reflect in any way that the assets of the Buyer, including, without limitation, the Collateral, could be available to pay creditors of the Seller;
(iii) the resolutions, agreements and other instruments underlying the transactions described in this Agreement shall be continuously maintained by the Seller as official records;
(iv) except as otherwise expressly permitted or required by the Transaction Documents, the Seller shall maintain an arm’s–length relationship with the Buyer;
(v) the Seller will not hold itself out as being liable for the debts of the Buyer;
(vi) except as otherwise permitted under the Transaction Documents, the Seller shall keep its assets and its liabilities wholly separate from those of the Buyer;
(vii) the Seller will avoid the appearance, and promptly correct any known misperception of any of the Seller’s creditors, that the assets of the Buyer are available to pay the obligations and debts of the Seller;
(viii) to the extent that the Seller performs any services on the Buyer’s behalf, the Seller will clearly identify itself as an agent for the Buyer in the performance of such duties; provided, however, that the Seller will not be required to so identify itself when communicating with the Obligors not in its capacity as agent for the Buyer but rather in its capacity as agent for a group of lenders; and
(ix) the Seller shall take or refrain from taking, as applicable, each of the activities specified or assumed in the true sale opinion of Dechert LLP delivered on the Closing Date, upon which the conclusions expressed therein are based.
(g) Cooperation with Requests for Information or Documents. The Seller will cooperate fully with all reasonable requests of the Buyer regarding the provision of any information or documents in the possession of or reasonably obtainable by the Seller without undue burden or expense which are necessary or desirable, including the provision of such information or documents in electronic or machine–readable format, to allow each of the Buyer and its assignees (including, without limitation, the Trustee) to carry out their responsibilities under the Transaction Documents.
(h) Merger or Consolidation of Seller. Any Person into which the Seller may be merged or consolidated, or any Person resulting from such merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Seller is a party, or any Person succeeding to substantially all of the business of the Seller, shall be the successor to the Seller hereunder, without execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary.
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Section 5.02 Negative Covenants of the Seller.
From the date hereof until the Payment in Full Date:
(a) Security Interests. Except for the transfers hereunder, the Seller will not sell, pledge, assign or transfer to any other Person, or grant, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien other than Permitted Liens on any Collateral Obligation that constitutes part of the Collateral, whether now existing or hereafter transferred hereunder, or any interest therein. The Seller will promptly notify the Buyer of the existence of any Lien on any such Collateral Obligation and the Seller shall defend to right, title and interest of the Buyer and its assignees in, to and under such Collateral Obligations, against all claims of third parties; provided that nothing in this Section 5.02(a) shall prevent or be deemed to prevent the Seller from suffering to exist Permitted Liens upon any of the Collateral.
(b) Change of Name or Location of Loan Files. After the Closing Date, the Seller shall not change its name, move the location of its principal place of business and chief executive office, or change the jurisdiction of its formation, unless the Seller gives thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Buyer and the Trustee and takes all actions required under the UCC of each relevant jurisdiction in order to continue the first priority perfected security interest of the Buyer and the Trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in the Collateral.
(c) Accounting of Purchases. Other than for tax and consolidated accounting purposes, the Seller will not account for or treat (whether in financial statements or otherwise) the transactions contemplated hereby in any manner other than as a sale of the Collateral by the Seller to the Buyer; provided that, for federal income tax reporting purposes, the Buyer may be treated as a “disregarded entity” and, therefore, the transfer of Collateral by the Seller to the Buyer hereunder will not be recognized.
(d) Changes in Payment Instructions. Except in connection with a repurchase or substitution as set forth in Article VI, the Seller shall not make any change in its instructions to Obligors regarding payments to be made to any Collection Account, unless the Trustee shall have given its prior written consent to such change.
ARTICLE VI
Option to repurchase AND Substitute Collateral Obligations
Section 6.01 Optional Repurchases or Substitution of Collateral Obligations.
(a) The Seller shall have the right, but not the obligation, to substitute or repurchase from the Buyer certain Collateral Obligations sold or substituted by the Issuer as provided in Article XII of the Indenture and subject to the limitations therein and other applicable provisions set forth in Article XII of the Indenture.
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Section 6.02 Reassignment of Substituted or Repurchased Collateral Obligations.
