-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, SBHCfPpHgMswqbn/osd8TOHcR9P1/pIn38ygv82kKZq8ZXkSBhZC+10hp+hNzXaT sUNUNi4kmKldukByBiEEzQ== 0000019353-09-000060.txt : 20090814 0000019353-09-000060.hdr.sgml : 20090814 20090814161545 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000019353-09-000060 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090812 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Other Events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20090814 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090814 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHARMING SHOPPES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000019353 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORES [5621] IRS NUMBER: 231721355 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 0131 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-07258 FILM NUMBER: 091016014 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 450 WINKS LANE CITY: BENSALEM STATE: PA ZIP: 19020 BUSINESS PHONE: 2152459100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 450 WINKS LANE CITY: BENSALEM STATE: PA ZIP: 19020 8-K 1 form8kaug122009.htm FORM 8-K AUGUST 12, 2009 form8kaug122009.htm
 
 

 



 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
______________
 
 
FORM 8-K
 
______________
 
 
CURRENT REPORT
 
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  August 12, 2009
 
______________
 
 
Charming Shoppes, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
______________
 
Pennsylvania
000-07258
23-1721355
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

3750 State Road, Bensalem, PA  19020
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
(215) 245-9100
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
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:
 
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 

 


 
 

 

 
Item 1.01.  Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
 
On August 12, 2009 Charming Shoppes, Inc. (“CSI”) and certain of its direct or indirect subsidiaries (collectively, “Charming”) entered into a series of transactions with Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“ADS”) and certain of its subsidiaries related to the credit card business and credit card operations of Charming.  The CSI subsidiaries involved in these transactions include Spirit of America National Bank (“SOANB”), Charming Shoppes Receivables Corp. (“CSRC”), Spirit of America Inc. (“SOAI”), Lane Bryant, Inc., Fashion Bug Retail Companies, Inc., Catherines Stores Corporation, Petite Sophisticate, Inc., Outlet Division Management Co., Inc., and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc.  The ADS Subsidiaries involved in these transactions include World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”) and ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc. (“ADSI”).  The transactions have been approved by CSI, ADS, and their respective affiliates and are expected to close before the end of 2009, subject to required regulatory review and customary closing conditions.
 
The Asset Purchase Agreements
 
In connection with the transactions SOANB and CSRC, as sellers, SOAI, as servicer, and WFNNB, as purchaser, entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Accounts Purchase Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Accounts Purchase Agreement (i) SOANB agreed to sell, assign, and transfer and WFNNB agreed to purchase from SOANB all rights, titles, and interests of SOANB in its credit card accounts, including related credit cards and cardholder agreements, debt cancellation contracts and, (to the extent not previously sold to CSRC) receivables attributable to such credit card accounts, books, and records; and (ii) CSRC agreed to sell, assign, and transfer to WFNNB (or an affiliate of WFNNB designated by WFNNB) and WFNNB agreed to purchase or cause an affiliate to purchase from CSRC, all rights, title, and interest of CSRC in the Charming Shoppes Master Trust (“CSMT”), the ,securitization facilities related to the receivables arising under the foregoing accounts, and certain related assets.  WFNNB or its designated affiliate will assume obligations of SOANB, CSRC, and SOAI arising after the closing of the transactions under the foregoing accounts and securitization facilities.
 
The parties have made customary representations, warranties, and covenants in the Accounts Purchase Agreement.  Consummation of the transactions is subject to various customary conditions, including receipt of bank and antitrust regulatory approvals (if required) and satisfaction of conditions relating to the transfer of rights and obligations under the existing securitization facilities.  The closing of the transaction under the Accounts Purchase Agreement is also subject to consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Milford Purchase Agreement, the Plan Agreements, the Parent Agreement, the TSYS Agreement, and the Amendment (each as described below).  The Accounts Purchase Agreement also contains customary termination rights, including the right of any party to terminate in the event the transactions have not been consummated by January 30, 2010.
 
The Accounts Purchase Agreement also contains customary obligations of the parties, including an obligation of SOANB and CSRC to indemnify WFNNB for certain losses, costs, and expenses that may arise from operation of the credit card accounts and the securitization facilities by CSRC and SOAI prior to the closing of the transactions.
 
In connection with the transactions, SOAI as seller, and ADSI as purchaser, entered into a Milford Purchase Agreement (the “Milford Purchase Agreement”).  Pursuant to the terms of the Milford Purchase Agreement SOAI agreed to sell, assign, and transfer to ADSI and ADSI agreed to purchase from SOAI, all rights, title, and interest of SOAI in certain specified equipment, the lease agreement relating to the Milford, Ohio facility of SOAI, and certain contracts to which SOAI is a party that relate to the credit card account servicing and administration operations conducted at the Milford, Ohio facility of SOAI.  ADSI will assume liabilities arising from the ownership of the transferred assets, including, without limitation, obligations with respect to certain employees of SOAI employed exclusively at the Milford, Ohio facility of SOAI.
 

 

 

 

 
1

 

The aggregate purchase price paid to SOANB, SOAI, and CSRC for the assets transferred by them under the Accounts Purchase Agreement and the Milford Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreements”) will be calculated by reference to the value of these assets maintained as of the closing date on the consolidated books of CSI plus an additional payment used to pay certain costs and expenses associated with the transactions (the “Additional Payment”).  The value will be determined primarily in accordance with GAAP and CSI’s historical practices and will include the value attributable to (i) CSRC’s right to receive excess finance charge collections from CSMT, (ii) the seller interest held by CSRC in CSMT, (iii) securities issued by CSMT and held by CSRC, and (iv) cash held in accounts maintained by the trustee for CSMT, net of associated accruals and liabilities, (v) equipment at the Milford, Ohio facility, and (vi) certain other assets.  A portion of the purchase price will be used by CSI and its subsidiaries to pay costs and expenses related to the transactions, including (i) a payment to Total Systems Services, Inc. (“TSYS”) for the early termination of agreements between SOAI and TSYS relating to the servicing of receivables in CSMT, (ii) payment to ADSI for the assumption of certain obligations of SOAI, including obligations to pay TSYS for costs of converting data and functions related to CSMT and receivables held therein to ADSI’s systems, and certain obligations of SOAI to employees, and (iii) other costs and expenses.  The amount of the aggregate purchase price remaining after payment of such costs and expenses is expected to be approximately $110,000,000.00.
 
Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreements
 
In connection with the Purchase Agreement WFNNB entered into a Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement (collectively, the “Plan Agreements”) with each of the following sets of subsidiaries (each set, a “Brand”) of CSI: (i) Lane Bryant, Inc., Petite Sophisticate, Inc, Outlet Division Management Co., Inc., and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc. (collectively, “Lane Bryant”), (ii) Catherines Stores Corporation and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc. (collectively “Catherines”) and (iii) Fashion Bug Retail Companies, Inc. and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc. (collectively, “Fashion Bug”).  Each Plan Agreement has an initial term of ten years and is renewable for eighteen-month terms thereafter, subject to termination provisions described below.  Under each Plan Agreement WFNNB will offer private label credit cards to customers of stores operated by the Brand and the Brand and WFNNB will cooperate on marketing and promotion of such credit cards and related products and services (such activities, the “Plan”).  An operating committee consisting of eight members (four designated by WFNNB and four designated by the applicable Brand) will be established to oversee the Plan under each Plan Agreement.
 
Subject to certain limitations WFNNB will have the right to set underwriting standards for the extension of credit to cardholders, and to set the terms and conditions of the cardholder agreements.  While these standards, terms, and conditions for each Brand are expected to be discussed by the related operating committee, they may vary from those maintained by SOANB prior to the transactions.  Recent legislation regarding consumer lending and the current economic climate, among other things, may prompt WFNNB to modify such standards, terms, and conditions.  There can be no assurance that modifications will not affect sales by the Brands.
 
Each of the Brands has agreed that, other than through the Plans or subject to certain limited exceptions in the applicable Plan Agreement, it will not offer or market a private label or co-branded revolving credit card, debit card branded with a mark related to or for the promotion of the company, or other financial product.  Each of the Brands has further agreed to honor credit cards from the other Brands and has also agreed to limitations, as further described in the applicable Plan Agreement, on its ability to accept credit cards other than the Plan credit cards and general purpose credit cards in certain of its retail store lines.
 
Under each Plan Agreement WFNNB has the exclusive right (but not the obligation) to offer to the Brand’s cardholders credit protection programs (including debt cancellation) and enhancement marketing services and to market these programs through credit card billing statements and other channels.  WFNNB is obligated to pay the Brand 50% of the net profit generated from such products and services.  The Brand may offer third-party vendor products that do not compete with WFNNB’s products and services as described in this paragraph subject to certain limitations and fees.
 
Under each Plan Agreement, WFNNB will make payments to the applicable Brand based on sales generated by the Brand’s program.
 

 
2

 

The parties to each Plan Agreement have made customary representations, warranties, and covenants, and have provided for customary indemnification of the other parties to the applicable Plan Agreement for specified actions taken in connection with the Plan.
 
Each Plan Agreement provides WFNNB with certain rights of first offer to offer credit card programs and other financial products to new businesses acquired or developed by the related Brand.  The right of first offer will not apply if the Brand obtains a business with an existing program of the same type and the Brand elects to continue such program.
 
The Plan Agreements also allow each party to terminate early for cause upon certain events, which include, but are not limited to, (i) WFNNB’s failure to perform Plan services related to the credit card accounts in a satisfactory manner as measured in accordance with standards set forth in the Plan Agreements, (ii) substantial declines in the volume of goods and services sold by the Brands or substantial closings of sales channels if not approved by the operating committee, (iii) the Plan is rendered illegal or unenforceable in states that comprise a substantial amount of the Brand’s net sales, and (iv) events of insolvency or material nonpayment or other material defaults with respect to either party.
 