Upon (a) receipt by the Trustee for deposit in the applicable Collection Account of amounts required to be paid by the Seller in the case of any repurchased Collateral Obligation (which shall not be less than the Repurchase Price thereof) pursuant to Article XII of the Indenture (including as a result of any loan asset sold by the Seller hereunder failing to satisfy the definition of Collateral Obligation) or (b) upon the Purchase Date related to a substitute Collateral Obligation delivered by the Seller to the Buyer in accordance herewith and with the applicable provisions of the Indenture, the Buyer hereby assigns to the Seller all of the Buyer’s right, title and interest in the Collateral Obligation being repurchased or substituted (together with the Collateral and any other Assets related thereto) without recourse, representation or warranty and the Buyer will cause the Trustee to release the Lien of the Indenture with respect thereto. Such reassigned Collateral Obligation (together with the Collateral and any other Assets related thereto) shall no longer thereafter be deemed a part of the Collateral or of the Assets and shall be deemed released from the security interests created by this Agreement and by the Indenture. The Seller may amend and modify the Loan List as applicable in connection with any such repurchase or substitution by providing an updated copy thereof to the Buyer and to the Trustee. To the extent any Repurchase Price exceeds the fair market value (as determined by the Seller) of the related Collateral Obligation, such excess shall be deemed a contribution by the Seller to the Buyer.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SELLER
Section 7.01 Indemnification.
The Seller agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Buyer, the Trustee and any of their respective members, managers, authorized persons, officers, directors, employees, personnel and agents (any one of which is an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all claims, losses, penalties, fines, forfeitures, judgments, reasonable legal fees and related costs, and any other reasonable costs, fees and expenses that such Person may sustain as a result of the Seller’s fraud or the failure of the Seller to perform its duties in compliance in all material respects with the terms of this Agreement, except to the extent arising from gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud by the Person claiming indemnification, provided that the Seller shall not be liable for any consequential (including loss of profit), indirect, special or punitive damages hereunder. Any Person seeking indemnification hereunder shall promptly notify the Seller if such Person receives a complaint, claim, compulsory process or other notice of any loss, claim, damage or liability giving rise to a claim of indemnification hereunder but failure to provide such notice shall not relieve the Seller of its indemnification obligations hereunder unless and to the extent the Seller is deprived of material substantive or procedural rights or defenses as a result thereof. The Seller shall assume (with the consent of the Indemnified Party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) the defense and any settlement of any such claim and pay all expenses in connection therewith, including reasonable counsel fees, and promptly pay, discharge and satisfy any judgment or decree which may be entered against the Indemnified Party in respect of such claim. The parties agree that the provisions of this Section 7.01 shall not be interpreted to provide recourse to the Seller against loss by reason of the bankruptcy, insolvency or lack of creditworthiness of an Obligor with respect to a Collateral Obligation and that the Seller does not hereby agree to maintain the solvency of the Buyer. The Seller shall have no liability for making indemnification hereunder to the extent any such indemnification constitutes recourse for any uncollectible or uncollected Collateral Obligation.
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Section 7.02 Liabilities to Obligors.
Except with respect to the funding commitment assumed by the Buyer with respect to any Delayed Draw Loan or Revolving Loan, no obligation or liability to any Obligor under any of the Collateral Obligations is intended to be assumed by the Buyer, the Trustee or any of the other the Secured Parties under or as a result of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 7.03 Operation of Indemnities.
If the Seller has made any indemnity payments to an Indemnified Party pursuant to this Article VII and such Indemnified Party thereafter collects any amounts from others in connection with the same matter or matters that gave rise to such indemnity payments, such Indemnified Party will repay such amounts collected to the Seller up to and including the amount of such indemnity payments.
Section 7.04 Limitation on Liability.
The Seller shall be liable under this Agreement only to the extent of the obligations specifically undertaken by it under this Agreement. Each of the Seller and any stockholder, partner, member, manager, director, officer, employee, personnel or agent thereof may rely in good faith on any document of any kind, prima facie properly executed and submitted by any Person respecting any matters arising hereunder. Each of the Seller and any stockholder, partner, member, manager, director, officer, employee, personnel or agent thereof, as applicable, shall be reimbursed by the Buyer (which shall constitute “Administrative Expenses” under the Indenture) (subject to the availability of funds in accordance with the Priority of Payments), as applicable, for any liability or expense incurred by reason of the Buyer’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence (except errors in judgment) in the performance of its respective duties hereunder, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder; provided, however that so long as it is the Collateral Manager, any such liability or expense relating to acts or omissions of the Buyer caused by reason of acts or omissions constituting bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of the Collateral Manager’s duties under the Collateral Management Agreement and under the terms of the Indenture shall not be reimbursable hereunder. The Seller shall not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action that shall not be required by its obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents and that in its opinion may involve it in any expense or liability.
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ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.01 Amendments and Waivers.