If a Plan Agreement expires or is terminated for cause by the applicable Brand, the Brand shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase or arrange for another purchaser to purchase, the Plan assets, including the credit card accounts and cardholder indebtedness from WFNNB.  If a Plan Agreement is terminated by WFNNB for reasons unrelated to default by WFNNB, the Brand will have the obligation to purchase such Plan assets.  If the Brand is obligated to purchase the Plan assets it will be required to do so subject to repayment of a portion of the Additional Payment.
 
Parent Agreement
 
In connection with the Purchase Agreement and the Plan Agreements CSI and WFNNB also entered into an Agreement regarding CHRS Subsidiary Private Label Plans (the “Parent Agreement”) having an initial term of ten years and renewable for eighteen month terms thereafter, which shall terminate upon termination or expiration of all the Plan Agreements.  Under the Parent Agreement the parties will provide strategic guidance with respect to the Plans under each of the Plan Agreements through an operating committee consisting of eight members, four members designated by CSI and four members designated by WFNNB (which membership may overlap with the members of the operating committees under the Plan Agreements).
 
Under the Parent Agreement, CSI provides a guaranty of certain of the payment obligations of SOANB, CSRC, SOAI, Lane Bryant, Catherines, Fashion Bug, and Sierra Nevada Factoring. Inc. under the Purchase Agreements and the Plan Agreements.  If any subsidiary of CSI or ADS party to the foregoing agreements ceases to be an affiliate of CSI or ADS, as applicable, the guaranty will no longer apply to the obligations owed by such subsidiary or to such subsidiary.
 
WFNNB and CSI will jointly market the Plans in accordance with the terms of the Plan Agreements, and under the Parent Agreement, WFNNB will contribute money to an unrestricted marketing fund to be used in CSI’s discretion and also, under the Plan Agreements, to a joint restricted marketing fund to be used in accordance with the Plans to reimburse the Brands for marketing and promotion expenses, as directed by the operating committees under each Plan Agreement.  With respect to new businesses that CSI may enter into or acquire WFFNB has a right of first offer under the Parent Agreement to offer a credit program for any such new business.  The right of first offer will not apply if CSI obtains a business with an existing program of the same type and CSI elects to continue such program.
 
Under the Parent Agreement, subject to certain obligations of CSI, WFNNB and CSI will share in the profits derived from the credit protection and enhancement marketing services offered by WFNNB under the Plan Agreements.
 

 

 
3

 

TSYS Agreement
 
In connection with the transactions WFNNB, SOAI, and TSYS will enter into an Amendment, Assignment, and Assumption Agreement (the “TSYS Agreement”).  Pursuant to the terms of the TSYS Agreement, (i) for a fee, TSYS will agree that the term of the existing agreements between SOAI and TSYS will end earlier than such agreements provided prior to such amendment, (ii) SOAI will transfer, assign and delegate to WFNNB SOAI’s rights and obligations under such agreements, and (iii) WFNNB will accept such assignment and assume such rights and obligations under such agreements.
 
The parties to the TSYS Agreement will make customary representations, warranties, and covenants.  The TSYS Agreement will terminate on the date on which the data and functions currently being performed by TSYS are transferred to the systems of ADSI, currently expected to be January 30, 2010 (unless extended on a monthly basis by WFNNB).
 
Modifications to Securitization Facilities
 
It is anticipated that in connection with the closing of the transaction U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”), as trustee, CSRC, and SOAI will enter into amendments to the Second Amended and Restated Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 25, 1997 and heretofore amended (the “Pooling Agreement”) among CSRC, U.S. Bank, as trustee, and SOAI, as servicer and related securitization agreements (the “Amendments”).  The Pooling Agreement governs the operations of the Charming Shoppes Master Trust.  Among other things, the Amendments will facilitate the transactions described above among SOANB, CSRC, SOAI, WFNNB, ADSI, and related parties.
 
It is further anticipated that in connection with the closing of the transaction CSRC, SOANB, SOAI, WFNNB, and WFNNB’s designee will also enter into assignment and assumption agreements pursuant to which (i) CSRC will assign all of its rights and interests in CSMT and all of its rights and obligations under the Pooling Agreement and related documents, (ii) SOAI will assign to WFNNB all of SOAI’s rights and obligations as servicer under the Pooling Agreement (which rights and obligations constitute substantially all of SOAI’s property and assets), and (iii) WFNNB and WFNNB’s designee will acquire and assume such rights, interests, and obligations.
 
The foregoing descriptions of the Purchase Agreement, the Milford Purchase Agreement, the Plan Agreements, and the Parent Agreement are qualified by the full text of those documents.  The Purchase Agreement, the Plan Agreements, and the Parent Agreement are filed with this report as exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this report.
 

 
Item 8.01.  Other Events.
 
On August 13, 2009 CSI issued a press release announcing the proposed sale of its portfolio of credit card accounts and securitization interests, as well as other assets related to its credit card program, to ADS and to various of ADS’s subsidiaries.  A copy of the press release is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1.
 
Forward-looking Information
 
This Form 8-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the benefits that are expected to be realized as a result of the transaction.  CSI intends forward looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipates”, “plans” or similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause CSI’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in CSI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 1, 2009, in CSI's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC, and other factors as may periodically be described in other CSI filings with the SEC, which can be accessed via IDEA at www.sec.gov.
 

 
4

 

Item 9.01.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.*
 
Exhibit No.
Description
   
Purchase Agreement dated as of August 12, 2009 among SOANB and CSRC, as sellers, SOAI, and WFNNB, as purchaser.
 
Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement for Lane Bryant and Petite Sophisticate dated as of August 12, 2009 between WFNNB and Lane Bryant, Inc., Petite Sophisticate, Inc., Outlet Division Management Co., Inc., and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc.
 
Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement for Fashion Bug dated as of August 12, 2009 between WFNNB and Fashion Bug Retail Companies, Inc. and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc.
 
Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement for Catherines dated as of August 12, 2009 among WFNNB, Catherines Stores Corporation, and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc.
 
Agreement Regarding CHRS Subsidiary Private Label Plans dated as of August 12, 2009 between CSI and WFNNB.
 
Press release dated August 13, 2009.
 
*
All schedules and exhibits to these Exhibits have been omitted in accordance with 17 CFR Section 229.601(b)(2).  The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted schedules and exhibits to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.
 






























 
5

 

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.
 

 
 
CHARMING SHOPPES, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
   
Date:  August 14, 2009
/S/ ERIC M. SPECTER
 
Eric M. Specter
 
Executive Vice President
 
Chief Financial Officer
   

 






































 
6

 

EXHIBIT INDEX*


Exhibit No.
Description
   
Purchase Agreement dated as of August 12, 2009 among SOANB and CSRC, as sellers, SOAI, and WFNNB, as purchaser.
 
Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement for Lane Bryant and Petite Sophisticate dated as of August 12, 2009 between WFNNB and Lane Bryant, Inc., Petite Sophisticate, Inc., Outlet Division Management Co., Inc., and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc.
 
Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement for Fashion Bug dated as of August 12, 2009 between WFNNB and Fashion Bug Retail Companies, Inc. and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc.
 
Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement for Catherines dated as of August 12, 2009 among WFNNB, Catherines Stores Corporation, and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc.
 
Agreement Regarding CHRS Subsidiary Private Label Plans dated as of August 12, 2009 between CSI and WFNNB.
 
Press release dated August 13, 2009.
 
*
All schedules and exhibits to these Exhibits have been omitted in accordance with 17 CFR Section 229.601(b)(2).  The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted schedules and exhibits to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.
 





























 
7

 

EX-10.1 2 exh101aug122009.htm PURCHASE AGREEMENT AUGUST 12, 2009 exh101aug122009.htm

 
 

 


 
EXHIBIT 10.1
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
dated

August 12, 2009

among

SPIRIT OF AMERICA NATIONAL BANK,

CHARMING SHOPPES RECEIVABLES CORP.,

SPIRIT OF AMERICA, INC.

 and

WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK NATIONAL BANK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



                                                        
 
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Definitions 
1
 
2.
Assets to be Sold 
9
 
 
2.1
Sale and Purchase 
9
 
 
2.2
Transfer and Assumption 
10
 
 
2.3
Consents 
10
 
 
2.4
Books and Records 
11
 
 
2.5
Excluded Assets 
11
 
 
2.6
Name of Master Trust 
11
 
3.
Transfer Date and Consideration for Assets to be Sold 
11
 
 
3.1
Assumption of Account Servicing Duties and Costs 
11
 
 
3.2
Payment Amount; Adjustments 
12
 
4.
Closing 
13
 
5.
Agreements of Seller Parties During Pre-Closing Period 
13
 
 
5.1
Information 
13
 
 
5.2
Communications with Cardholders 
13
 
 
5.3
Conduct of Business During the Pre-Closing Period 
14
 
 
5.4
Debt Cancellation Contracts 
15
 
 
5.5
Securitization Documents 
15
 
 
5.6
Co-Branded Cards 
15
 
6.
Certain Agreements of Purchaser and Seller Parties 
15
 
 
6.1
Cardholder Disputes 
15
 
 
6.2
[Reserved] 
16
 
 
6.3
Confidentiality of Information 
16
 
 
6.4
Payments Received by the Seller Parties and Purchaser 
17
 
 
6.5
Collection of Purchased Accounts 
18
 
 
6.6
Further Assurances/Post Closing Covenants 
18
 
 
6.7
Taxes 
20
 
 
6.8
Securitization Cooperation. 
20
 
 
6.9
Public Announcements 
22
 
 
6.10
License of Domain Names 
22
 

 
 