(a) This Agreement may be amended or waived from time to time by the parties hereto by written agreement, with prior written notice to the Trustee, but without consent of the Holders, to (i) cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provisions herein, (ii) comply with any changes in the Code, (iii) enable the Buyer to rely upon any exemption from registration under the Securities Act or the 1940 Act, (iv) enable the Buyer or the Seller to comply with any applicable securities law or U.S. Risk Retention Rules (including the regulations or interpretive guidance provided by applicable regulators implementing or interpreting any such laws or regulations), (v) conform this Agreement to the final Offering Circular, (vi) comply with any statute, rule, regulation, or technical or interpretive guidance enacted, effective, or issued by regulatory agencies of the United States federal government or any Member State of the European Economic Area or otherwise under European law, after the Closing Date that are applicable to the Seller, the Retention Provider, the Buyer, the Obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Indenture or by the final Offering Circular, including, without limitation, the U.S. Risk Retention Rules, securities laws or Dodd-Frank and all rules, regulations, and technical or interpretive guidance thereunder, or as may otherwise be required so that the Buyer is not a “covered fund” as defined in the Volcker Rule; and (vii) evidence the succession of another Person to the Buyer or the Seller, as applicable, and the assumption by any such successor Person of the covenants of the Buyer or the Seller, as applicable herein to the extent permitted hereunder and under the Indenture. Any other amendment or waiver to this Agreement shall be subject to the consent of a Majority of the Controlling Class; provided that no such amendment or waiver shall reduce the amount of, or delay the timing of, any amounts received on Collateral Obligations which are required to be distributed with respect to any Class of Notes or otherwise materially and adversely affect any Holders of Notes without the consent of the Holders of each Class materially and adversely affected thereby, or change the rights or obligations of any other party hereto without the consent of such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Loan List may be amended and modified by the Seller at any time in accordance with this Agreement by providing an updated Loan List to the Buyer and the Trustee.
(b) Prior to the execution of any such amendment or waiver, the Buyer shall furnish to the Trustee (and the Trustee shall furnish to the Rating Agency and each Holder) written notification of the substance of such proposed amendment or waiver, together with a copy thereof.
(c) Promptly after the execution of any such amendment or waiver, the Trustee shall furnish a copy of such amendment or waiver to the Rating Agency and to each Holder. It shall not be necessary for the consent of any Holders pursuant to Section 8.01(a) to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or consent, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof. The manner of obtaining such consents and of evidencing the authorization by Holders of the execution thereof shall be subject to such reasonable requirements as the Trustee may prescribe.
(d) Prior to the execution of any amendment to this Agreement, the Buyer and the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and rely upon an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may rely upon one or more certificates from an Authorized Officer of the Seller, the Buyer and/or of the Collateral Manager with respect to factual matters and of the Buyer and/or the Collateral Manager with respect to the effect of any such amendment or waiver on the economic interests of the Buyer or the Holders) stating that the execution of such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Agreement. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, consent to any such amendment that affects such Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Agreement or otherwise.
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(e) The Trustee, by its signature below, acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 8.01.
Section 8.02 Notices, Etc.
All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall, unless otherwise stated herein, be in writing and mailed, e-mailed, transmitted or delivered, to the Seller at its addresses set forth below and as to the Buyer, the Trustee or the Rating Agency, at its address set forth in the Indenture or at such other address as shall be designated by such Person in a written notice to the other parties hereto. All such notices and communications shall be effective, upon receipt, or in the case of (a) notice by mail, five (5) days after being deposited in the United States mail, first class postage prepaid, (b) notice by e-mail or by facsimile mail, when electronic confirmation or verbal communication of receipt is obtained. Notices and other communications relating to this Agreement to be delivered by the Trustee to any Holder shall be delivered as provided in the Indenture.
The address for the Seller is the following unless the Seller shall designate another address in a written notice to the Buyer and the Trustee.
Monroe Capital Income Plus Corporation
c/o Monroe Capital, LLC
311 South Wacker Drive
Suite 6400
Chicago, IL 60606
Attention: Michael J. Furr
Email: mfurr@monroecap.com
Telephone: 312-523-2383
Section 8.03 Binding Effect; Benefit of Agreement.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no third party (other than the Trustee on behalf of the Secured Parties) shall be a third party beneficiary hereof.
Section 8.04 GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF OBJECTION TO VENUE SERVICE OF PROCESS.
THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL MATTERS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) TO THE FOREGOING SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY AGREES TO THE NON–EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS, AND ANY OBJECTION TO VENUE OF ANY ACTION INSTITUTED HEREUNDER IN ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS AND CONSENTS TO THE GRANTING OF SUCH LEGAL OR EQUITABLE RELIEF AS IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY SUCH COURT.