i

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page

 
6.11
Updates to SAS 70 Report 
22
 
 
6.12
Co-Branded PLB BIN Numbers 
23
 
7.
Indemnification 
23
 
 
7.1
Indemnification by Seller Parties 
23
 
 
7.2
Indemnification by Purchaser 
23
 
 
7.3
Indemnification Procedures 
24
 
 
7.4
Limitation of Liability 
26
 
 
7.5
Deadline for Claims for Indemnification 
27
 
8.
Warranties and Representations of SOANB 
27
 
 
8.1
Organization 
27
 
 
8.2
Authority 
27
 
 
8.3
Legal Proceedings 
28
 
 
8.4
Finders or Brokers 
28
 
 
8.5
Compliance with Law and Other Instruments 
28
 
 
8.6
Condition of Account Assets 
29
 
 
8.7
SOANB Agreements and Accounts 
29
 
 
8.8
Debt Cancellation Contracts 
30
 
 
8.9
Absence of Certain Changes 
30
 
 
8.10
Accounts Not Business Accounts 
30
 
 
8.11
Conveyance of Assets to be Sold 
30
 
 
8.12
Accuracy of Statements 
30
 
 
8.13
Service Provider SAS 70 Review by Spirit of America 
31
 
 
8.14
Tax Matters 
31
 
 
8.15
Securitization 
31
 
 
8.16
Closing Statements 
31
 
 
8.17
Eligible Accounts 
32
 
9.
Warranties and Representations of CSRC and SOAI 
32
 
 
9.1
Organization 
32
 
 
9.2
Authority 
32
 
 
9.3
Financial Information with respect to Account Assets 
32
 

 
ii

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page

 
9.4
Legal Proceedings 
33
 
 
9.5
Finders or Brokers 
33
 
 
9.6
Compliance with Law and other Instruments 
33
 
 
9.7
Conveyance of Assets to be Sold 
34
 
 
9.8
Accuracy of Statements 
34
 
 
9.9
Securitization 
34
 
 
9.10
Investor Certificates 
35
 
 
9.11
Tax Matters 
35
 
 
9.12
Closing Statements 
36
 
 
9.13
Eligible Accounts 
36
 
10.
Warranties and Representations of Purchaser 
36
 
 
10.1
Organization 
36
 
 
10.2
Authority 
36
 
 
10.3
Legal Proceedings 
36
 
 
10.4
Finders or Brokers 
37
 
 
10.5
Governmental Notices 
37
 
 
10.6
Compliance with Law and Other Instruments 
37
 
11.
Conditions Precedent to Purchaser’s Obligations 
37
 
 
11.1
Absence of Litigation 
37
 
 
11.2
Truth of Representations 
38
 
 
11.3
Performance of Covenants 
38
 
 
11.4
Items to be Delivered by Seller Parties 
38
 
 
11.5
UCC Financing Statement 
39
 
 
11.6
Governmental and Regulatory Approvals 
39
 
 
11.7
Repayment of Conduit Series 
39
 
 
11.8
Eligible Account 
39
 
12.
Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of the Seller Parties 
39
 
 
12.1
Absence of Litigation 
40
 
 
12.2
Truth of Representations 
40
 
 
12.3
Performance of Covenants 
40
 

 
iii

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page

 
12.4
Items to be Delivered by Purchaser 
40
 
 
12.5
Governmental and Regulatory Approvals 
41
 
 
12.6
Loan Agreement 
41
 
 
12.7
Milford Agreement 
41
 
 
12.8
Ratings Confirmation 
41
 
13.
Survival of Representations and Warranties 
41
 
14.
Default/Termination of Agreement 
42
 
 
14.1
Default 
42
 
 
14.2
Termination Right 
42
 
 
14.3
Other Termination 
42
 
 
14.4
No Release 
43
 
15.
Delayed Payment After Closing 
43
 
 
15.1
Final Settlement and Disputes 
43
 
 
15.2
Interest 
44
 
 
15.3
Records and Financial Information 
44
 
16.
Miscellaneous 
44
 
 
16.1
Expenses 
44
 
 
16.2
Notices 
44
 
 
16.3
Successors and Assigns 
45
 
 
16.4
Counterparts 
45
 
 
16.5
Governing Law 
46
 
 
16.6
Captions 
46
 
 
16.7
No Waiver 
46
 
 
16.8
No Petition 
46
 
 
16.9
No Joint Venture 
46
 
 
16.10
Severability 
46
 
 
16.11
No Third Party Beneficiaries 
47
 
 
16.12
Waiver of Jury Trial 
47
 
 
16.13
Entire Agreement 
47
 


 
iv

 


EXHIBIT 1
Form of Preliminary Closing Statement
EXHIBIT 2
Form of Assignment and Bill of Sale
EXHIBIT 3
Form of Assumption Agreement
EXHIBIT 4
Retained Interests
EXHIBIT 5
Securitization Documents
EXHIBIT 6
Specified Amendments
EXHIBIT 7
Outstanding Series
   
   
Annex I
Seller Party Disclosure
   
   
SCHEDULE 1
Additional Payment
SCHEDULE 3.2
Agreed-Upon Procedures
SCHEDULE 8.7.1
Forms of SOANB’s Cardholder Agreements
SCHEDULE 8.7.2
Form of SOANB’s Periodic Statement
SCHEDULE 8.8
Form of Debt Cancellation Contract
SCHEDULE 9.3
Additional Account Information
SCHEDULE 9.11
Investor Certificate Issuance Disclosure


























 
 
 
v

 


 
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) executed August 12, 2009 (the “Execution Date”) among SPIRIT OF AMERICA NATIONAL BANK, a national bank (“SOANB ”), with a principal place of business in Milford, Ohio and an address at 450 Winks Lane, Bensalem, PA 19020, SPIRIT OF AMERICA, INC., a Delaware corporation (“SOAI”), CHARMING SHOPPES RECEIVABLES CORP., a Delaware corporation, (“CSRC”, and together with SOANB and SOAI, the “Seller Parties” and each, a “Seller Party”), and WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK NATIONAL BANK, a national bank (“Purchaser”), with an address at 3100 Easton Square Place, Columbus, OH  43219.
 
W I T N E S S E T H:
 
WHEREAS, the Charming Shoppes Master Credit Card Trust (the “Master Trust”) was formed pursuant to that certain Second Amended and Restated Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 25, 1997, as amended and/or supplemented through the date of this Agreement by the amendments and supplements listed on Exhibit 5 and as it may be further amended and/or supplemented through the Closing Date to the extent permitted by this Agreement, including all series supplements thereto (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”), by and among CSRC, as Seller, SOAI, as Servicer, and U.S. Bank National Association, successor to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee;
 
WHEREAS, pursuant to this Agreement, the Seller Parties are willing to sell and Purchaser is willing to purchase, the Assets to be Sold (as hereafter defined) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
 
WHEREAS, on the date hereof, Purchaser and certain subsidiaries of Charming Shoppes, Inc. (“Charming Shoppes”) are entering into Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreements (the “Program Agreements”)  to become effective as of the Closing under this Agreement, that provides for, among other things, the issuance of proprietary credit cards bearing one or more Trade Names (as hereafter defined) and co-branded credit cards;
 
WHEREAS, simultaneously with the Closing under this Agreement, the Seller Parties, Purchaser and certain of their respective Affiliates desire to enter into other agreements in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Purchaser and the Seller Parties, each intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
 
1. Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
 
“Account” means a credit account on which a purchase transaction may be or has been made by (or by a person authorized by) the Cardholder pursuant to a Credit Card.
 

 
 

 

“Account Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
 
“Account Balance” means, as to any Eligible Account, any and all amounts owing to SOANB in respect of such Account by the Cardholder (including principal amounts for the payment of goods and services, accrued interest, periodic finance charges, late charges, fees and other finance and service charges) whether or not billed.
 
“Account Duties” means the duties to the Cardholders of Eligible Accounts under the applicable Cardholder Agreements to bill, administer and collect the Account Assets, including, without limitation, administering any Debt Cancellation Contracts.
 
“Action” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3(a).
 
“Additional Payment” has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.
 
“Adjusted Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b).
 
“Adjusted Payment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b).
 
“Adjustment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b).
 
“Adjustment Date” means the sixtieth (60th) day after the Closing Date (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day).
 
“ADSI” means ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc.
 
“Affiliate” means, as to any specified Person, any other Person controlling or controlled by or under common control with such specified Person.
 
“Agreed-Upon Procedures Letter” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).
 
“Agreement” means this Purchase Agreement, including all schedules and exhibits hereto, and, if amended, modified or supplemented, as the same may be so amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
 
“Ancillary Agreements” means, collectively, the Parent Agreement, the Program Agreements, the Specified Amendments, the Assignment and Bill of Sale, the Assumption Agreements and the certificates of the Seller Parties delivered pursuant to Section 11.4(b).
 
“Assets to be Sold” means, collectively, the Account Assets and the Securitization Assets.
 
“Assignment and Bill of Sale” means that document delivered by the Seller Parties to Purchaser on the Closing Date which provides for, among other things, the assignment and transfer to Purchaser of all of each Seller Party’s respective rights, title and interest in the Assets to be Sold in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.
 

 
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“Assumed Liabilities” means, collectively, (i) the Account Duties of SOANB first arising from and after the Transfer Date to the extent related to the Account Assets and (ii) the Securitization Assets Assumed Liabilities.
 
“Assumption Agreements” means an assumption agreement from Purchaser to the Seller Parties substantially in the form of Exhibit 3 and the Securitization Transfer Agreements, pursuant to which, among other things, Purchaser confirms its assumption and agreement to perform and discharge the Assumed Liabilities.
 
“AUP Payment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).
 
“Bank Merger Act” means Section 18(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1828 (c)).
 