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Each of the Buyer and the Seller agrees that service of process may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Buyer or the Seller, as applicable, at its address specified in the signature pages to this Agreement or at such other address(es) as the Buyer or the Seller shall have notified the other in accordance with Section 8.02. Nothing in this Agreement precludes any of the parties from bringing Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, nor will the bringing of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the bringing of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction.
Section 8.05 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANY OF THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. INSTEAD, ANY SUCH DISPUTE RESOLVED IN COURT WILL BE RESOLVED IN A BENCH TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY.
Section 8.06 Certain Taxes. The Seller shall pay on demand any and all stamp, sales, excise and other taxes and fees payable or determined to be payable to any applicable Authority in connection with the execution, delivery, filing and recording of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered hereunder.
Section 8.07 Non-Petition.
(a) The Seller hereby agrees not to institute against, or join, cooperate with or encourage any other Person in instituting against the Buyer any bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium, winding-up or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings under federal or state bankruptcy or similar laws until at least one year and one day, or if longer, the applicable preference period then in effect plus one day, after payment in full of all Notes issued under the Indenture, provided that nothing in this Section 8.07 shall preclude, or be deemed to stop, the Seller (i) from taking any action prior to the expiration of the aforementioned one year and one day period, or if longer the applicable preference period then in effect plus one day, in (A) any case or proceeding voluntarily filed or commenced by the Buyer or (B) any involuntary insolvency proceeding filed or commenced against the Buyer by a Person other than the Seller or its Affiliates, or (ii) from commencing against the Buyer or any properties of the Buyer any legal action which is not a bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium, winding-up or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy or similar laws.
(b) The provisions of this Section 8.07 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
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Section 8.08 Recourse Against Certain Parties.
(a) The obligations of the Seller and the Buyer under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are solely the corporate or limited liability company obligations, as applicable, of the Seller and the Buyer, respectively. No recourse shall be had for the payment of any amount owing by the Buyer or the Seller under this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or for the payment by the Buyer or the Seller of any fee in respect hereof or any other obligation or claim of or against the Buyer or the Seller arising out of or based upon this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, against any employee, personnel, officer, director, shareholder, partner, authorized person, member or manager of the Buyer or the Seller or of any Affiliate of such Person (other than the Seller or the Buyer, as applicable). The provisions of this Section 8.08(a) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the obligations of the Buyer hereunder are from time to time and at any time limited recourse obligations of the Buyer payable solely from the Assets available at such time and following realization of the Assets, and application of the proceeds thereof in accordance with the Indenture, all obligations of and any claims against Buyer hereunder or in connection herewith after such realization shall be extinguished and shall not thereafter revive. No recourse shall be had against any Officer, member, manager, director, employee, shareholder, authorized person or incorporator of the Buyer or its Affiliates, successors or assigns for any amounts payable hereunder. The provisions of this Section 8.08(b) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
Section 8.09 Protection of Right, Title and Interest in the Collateral; Further Action Evidencing Purchases.
(a) The Seller shall cause all financing statements and continuation statements and any other necessary documents perfecting the Buyer’s back up security interest in the applicable Collateral to be promptly recorded, registered and filed as required under this Agreement, and at all times to be kept recorded, registered and filed, all in such manner and in such places as may be required by law fully to preserve and protect the perfection and priority of the security interest granted to the Buyer in all property comprising the related Collateral. The Seller shall deliver to the Buyer the file–stamped copies of, or filing receipts for, any document recorded, registered or filed as provided above, as soon as available following such recording, registration or filing. The Seller shall cooperate fully with the Buyer in connection with the obligations set forth above and will execute any and all documents reasonably required to fulfill the intent of this Section 8.09(a).
(b) The Seller agrees that from time to time, at its or the Seller’s expense, it will promptly execute and deliver all instruments and documents, and take all actions, that the Buyer or the Trustee on behalf of the Secured Parties, may reasonably request in order to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the applicable Purchases hereunder and the ownership and/or backup security interest granted by it in the related Collateral, as applicable.