“Books and Records” means, to the extent in any Seller Party’s possession or control as of the Transfer Date, all applications for Eligible Accounts, all Cardholder Agreements related to Eligible Accounts, copies of Cardholder billing statements for the twelve (12) months prior to the Transfer Date or, if available, the twenty-four (24) months prior to the Transfer Date, all sales orders under Eligible Accounts, all customer service information (commonly referred to as “memo screens”) and copies thereof relating to Eligible Accounts, monthly and annual servicer reports delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement during the five (5) years prior to the Closing Date (including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), any written correspondence pertaining to pending Cardholder inquiries in respect of the Eligible Accounts, and any files and / or written correspondence relating to governmental or regulatory investigations (subject to the exclusion of files or correspondence not permitted to be disclosed under applicable law or regulation) or active litigation in respect of the Eligible Accounts; provided, that “Books and Records” shall not include any comments or text entered onto any Seller Party’s proprietary systems or hard copy prints of such information which are commonly referred to as “collections comments,” or any hardcopy formats containing any Seller Party’s system screen formats. “Business Day” means a day (not being a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for normal banking business in Ohio.
 
“Cardholder” means a person to whom a Credit Card is issued and in whose name the Account, in connection with which the Credit Card may be used, is established.
 
“Cardholder Agreement” means an agreement between SOANB and a Cardholder under which one or more Credit Cards are issued or utilized.
 
“Cardholder Dispute” means, as to any Eligible Account, any billing dispute raised by a Cardholder which arises out of or relates to the business or operations of any of the Account Assets prior to the Transfer Date.
 
“Cardholder List” means the Cardholders’ names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and physical addresses for the Eligible Accounts which shall be set forth in the Closing Tapes delivered to the Purchaser Parties on the Transfer Date.
 

 
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“Charged Off Account” means any Account as to which the related account balance has been written off, or should have been written off, by SOANB on SOANB’s books on or prior to the Transfer Date in accordance with SOANB’s normal and customary policies as in effect on the date of this Agreement including, without limitation, any Account which is more than one hundred seventy nine (179) days contractually past due as of the Transfer Date.
 
“Charming Shoppes” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
 
“Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.
 
“Closing Date” means the Transfer Date.
 
“Closing Statement” means a closing statement in the form of Exhibit 1, together with a calculation of the Retained Interest in the form of Exhibit 4.
 
“Closing Tape” means an Account and Cardholder tape or tapes or files delivered to a PCI compliant FTP site including the following fields of information for all Eligible Accounts as such information exists on SOAI’s system as of up to five (5) Business Days prior to the Transfer Date: name, address, city, state, zip code, account number, total current balance.
 
“Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program” means a program of SOANB to originate charges on a general purpose credit card, under the Visa® system, which credit card may be co-branded with the Fashion Bug or Fashion Bug Plus brand names, which accounts (to the extent eligible accounts) shall be replaced by a private label Credit Card by SOANB or the Purchaser, as applicable, in accordance with Section 5.6 hereof.
 
“Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
 
“Conveyance Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.4(a).
 
“Credit Balance” means, as to any Eligible Account, any and all amounts owing by SOANB to the Cardholder in respect of such Account as a credit balance whether or not billed.
 
“Credit Card” means a card issued by SOANB or its Predecessor in Interest and bearing one or more of the Trade Names, including without limitation all credit cards issued under the Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program.
 
“CSRC” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
 
“Debt Cancellation Contracts” means all debt cancellation contracts and programs relating to the Eligible Accounts (but not including any rights under insurance policies with respect thereto).
 
“Domain Name License” means those certain authorization codes necessary to effectuate the grant of the license to Purchaser’s Affiliate Alliance Data Systems Corporation of the Domain Names.
 
“Domain Names” means the following domain names:
 

 
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www.fashionbugcard.com
www.lbcard.com
www.catherinescard.com
www.petitecard.com
www.fbvisacard.com
 
“Eligible Account” means any Account which is not an Ineligible Account.
 
“Estimated Payment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).
 
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
“Exchangeable Seller Certificate” has the meaning assigned thereto in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
 
“Execution Date” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
 
“Filing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.8(b).
 
“Finance Charge Collections” has the meaning assigned thereto in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
 
“Financial Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.
 
“Financial Information Computation Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3 hereof.
 
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as consistently applied by the Seller Parties.
 
“Gross Receivables” means all amounts owing (after deduction of credit balances scheduled as of the Transfer Date and unapplied cash) to the Seller Parties or to the Master Trust from Cardholders with respect to Eligible Accounts; it being understood and agreed that outstanding loans, cash advances and other extensions of credit, billed or posted are intended to be included in Gross Receivables but that Gross Receivables excludes unbilled finance charges and late charges and any other fees, charges and interest assessed on the Accounts.
 
“HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
 
“Ineligible Account” means any Account which did not satisfy the requirements for an “Eligible Account” specified in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement as of the date on which it was designated to the Master Trust pursuant to Section 2.6 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
 
“Interested Parties” means with respect to any Securitization Transaction or other transfer of the Account Balances attributable to the Accounts, brokers, placement agents, rating agencies, certificate holders, investors, counterparties, credit enhancement providers, governmental representatives and other persons that may acquire an ownership or security interest in or
 

 
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exposure to the Account Balances (whether or not evidenced by securities), and their respective affiliates, accountants, attorneys and other representatives.
 
“Investor Certificates” means any one of the certificates including the bearer certificates, the registered certificates or any global certificates executed and authenticated by the Trustee of the Master Trust evidencing an Undivided Trust Interest (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), other than the Exchangeable Seller Certificate.
 
“Liens” means all assignments, security interests, claims, liens, encumbrances or rights or other interests of third parties whatsoever, excluding the liens of any of the Securitization Documents.
 
“Loan Agreement” means the Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2009, among Charming Shoppes, certain of its subsidiaries, certain financial institutions, and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, as Administrative Agent, as the same may be amended or modified and in effect.
 
“Loss” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
 
“Master Trust” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
“Milford Agreement” means the Milford Purchase Agreement dated as of the Execution Date between SOAI and ADSI as to the Milford facility and operations.
 
“Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6(j).
 
“Officer’s Certificate” means, with respect to a Person, a certificate signed by a duly authorized officer of such Person.
 
“Parent Agreement” means the agreement dated as of the Execution Date between Charming Shoppes and WFNNB.
 
“Payment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
 
“Permitted Lien” means (a) Liens for taxes, assessments and other governmental charges or levies not yet due or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and have been disclosed to the Purchaser in writing, and (b) Liens created by Purchaser.
 
“Person” means any legal person, including any individual corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, governmental entity or other entity of similar nature.
 
“Pooling and Servicing Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
“Pre-Closing Period” means the interval from the Execution Date to and including the Transfer  Date.
 

 
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“Predecessor in Interest” means WFNNB (as to certain Credit Cards bearing the Lane Bryant Trade Name), Citibank, N.A. (as to certain Credit Cards bearing the Catherines Trade Name), and any special purpose entities created or administered by a Seller Party or any of the foregoing, which in any case is in the chain of title of the Assets to be Sold.
 
“Preliminary Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).
 
“Program Agreements” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
“Purchased Account” means, from and after the Transfer Date, an Account which is actually purchased by Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
 
“Purchaser Indemnified Parties” means (a) the Purchaser and its Affiliates, (b) each Person, if any, who controls any of the foregoing with the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and (c) any of their respective former and current officers, directors, members, shareholders, employees and controlling persons.
 
“Regulation AB” means Subpart 229.1100 – Asset Backed Securities (Regulation AB), 17 C.F.R. §§229.1100-229.1123, as such may be amended from time to time, and subject to such clarification and interpretation as have been provided by the Commission in the adopting release (Asset-Backed Securities, Securities Act Release No. 33-8518, 70 Fed. Reg. 1,506, 1,531 (Jan. 7, 2005)) or by the staff of the Commission, or as may be provided by the Commission or its staff from time to time.
 
“Retained Interests” means those interests in the Master Trust specified on Exhibit 4 hereto.
 
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
“Securitization Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
 
“Securitization Assets Assumed Liabilities” means all liabilities arising from the ownership or servicing of the Securitization Assets on or after the Transfer Date, provided that no Securitization Asset liability shall be assumed under any indemnity or document that is not listed on Exhibit 5 and no Securitization Asset liability shall be assumed with respect to Paragraphs 11-29 of Exhibit 5; and provided, further, that no liability shall be assumed under any indemnity for violation of securities laws arising from an issuance, sale or other placement of Investor Certificates prior to the Transfer Date or any failure of any Seller Party to perform its obligations with respect to the Securitization Assets prior to the Transfer Date.
 
“Securitization Assumed Liabilities” means the Securitization Asset Assumed Liabilities and Securitization Servicing Assumed Liabilities.
 
“Securitization Documents” means the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the other documents designated on Exhibit 5.
 

 
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“Securitization Receivables” means, as of any dates, the Gross Receivables that have been transferred to the Master Trust and have not been reassigned to any Seller Party under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
 
“Securitization Servicing Assumed Liabilities” means all liabilities of the Servicer (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) arising under the Securitization Documents on or after the Transfer Date, provided that no servicing liability shall be assumed under any document that is not listed on Exhibit 5 and no servicing liability shall be assumed with respect to Paragraphs 11-29 of Exhibit 5; and provided, further, that no liability shall be assumed for any failure of any Seller Party to perform its servicing obligations under the Securitization Documents with respect to the Securitization Assets prior to the Transfer Date.
 
“Securitization Transaction” means any (i) financing transaction that is payable from or secured, directly or indirectly, by all or a portion of the Assets to be Sold, (ii) sale or other transfer of all or a portion of the Assets to be Sold or (iii) other asset securitization, secured loan, financing, synthetic risk transfer transaction or similar transaction involving all or a portion of the Assets to be Sold, including any sale to or otherwise involving any conduit.
 
“Securitization Transfer Agreements” means the assignment and assumption agreements dated as of the Closing Date whereby the Seller Parties assign their respective rights and obligations relating to, and Purchaser or its designated Affiliate assume such rights and obligations under or relating to, the Securitization Documents.
 
“Seller Indemnified Parties” means (a) the Seller Parties and their Affiliates, (b) each Person, if any, who controls any of the foregoing with the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and (c) any of their respective former and current officers, directors, members, shareholders, employees and controlling persons.
 
“Seller Interest” has the meaning assigned thereto in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
 
“Seller Parties” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble.
 
“SOAI” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble.
 
“SOANB” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble.
 
“Specified Amendments” means those amendment documents specified on Exhibit 6, which, among other things, shall permit the repayment in full on the Closing Date of the series of Investor Certificates indicated on Exhibit 7 to be repaid in the Closing Date.
 
“Tax” (and, with correlative meaning, “Taxes”) means any federal, state, local or foreign net income, gross income, gross receipts, windfall profit, property, production, sales, use, license, excise, franchise, employment, payroll, withholding, alternative or add-on minimum, ad valorem, goods and services, value added, transfer, stamp, or environmental tax, or any other tax, custom, duty, governmental fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest or penalty, additional tax or additional amount imposed by any governmental authority.
 

 
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“Tax Claims” means SOANB’s rights to recover tax refunds with respect to Charged Off Accounts.
 
“Tax Returns” means any report, return, document, declaration, payee statement or other information or filing required to be supplied to any Tax authority or any person with respect to Taxes.
 
“Trade Names” means the following names, symbols and/or logos associated with the SOANB credit program:  Fashion Bug, Fashion Bug Plus, Lane Bryant, Lane Bryant Outlet, Petite Sophisticate, Petite Sophisticate Outlet, Catherine’s Plus Sizes and Catherines.
 
“Transfer Date” means the later of (i) the close of business on October 6, 2009 and (ii) the date that is seven (7) Business Days after the approvals and consents, if any, required under the Bank Merger Act and  the HSR Act have been received, or such other date as the parties may mutually agree.
 
“Transfer Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7.
 
“TSYS” means Total System Solutions, Inc., a Georgia corporation.
 
“Valuation Date” means five (5) Business Days prior to the Transfer Date.
 
2. Assets to be Sold.
 
2.1 Sale and Purchase
 
(a) On the Transfer Date, SOANB agrees to sell, assign and transfer to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from SOANB, all rights, titles and interests of SOANB in and to the following assets and properties as in existence as of the Transfer Date (collectively, the “Account Assets”):
 
(i)  
All Eligible Accounts (including the Account Balances thereunder);
 
(ii)  
All Cardholder Agreements relating to Eligible Accounts;
 
(iii)  
All Debt Cancellation Contracts;
 
(iv)  
All Books and Records relating to Eligible Accounts;
 
(v)  
All Credit Cards related to the Eligible Accounts;
 
(vi)  
All PLB BIN numbers relating to the Eligible Accounts excluding the PLB BIN numbers with respect to the Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program;  and
 
(vii)  
The Seller Parties’ toll free customer service telephone numbers and toll free authorizations numbers related to the Eligible Accounts.
 
(b) On the Transfer Date, CSRC agrees to sell, assign and transfer to Purchaser or an Affiliate of Purchaser designated by Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase or cause an
 

 
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Affiliate of Purchaser designated by Purchaser to purchase from CSRC, all rights, titles and interests of CSRC in and to the following assets and properties as in existence on the Transfer Date (collectively the “Securitization Assets”):
 
(i)  
the Exchangeable Seller Certificate, including without limitation all rights to receive excess Finance Charge Collections, and funds released to the holder of the Exchangeable Seller Certificate from accounts maintained under the Securitization Documents;
 
(ii)  
the Seller Interest, including without limitation all Collections allocated to the Seller Interest (due to the existence of a Minimum Seller Interest or otherwise);
 
(iii)  
the other Retained Interests; and
 
(iv)  
all other rights and benefits allocated to the Seller or the holder of the Exchangeable Seller Certificate under the Securitization Documents.
 
The sale of the Eligible Accounts (including the Account Balances thereunder) and the other Assets to be Sold is made without recourse to the Seller Parties, subject only to representations and warranties of the Seller Parties and indemnification by the Seller Parties set forth in this Agreement.
 
2.2 Transfer and Assumption
 
On the Transfer Date (a) Purchaser agrees to assume, and SOANB agrees to assign and transfer to Purchaser or an Affiliate of Purchaser designated by Purchaser, the Account Assets and the Account Duties arising on or after the Transfer Date, (b) Purchaser agrees to assume or cause an Affiliate of Purchaser designated by Purchaser to assume, and CSRC agrees to assign and transfer to Purchaser or an Affiliate of Purchaser designated by Purchaser, the Securitization Assets and the Securitization Assets Assumed Liabilities described in clause (i) of the definition thereof, and (c) Purchaser agrees to assume, and SOAI shall assign and transfer to Purchaser, the Securitization Servicing Liabilities, each by execution and delivery to Purchaser on the Transfer Date of the Assignment and Bill of Sale (and such other documents as are required to effectuate such sale) and the Securitization Transfer Agreements; and Purchaser agrees to confirm such assumption by execution and delivery to the Seller Parties on the Transfer Date, of the Assumption Agreements.  Notwithstanding any designation of an Affiliate of the Purchaser to assume any obligation hereunder or under any Assumption Agreement, the Purchaser shall remain responsible and liable for the performance of such obligation.
 
2.3 Consents
 
The Seller Parties and the Purchaser shall give all notices required to be delivered and obtain all consent(s) required to be obtained by the Seller Parties or the Purchaser, as applicable, in connection with the sale, transfer and assignment to Purchaser of the Assets to be Sold.  Without limiting the foregoing, if required, within three (3) Business Days of the Execution Date, the Purchaser shall exercise its best efforts to apply for the Bank Merger Act approval and, if required, HSR Act approval.  The Seller Parties will exercise best efforts to provide all information requested by the Purchaser to complete the Bank Merger Act application within two
 

 
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Business Days of such request.  The Seller Parties shall seek, but shall not be in breach of this Purchase Agreement if they shall not be able to obtain, confirmations of the then-current ratings of the outstanding Investor Certificates as a result of the Specified Amendments from the applicable rating agencies rating such Investor Certificates.  The Purchaser shall cooperate with the information and data requests of the rating agencies in connection with obtaining such ratings confirmations.
 
2.4 Books and Records
 
The Seller Parties shall deliver to Purchaser on the Transfer Date the Books and Records; provided, however, that (i) SOANB may retain any part of the Books and Records directly relating to Ineligible Accounts (provided that if such part of the Books and Records also relate to Eligible Accounts, SOANB may retain the original thereof and deliver a copy to Purchaser) and (ii) the Seller Parties may retain copies of any part of the Books and Records for regulatory compliance purposes or pursuant to the Seller Parties’ bona fide document retention policies, subject to the confidentiality obligations and use restrictions otherwise set forth in this Agreement (except with respect to those portions of the Books and Records retained by SOANB as relating to Ineligible Accounts).  For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights a Charming Shoppes subsidiary may otherwise have under a Program Agreement to retain records and information to the extent and as permitted under the Program Agreements.
 
2.5 Excluded Assets
 
Nothing contained in this Agreement, or in any document executed in connection herewith, shall be deemed to transfer any of the Seller Parties’ right, title and interest in, and the Assets to be Sold shall not include, the Ineligible Accounts, any other charged-off accounts owned by SOANB acquired by SOANB from unaffiliated third parties that have not been transferred to the Master Trust(and for which the accounts receivable related thereto have been written off by SOANB), the Seller Parties’ names or marks used in association with the Accounts, the Tax Claims, any rights in respect of insurance policies relating to Debt Cancellation Contracts or any other asset of the Seller Parties not specifically identified in Section 2.1 (the “Excluded Assets”) and Purchaser shall have no obligations or liabilities with respect to any Excluded Assets.
 
2.6 Name of Master Trust.  Concurrently with the Transfer Date, the Purchaser and the Seller Parties agree to change the name of the Master Trust to exclude reference to Charming Shoppes, the Seller Parties, their Affiliates and their trade names.
 
3. Transfer Date and Consideration for Assets to be Sold.
 
3.1 Assumption of Account Servicing Duties and Costs.
 
SOAI’s obligations with respect to the servicing of the Eligible Accounts and the Books and Records shall end on the Transfer Date and shall be assumed and performed by Purchaser as of the Transfer Date, and the costs associated therewith shall be assumed by Purchaser as of the Transfer Date.
 

 
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3.2 Payment Amount; Adjustments
 
(a) The amount to be paid by Purchaser to the Seller Parties for the Assets to be Sold shall be an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the sum of (1) the outstanding amount of the Seller Interest valued as of the Closing Date, (2) the outstanding amount of the Retained Interests valued as of the Closing Date and (3) the Additional Payment (the “Payment Amount”), valued and calculated on a basis consistent with the methodology and calculations used by Charming Shoppes in preparing its 10-Qs and 10-Ks filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including changes in the assumptions made in a manner consistent with such methodology).  On the Transfer Date, the Seller Parties shall deliver a preliminary Closing Statement certified by the Seller Parties (the “Preliminary Closing Statement”) to Purchaser setting forth the Payment Amount calculation valued as of the Valuation Date (the “Estimated Payment Amount”) and specifying in reasonable detail the calculation thereof and all other information set forth in the form of the Closing Statement.  At the Closing, Purchaser will pay the Seller Parties or their assignee by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Seller Parties an amount equal to the Estimated Payment Amount.  Within sixty (60) days after the Transfer Date, the parties shall perform a “true-up” of the Payment Amount valued as of the Closing Date, as set forth in clause (b) below and the Seller Parties shall deliver to Purchaser a statement in the form of the Closing Statement calculating the Payment Amount valuation as of the Closing Date (the “AUP Payment Amount”), together with an agreed upon procedures letter from Ernst & Young confirming the consistency of calculations with the methodology used by Charming Shoppes in preparing its 10-Q's and 10-K's filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the further details of which are set forth in Schedule 3.2 with respect to such confirmation (the “Agreed Upon Procedures Letter”).
 