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(c) If the Seller fails to perform any of its obligations under this Section 8.09, the Buyer or the Trustee on behalf of the Secured Parties, as applicable, may (but shall not be required to) perform, or cause performance of, such obligation; and the Buyer’s and/or the Trustee’s costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by the Seller. The Seller irrevocably authorizes the Buyer and/or the Trustee at any time (so long as it has failed to perform its obligations hereunder) at the sole discretion thereof, and appoints each of the Buyer and the Trustee as its attorney–in–fact to act on behalf of the Seller (i) to execute on behalf of the Seller and to file financing statements on behalf of the Seller, as debtor, necessary or desirable in the sole discretion of the Buyer or the Trustee, as applicable, to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Buyer (and its assignees) in the Collateral and (ii) to file a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement or any financing statement with respect to the Collateral as a financing statement in such offices as the Buyer or the Trustee, as applicable, in its sole discretion deems necessary or desirable to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Buyer (and its assignees) in the Collateral. This appointment is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
Section 8.10 Execution in Counterparts; Severability; Integration.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts (including by facsimile), 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. In case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. This Agreement, together with the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents, to the extent that a party is a signatory thereto, and any other agreements executed in connection herewith contains the final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior oral or written understandings.
Section 8.11 Headings, Exhibits and Schedules.
The headings herein are for purposes of references only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof. The exhibits and schedules attached hereto and referred to herein shall constitute a part of this Agreement and are incorporated into this Agreement for all purposes.
Section 8.12 Assignment.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this Agreement may not be assigned by the Buyer or the Seller except as permitted by this Section 8.12 or by the Indenture or in connection with an assignment as a matter of law to the successors in interest to the Buyer or the Seller, as applicable. Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Buyer shall assign all of its right, title and interest herein to the Trustee for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to which assignment the Seller hereby expressly consents. Upon such assignment, the Seller agrees to perform its obligations hereunder that are for the benefit of the Buyer both for the benefit of the Buyer and for the benefit of the Trustee for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and the Trustee, in such capacity, shall be a third party beneficiary hereof. The Trustee on behalf of the Secured Parties after an Event of Default under and in accordance with the Indenture may enforce the provisions of this Agreement that are for the benefit of the Buyer, exercise the rights of the Buyer and enforce such obligations of the Seller hereunder without joinder of the Buyer.
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Section 8.13 Duration of Agreement.
This Agreement shall continue in existence and effect until the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture.
Section 8.14 Acts of Buyer.
Any information, communication, request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, report or other action provided by this Agreement to be given or performed by the Buyer shall be effective if given or performed by the Buyer or by the Collateral Manager on the Buyer’s behalf.
Section 8.15 No Partnership.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed or construed to create a co-partnership or joint venture between the parties hereto.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers as of the day and year first above written.
MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS CORPORATION, as the Seller | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, LLC, as the Buyer | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED | ||
SOLELY WITH RESPECT TO SECTION 8.01 | ||
u.s. bank TRUST COMPANY, national association, as the Trustee |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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Exhibit A
Form of Assignment
[Date]
In accordance with the Loan Sale and Contribution Agreement (together with all amendments and modifications from time to time thereto, the “Agreement”), dated as of April 7, 2022, made by and among the undersigned, MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS CORPORATION, as the Seller (together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “Seller”) and MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, llc, as the Buyer (together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “Buyer”), as assignee thereunder, the undersigned does hereby sell, transfer, convey and assign, set over and otherwise convey to the Buyer, all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the following (including, without limitation, all obligations of the lender to fund any Revolving Loan or Delayed Draw Loan conveyed by the undersigned to Buyer hereunder which obligations Buyer hereby assumes):
(i) the Collateral Obligations listed on Schedule I, all payments paid in respect thereof and all monies due, to become due or paid in respect thereof accruing on and after the Purchase Date and all collections on the Collateral Obligations and other recoveries thereon, in each case as they arise after the Purchase Date;
(ii) all Liens with respect to the Collateral Obligations referred to in clause (i) above;
(iii) all Underlying Instruments with respect to the Collateral Obligations referred to in clause (i) above;
(iv) all collateral security granted under any Underlying Instruments; and
(v) all income, payments, proceeds and other supporting obligations of any and all of the foregoing, including but not limited to, all accounts, cash and currency, chattel paper, electronic chattel paper, tangible chattel paper, copyrights, copyright licenses, equipment, fixtures, financial assets, general intangibles, payment intangibles, instruments, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, inventory, investment property, letter of credit rights, securities, money, documents, goods, accessions, proceeds and other property consisting of, arising out of, or related to the foregoing, but excluding any Excluded Amount with respect thereto.
Capitalized terms used herein have the meaning given such terms in the Agreement.
This Assignment is made pursuant to and in reliance upon the representations and warranties on the part of the undersigned contained in Article IV of the Agreement and no others.
THIS ASSIGNMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Assignment to be duly executed on the date written above.
MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS CORPORATION | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
MONROE CAPITAL INCOME PLUS ABS FUNDING, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
A-2 |
Schedule I
Loan List
[To be attached]
Schedule I
[To be attached]