(b) On the Adjustment Date, the Seller Parties shall prepare and deliver to the Purchaser an adjusted Closing Statement relating to and specifying in reasonable detail the calculation of the Adjustment Amount and the actual Payment Amount (the “Adjusted Payment Amount”) valued as of the Closing Date, together with all other information set forth in the form of Closing Statement (as modified by mutual agreement of Purchaser and the Seller Parties, the “Adjusted Closing Statement”) and the Agreed-Upon Procedures Letter.  Within five (5) Business Days after delivery of the Agreed-Upon Procedures Letter to Purchaser and the Seller Parties, either Purchaser or the Seller Parties, as the case may be, shall pay to an account designated by the other party, by wire transfer in immediately available funds, the Adjustment Amount.  The “Adjustment Amount” shall be the difference between (i) the Estimated Payment Amount and (ii) the AUP Payment Amount, together with interest on such difference calculated at the federal funds rate (at weighted average daily rates reported by the Federal Reserve System) from the Transfer Date to the date of payment.  A positive Adjustment Amount shall be payable by the Seller Parties to Purchaser; a negative Adjustment Amount shall be payable by Purchaser to the Seller Parties.
 
(c) In the event any party shall disagree with any item on the Agreed-Upon Procedures Letter, and if, after good faith discussion, the parties are not able to agree to such modification, adjustment or other change, then such dispute shall be handled in accordance with Section 15.1 of this Agreement.   Any such request related thereto shall be in writing, with a copy provided simultaneously to the other party, and shall specify with particularity the adjustment, modification or other change requested.  The determination of the Adjustment
 

 
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Amount rendered thereby shall be final.  Any payment (including interest) required by either the Seller Parties or Purchaser based on the final determination of the Adjustment Amount shall be made no later than five (5) Business Days following receipt of notice of the final determination.  The net amount due by either party shall be accompanied by interest on such amount calculated on the basis of the federal funds rate, for each day commencing on the later of the Transfer Date or the Closing Date, as the case may be, through and including the date of such payment.  The fees and disbursements relating to any such determination by the independent accountants shall be borne by the non-prevailing party or allocated proportionately between the parties in the event that each party prevails as to some disputed items.
 
4. Closing.
 
The closing in respect of the sale and purchase of the Assets to be Sold (the “Closing”) shall take place on the Transfer Date (or such other date as may be mutually agreed to by the parties, it being agreed that in the absence of agreement, the Closing shall take place on the Transfer Date) and shall take place through the wire transfer of the Estimated Payment Amount, and facsimile exchange or other electronic transmission, together with subsequent overnight courier exchange, of the required closing documents and upon receipt by the Seller Parties of such payment and facsimile or electronically transmitted documents, hand-delivery to Purchaser’s representative, or delivery to a PCI compliant FTP site to which Purchaser’s representative shall have access, of the Closing Tape.
 
5. Agreements of Seller Parties During Pre-Closing Period.
 
5.1 Information
 
During the Pre-Closing Period the Seller Parties shall provide Purchaser with such information related to the Assets to be Sold and such access to its employees to discuss such information, in each case, as agreed by the parties in good faith that is reasonably required by Purchaser to facilitate the sale, transfer and assignment of the Assets to be Sold by the Transfer Date in accordance with this Agreement.
 
5.2 Communications with Cardholders
 
During the Pre-Closing Period, but in no event prior to the date on which the Bank Merger Act and HSR Act approvals, if required, shall have been obtained, Purchaser shall be entitled to communicate with and deliver information and other communications to Cardholders of the Eligible Accounts concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the business and operations of Purchaser as approved in advance by SOANB in its reasonable discretion (including written correspondence and messages on SOANB’s customer website). In furtherance thereof, SOANB, if so requested by Purchaser, shall on behalf of Purchaser, and subject to SOANB’s normal insertion and review and approval requirements, insert a communication from Purchaser to the Cardholders of the Eligible Accounts in all periodic billing statements (mail or electronic) advising of the purchase and of any terms or changes which Purchaser proposes to make.  In addition to the foregoing, SOANB will at the written request of Purchaser deliver a file of the names and address of Cardholders of the Eligible Accounts to Purchaser for the sole purpose of enabling Purchaser to effect a single, simultaneous blanket
 

 
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mailing to all Cardholders after the date on which the Bank Merger Act and HSR Act approvals, if required, shall have been obtained, informing such Cardholders of the expected Transfer Date and of any terms or changes which will be imposed or made by Purchaser effective as of the Transfer Date.  Except for costs such as envelopes and postage (except for excess postage caused by the insertion of any such communications which shall be borne by Purchaser) which would otherwise be incurred by SOANB in connection with the billing statement referred to in the second sentence of this Section 5.2, Purchaser shall pay all of the costs of communications referred to in this Section.  All notices and forms provided by Purchaser shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
 
5.3 Conduct of Business During the Pre-Closing Period
 
Except as may be otherwise required by law or regulatory requirement (including the rules of any national securities exchange on which any Seller Party’s affiliates’ securities are listed), or unless Purchaser otherwise consents in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), during the Pre-Closing Period:
 
(a) Each Seller Party will manage, administer and operate the Assets to be Sold (including, without limitation, performing collection activities on the Account Assets) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices (except as otherwise required hereunder or under the Ancillary Agreements);
 
(b) Each Seller Party will keep and maintain records and books of all revenues relating to the Assets to be Sold and shall pay all expenses relating to the Assets to be Sold, in the same manner as it has in the past and as in effect on the date of this Agreement;
 
(c) Each Seller Party will duly comply in all material respects with all laws, rules and regulations as the same relate to the Assets to be Sold and such Seller Party’s administration thereof;
 
(d) No Seller Party will transfer, assign, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract, agreement or understanding to transfer, assign, encumber or otherwise dispose of, any Eligible Accounts or Assets to be Sold, except for assignments of Eligible Accounts for collection in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or activities in connection with the securitization of Accounts pursuant to the Securitization Agreements consistent with past practices; no Seller Party shall sell any Eligible Account to any collection agency or renew any collection agency agreements without the Purchaser’s consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), unless such collection agency agreement does not require a future commitment more than 30 days after the Closing Date;
 
(e) Each Seller Party will promptly advise Purchaser in writing of any material actions, suits or proceedings which, to such Seller Party’s knowledge, are commenced, threatened or arise against or affecting the Assets to be Sold and will promptly advise Purchaser in writing of any other actual or, to the extent known by any Seller Party, prospective material adverse change in the Assets to be Sold; and
 
(f) If SOANB maintains any toll free customer service telephone numbers or toll free authorizations numbers which, in each case, are dedicated solely to servicing the Accounts,
 

 
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SOANB shall execute and deliver to Purchaser or such other party as appropriate such documents as are necessary to enable Purchaser to acquire the customer service toll-free numbers associated with the Accounts by the Transfer Date.
 
(g) No Seller Party shall amend, assign or alter in any way, or permit to be amended, assigned or altered in any way, any financing statement on file as of the Execution Date relating to the Master Trust or the Assets to be Sold, without the consent of the Purchaser.  Each of SOANB and CSRC shall give the Purchaser not less than 5 days prior notice of any change in its name, form of organization or “location” for purposes of the UCC.
 
5.4 Debt Cancellation Contracts.
 
During the Pre-Closing Period, SOANB will perform its obligations under, and administer, the Debt Cancellation Contracts in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices (except as otherwise required hereunder or under the Ancillary Agreements).
 
5.5 Securitization Documents.
 
On and prior to the Transfer Date the Seller Parties shall take all actions required in order to enable the Seller Parties to transfer the Assets to be Sold to Purchaser free and clear of all Liens on the Transfer Date, other than Permitted Liens.  Except for the Specified Amendments, no Securitization Document shall be amended, modified or supplemented in any respect (including, without limitation, for the purpose of issuing any Investor Certificate) without the consent of the Purchaser during the Pre-Closing Period.
 
5.6 Co-Branded Cards.
 
The Credit Cards issued under the Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program shall either be closed or shall, if eligible, be converted to private label Credit Cards on or prior to January 8, 2010.  The responsibility and expense of such conversion shall be borne by (i) the Purchaser, if the Transfer Date shall occur prior to November 1, 2009, or (ii) the Seller Parties, if the Transfer Date shall occur after November 1, 2009.  If the Purchaser shall be responsible for such conversion, the Purchaser shall complete the conversion on or prior to January 8, 2010.  The Account Balance under a Credit Card issued under the Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program shall be the Account Balance under the replacement private label Credit Card to the related Cardholder.
 
6. Certain Agreements of Purchaser and Seller Parties.
 
6.1 Cardholder Disputes
 
The Seller Parties shall be responsible for final resolution of all Cardholder Disputes (involving matters within control of the Seller Parties) of which the Seller Parties receive notice on or before the Transfer Date.  The Seller Parties shall either resolve such Cardholder Disputes prior to the Transfer Date in accordance with their normal procedures and applicable law and regulations, or if they are unable to so resolve the Cardholder Dispute, mail such acknowledgements as are required by law or regulation, and promptly furnish to Purchaser all materials relating to the Cardholder Dispute.
 

 
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6.2 [Reserved]
 
6.3 Confidentiality of Information
 
(a) Except as specifically provided in this Section 6.3 and 6.8(d), neither party shall disclose any Confidential Information (defined below) which it learns as a result of negotiating or implementing this Agreement. “Confidential Information” shall mean information not of a public nature concerning the business or properties of the other party including, without limitation: the terms and conditions of this Agreement (as well as proposed terms and conditions of any amendments, renewals, or extensions of this Agreement), sales volumes, test results, and results of marketing programs, Plan reports and files generated by the Seller Parties, trade secrets, business and financial information, source codes, business methods, procedures, know-how and other information (including but not limited to intellectual property) of every kind that relates to the business of either party.
 
However, the definition of “Confidential Information” specifically excludes information which:
 
(i)  
is generally known to the trade or to the public at the time of such disclosure; or
 
(ii)  
becomes generally known to the trade or the public subsequent to the time of such disclosure; provided, however, that such general knowledge is not the result of a disclosure in violation of this Section 6.3; or
 
(iii)  
is obtained by a party from a source other than the other party, without breach of this Agreement or any other obligation of confidentiality or secrecy owed to such other party or any other person or organization; or
 
(iv)  
is independently conceived and developed by the disclosing party and proven by the disclosing party through tangible evidence not to have been developed as a result of a disclosure of information to the disclosing party, or any other person or organization which has entered into a confidential arrangement with the non-disclosing party.
 
(b) Nothing in this Section 6.3 shall be interpreted to mean that a party is restricted with respect to the use or disclosure of Confidential Information which it owns. The parties may also disclose any Confidential Information under the following circumstances.  First, to the extent disclosure is required by Applicable Law.  Second, to the extent disclosure is both permitted by Applicable Law and either necessary for the performance of the disclosing party’s obligation under this Agreement and/or agreed to in writing by the other party, provided that:  prior to disclosing any such information to any third party, the party making the disclosure (to the third party) shall give notice to the other party of the nature of such disclosure and of the fact that such disclosure will be made.
 
(c) When, pursuant to subsection (b) above, one party discloses the other party’s Confidential Information to the disclosing party’s Affiliate or a third-party, the disclosing party shall be responsible for ensuring that such disclosure complies with Applicable Law.  Furthermore, the disclosing party shall ensure that the Affiliate or third-party executes a
 

 
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confidentiality agreement provided by or approved in writing by the non-disclosing party, and that it keeps all such information in confidence.  Each party covenants that at all times it shall have in place procedures designed to assure that each of its employees who is given access to the other party’s Confidential Information shall protect the privacy of such information.  Each party acknowledges that any breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement by it will result in irreparable damage to the other party and therefore in addition to any other remedy that may be afforded by law any breach or threatened breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement may be prohibited by restraining order, injunction or other equitable remedies of any court.  The provisions of this Section 6.3 will survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.
 
(d) Each party shall establish commercially reasonable controls to ensure the confidentiality of the other’s Confidential Information.  Each party shall also ensure that such information is not disclosed contrary to the provisions of this Agreement, or any applicable privacy, security or other laws, rules, and regulations.  Without limiting the foregoing, each party shall implement such physical and other security measures as are necessary to (i) ensure the security and confidentiality of the other’s Confidential Information, (ii) protect against any threats or hazards to the security and integrity of such information, and (iii) protect against any unauthorized access to or use of such information.
 
(e) If, upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Purchaser or its designee does not purchase the Accounts from the Seller Parties, Purchaser shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove (according to the applicable Seller Party’s direction) from its systems Confidential Information.  This includes but is not limited to any and all records regarding Cardholders, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, that is maintained or otherwise possessed by or on behalf of Purchaser, including a compilation of such records.  Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement the Seller Parties shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove (according to Purchaser’s direction) from its systems Purchaser’s Confidential Information.
 
(f) Cardholder Information and Consumer Protected Information (as defined in the Plan Agreements) shall be held confidential in accordance with the terms of the Plan Agreements.
 
(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the parties (and each employee, and all representative or other agent of the parties) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment, and tax structure of this transaction and all material of any kind (including tax opinions or tax analyses) that are provided to the parties relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
 
6.4 Payments Received by the Seller Parties and Purchaser
 
(a) Commencing on the Transfer Date, SOANB hereby authorizes and empowers Purchaser to sign and endorse SOANB’s name on all checks, drafts, money orders or other forms of payment relating to the Purchased Accounts.
 

 
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(b) Commencing on the Transfer Date, CSRC hereby authorizes and empowers Purchaser to sign and endorse CSRC’s name on all checks, drafts, money orders or other forms of payment relating to the Purchased Accounts.
 
(c) Purchaser agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to forward or remit to SOANB any payment or the amount of any payment, as the case may be, on any Ineligible Account, and will promptly forward any other document pertaining to any Ineligible Account received after the Closing Date.  In performing their obligations under the preceding sentence, Purchaser will adhere to the following payment method until the date ninety (90) days after the Transfer Date or such earlier date as SOANB and Purchaser reasonably determine that the volume of remittals no longer justifies it and thereafter may lengthen the remittance period or discontinue forwarding payments and return payments to the sender:  Within two (2) Business Days after receipt of the payment, Purchaser will (i) provide to SOANB by encrypted email to an address specified by SOANB in writing an electronic common deliminated file in the format agreed to by the parties listing all payments received by Purchaser in respect of the Ineligible Accounts during such Business Days and any non-Business Day occurring since Purchaser’s previous submission of a File to SOANB hereunder, and (ii) remit to SOANB by wire transfer pursuant to the instructions applicable to Purchaser as provided in writing by SOANB the aggregate amount of such payments as set forth therein.  Anything in this Section 6.4(c) to the contrary notwithstanding, SOANB acknowledges and agrees that Purchaser shall have no obligation to remit payments in respect of Ineligible Accounts to SOANB after the date which is six (6) months after the Transfer Date, and that Purchaser shall thereafter return any such payment or amount to the sender.
 
6.5 Collection of Purchased Accounts
 
Subject to the terms of the Securitization Transfer Agreements, commencing on the Transfer Date Purchaser shall have the right to take, or cause to be taken, such action to enforce Purchaser’s rights with respect to any Purchased Account as Purchaser may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.  Upon Purchaser’s request, SOANB shall execute in favor of Purchaser such Account-specific assignment documents as may be reasonably necessary to allow Purchaser to pursue, in Purchaser’s own name, collection or enforcement action on the Purchased Accounts.  SOANB hereby constitutes and appoints Purchaser its true and lawful attorney-in-fact for such purpose, with full power of substitution in the premises, which appointment shall include (but shall not be limited to) the power to demand, sue for, collect and receive any and all amounts owing at any time on any Purchased Account and owed to Purchaser, and to endorse checks, drafts, orders and other instruments tendered in payment of any Account and to settle, compromise, prosecute or defend any claims Purchaser or SOANB may have with respect to such instruments.  This power of attorney shall be deemed to be a power coupled with an interest.  Any collection of such Accounts by Purchaser shall be performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
 
6.6 Further Assurances/Post Closing Covenants
 
The parties hereto hereby covenant as follows, which covenants shall survive the Transfer Date:
 

 
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(a) On and after the Transfer Date, the Seller Parties (for themselves and for their Predecessor(s) in Interest (other than WFNNB)) shall (i) execute, acknowledge and deliver all such acknowledgements, certificates, assignments and other instruments and take such further action as may be reasonably necessary and appropriate effectively to vest in Purchaser the full legal and equitable title to the Assets to be Sold, free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens, and (ii) use reasonable efforts to assist Purchaser in the orderly transition of the operations acquired by Purchaser.  In addition, to the extent transferable, on or before the Transfer Date, the Seller Parties shall assist in the acquisition by Purchaser (or relinquish for the benefit of Purchaser) of any toll-free customer service telephone numbers maintained by the Seller Parties exclusively for the purpose of servicing the Accounts.
 
(b) On and after the Transfer Date, Purchaser shall execute, acknowledge and deliver all such acknowledgements and other instruments and take such further action as may be necessary and appropriate to relieve and discharge effectively the Seller Parties from any obligations remaining under those liabilities and obligations assumed by Purchaser pursuant to the terms hereof.
 
(c) Within thirty (30) days after the Transfer Date, SOANB shall provide to the credit reporting agencies used by SOANB in connection with the Eligible Accounts a letter of closure or deletion of the SOANB’s trade line records with respect to such Eligible Accounts.
 
(d) SOANB agrees that SOANB will at all times comply with SOANB’s privacy policy regarding the Cardholder List.
 
(e) SOANB agrees that subsidiaries of Charming Shoppes shall be entitled to continue accepting the existing Credit Cards issued to Eligible Accounts following the Transfer Date for a reasonable period of time, but not less than one year, following the Transfer Date.  Purchaser shall either issue new credit cards to the Cardholders associated with all active Purchased Accounts or notify such Cardholders of account termination in accordance with the terms of the Program Agreements in accordance with the applicable Program Amendment.  In the event the Cardholder of an inactive or never active Eligible Account desires to activate their Eligible Account following the Transfer Date, Purchaser shall either issue a new credit card to such Cardholder or notify such Cardholder of account termination.
 
(f) During the Pre-Closing Period, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary or appropriate hereunder to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Each party further agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain consents of all third parties and governmental agencies necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
(g) For a period of ninety (90) days after the Transfer Date, SOANB will cause its “customer service department” to direct telephone inquiries received from any Cardholder on any Purchased Account to the applicable cardholder customer service telephone number(s) designated by Purchaser.
 

 
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6.7 Taxes.
 
The Seller Parties are responsible for all Taxes of the Seller Parties relating to the Assets to be Sold and attributable to Tax periods (or portions thereof) ending on or before the close of the Transfer Date.  The Purchaser shall be responsible for all Taxes relating to the Assets to be Sold and attributable to Tax Periods (or portions thereof) beginning after the Transfer Date.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the previous two sentences, all sales, use and other transfer Taxes due by reason of the transfer of the Assets to be Sold (“Transfer Taxes”) shall be allocated fifty percent to Purchaser and fifty percent to the Seller Parties.
 
6.8 Securitization Cooperation.
 
(a) With respect to each Securitization Transaction, as the case may be, entered into by the Purchaser after the Closing Date, the Seller Parties agree:
 
(i)  
to allow the Purchaser to include the information set forth on Annex I in any prospectus, offering memorandum, other disclosure document or rating agency presentation prepared in connection with any Securitization Transaction, including with regard to any registered public offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as such information shall be supplemented by Purchaser in such manner as the Purchaser reasonably believes is necessary or prudent in order to meet the requirement of Regulation AB or any other provision of the Securities Act; provided that the Purchaser shall provide the Seller any such supplemental information five Business Days prior to its anticipated use and will not use any such supplemental information without first obtaining the Seller Parties’ written consent thereto, which request for consent will be promptly considered and which consent will not be unreasonably withheld; provided, further, that the Purchaser shall not disclose in any prospectus, offering memorandum, other disclosure or rating agency presentation  (i) any information in Annex I other than the first two paragraphs under the heading “Overview” after the fifth anniversary of the Execution Date or (ii) any information set forth on Annex I that related to a calendar year more than five years prior to the date of disclosure;
 
(ii)  
for the six months immediately after the Closing Date, if so requested by the Purchaser, to confirm to the Purchaser, within five Business Days of such request, by delivery of an Officer’s Certificate signed by SOANB and SOAI that Annex I (as most recently updated) is true and correct and does not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and
 
(iii)  
for the six months immediately after the Closing Date, to make commercially reasonable efforts, in light of the Seller Parties’ resources at such time, (i) to provide the Purchaser with information regarding the Accounts, the origination thereof and the servicing thereof prior to the Closing Date and the subservicing thereof after the Closing Date, if such information is reasonably necessary to enable the Purchaser to respond to requests by Interested Parties or to update Annex I, and (ii) to allow Interested Parties reasonable access to each Seller Party
 

 
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representative with responsibility, knowledge or experience with respect to the Seller Parties’ origination of the Accounts and/or servicing of the Accounts, upon reasonable prior notice and during regular business hours, for the purpose of conducting agreed-upon procedures or answering questions about the origination of the Accounts and the servicing of the Accounts by SOAI; provided, however, that no provision contained herein shall require any Seller Party to maintain the employment of any such representative, to retain any records, data or information with respect to the Eligible Accounts or to pay any fees or expenses of third parties to acquire, verify or test information.
 
(b) With respect to each Securitization Transaction, as the case may be, entered into by the Purchaser, the Purchaser agrees that:
 
(i)  
any Securitization Transaction effected by the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates shall be conducted in the name of the Purchaser or one of its Affiliates and that in no event shall the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates act in any manner that would indicate to third parties that any Seller Party or any of their Affiliates is a sponsor of, is conducting or has any responsibility to any third party for any Securitization Transaction effected by the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates;
 
(ii)  
except as provided in this Section 6.8 (including with respect to Annex I or any portion thereof), in no event shall any prospectus or other offering document or periodic report issued in connection with a Securitization Transaction contain any discussion of any Seller Party, its underwriting policies, practices and procedures or its servicing policies, practices and procedures;
 
(iii)  
except as specifically permitted in the Program Agreements, the Seller has not granted the Purchaser a license to use, the Seller has not transferred or assigned to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall not have any right, title or interest in or to, the Trade Names or the names of the Seller Parties or their Affiliates or any variation or derivation thereof, or any internet domain name, logo, name, mark, variation or derivation incorporating any such logo, name, variation or derivation other than the Domain Names; and
 
(iv)  
except as specifically permitted in the Program Agreements, the Purchaser shall not use, directly or indirectly, in any manner or form (including as a corporate or fictitious name, Internet domain name, Trade Name, trademark, service name or service mark and including in any prospectus or other offering document), the names of the Seller Parties or their Affiliates, logos of the Seller Parties or their Affiliates or any variations and derivations thereof or any internet domain name, logo, name, mark, variation and derivation incorporating any such logo, name, variation or derivation; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 6.8(b)(iv) shall prohibit the Purchaser from disseminating the information set forth in Annex I in the manner otherwise contemplated under this Section 6.8.
 

 
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(c) The Purchaser shall give the Seller Parties at least 30 Business Days’ prior notice of any proposed Securitization Transaction in which the Seller Parties’ cooperation pursuant to this Section 6.8 shall be sought.
 
(d) Purchaser may disclose information regarding the Seller Parties and the origination and servicing of the Accounts (and performance information on the Assets to be Sold) to Interested Parties and their respective representatives without the requirement of execution of a confidentiality agreement provided such disclosure is consistent with normal and customary standards with respect to similar financing arrangements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser shall advise such Interested Parties and their representatives of the confidential nature of the information.
 
(e) This Section 6.8 shall survive any termination of this Agreement or any of the Securitization Documents.
 
6.9 Public Announcements
 
(a) The parties shall consult with each other before they or any of their respective affiliates or agents issue any press releases or otherwise make, any public statements with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and none of them nor any affiliate of any of them shall issue any such press release or make any such public statement prior to receiving express written approval of the other party except, in each case, as may be required by applicable law or regulation (including a reporting requirement of the Securities Exchange Commission or as reasonably required in connection with the Securitization Documents).
 
(b) Section 6.8 (a) to the contrary notwithstanding, if any party or its affiliates (for the purposes of this Section 6.8 (b) the “Filing Party”) are obligated to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, then the filing party shall have the right to file a copy of this Agreement with the applicable commission or governmental agency to the extent necessary, in such party’s reasonable opinion, to comply with any applicable disclosure laws or regulations (including any reporting requirement of the Securities Exchange Commission), or any listing requirement of any stock exchange applicable to the Filing Party.
 
6.10 License of Domain Names
 
SOANB shall license to Purchaser’s Affiliate Alliance Data Systems Corporation, simultaneously with the Closing, all right, title and interest in and to the Domain Names pursuant to and in accordance with the Program Agreements and provide the Domain Name License.
 
6.11 Updates to SAS 70 Report
 
SOANB shall provide a copy of any update to the Type II SAS 70 report for its service provider TSYS received by SOANB between the Execution Date and the Transfer Date to the Purchaser promptly following receipt thereof.
 

 
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6.12 Co-Branded PLB BIN Numbers
 
The Seller Parties shall permit the Purchaser to use the PLB BIN numbers related to the Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program Accounts on and after the Transfer Date until the earlier to occur of (i) the date on which all such Accounts shall have been closed, converted to private label cards or liquidated or (ii) the date on which the associated account numbers have been changed to the PLB BIN Numbers transferred to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(vi).
 
7. Indemnification.
 
7.1 Indemnification by Seller Parties
 
Subject to Section 7.4, the Seller Parties, jointly and severally, will defend and indemnify the Purchaser Indemnified Parties and their successors and assigns and hold the Purchaser Indemnified Parties and their successors and assigns harmless for, from and against any claim, demand, liability, loss, cost or expense, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, (collectively, “Losses”) which shall result from or arise out of or be incurred in connection with any of the following (including as a result of indemnification or other obligations owing by any Purchaser Indemnified Party in connection with a Securitization Transaction):  (i) the untruthfulness of any of the Seller Parties’ representations or warranties contained in this Agreement or the Assumption Agreements, the Specified Amendments, the Assignment and Bill of Sale and / or the certificates of the Seller Parties delivered pursuant to Section 11.4(b), (ii) the breach by a Seller Party of any of its covenants or agreements herein contained, (iii) the breach by a Seller Party of any of its covenants or agreements in the Assignment and Bill of Sale, the Assumption Agreements, the Specified Amendments or the certificates of the Seller Parties delivered pursuant to Section 11.4(b), (iv) any liability or obligation, contingent or otherwise, of a Seller Party relating to the Assets to be Sold that is not assumed by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement or the Assumption Agreements and which exists on, or arises out of any event or condition occurring or existing at any time prior to, the Transfer Date (including without limitation liabilities or obligations arising from any Account Duties existing as of the Transfer Date which have not been fulfilled by a Seller Party prior to the Transfer Date or which relate to periods prior to the Transfer Date, any act or omission of any Seller Party prior to the Transfer Date, any failure of any Seller Party to perform its obligations under the Securitization Documents with respect to the Securitization Assets prior to the Transfer Date), (v) any and all Taxes that are the responsibility of the Seller Parties pursuant to Section 6.7 and Taxes, if any, of the Master Trust for tax periods (or portions thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date, or (vi) litigation matters filed on or before the Transfer Date with respect to an Eligible Account (collectively, “Purchaser Indemnified Losses”); provided, however, in no event shall the Seller Parties be obligated under this Section 7.1 to defend, indemnify and hold any Purchaser Indemnified Party  harmless, for, from and against any Losses to the extent the same shall result from such Purchaser Indemnified Party’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.
 
7.2 Indemnification by Purchaser
 
Subject to Section 7.4, Purchaser will defend and indemnify each of the Seller Indemnified Parties and their successors and assigns and hold it and their successors and assigns harmless for, from and against any Losses which shall result from or arise out of or be incurred
 

 
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in connection with:  (i) the untruthfulness of any representations or warranties of Purchaser or Purchaser’s designated Affiliate in this Agreement, the Assumption Agreements, or the Assignment and Bill of Sale and/or the certificates of Purchaser delivered pursuant to Section 12.4(b), (ii) the breach by Purchaser or any designated Affiliate of Purchaser of any of its covenants or agreements herein contained, (iii) the breach by Purchaser or any designated Affiliate of Purchaser of any of its covenants or agreements in the Assumption Agreements or the Assignment and Bill of Sale or the certificates of Purchaser delivered pursuant to Section 12.4(b), (iv) any liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, assumed by Purchaser or any designated Affiliate of Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement or the Assumption Agreements (including without limitation arising from any act or omission of Purchaser or any designated Affiliate on or after the Transfer Date or any failure of Purchaser or any designated Affiliate to perform its obligations under the Securitization Documents with respect to Securitization Assets on or after the Transfer Date), (v) any liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, of the Seller Indemnified Parties arising from or relating to communications by or on behalf of Purchaser or any designated Affiliate of Purchaser with the Cardholders of the Eligible Accounts prior to the Transfer Date pursuant to Section 5.2, (vi) any and all Taxes which are the responsibility of Purchaser or any designated Affiliate of Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.7, or (vii) the ownership and servicing by Purchaser or any designated Affiliate of Purchaser of the Assets to be Sold or the Receivables attributable thereto from and after the Transfer Date; provided, however, that in no event shall Purchaser be obligated under this Section 7.2 to defend and indemnify the Seller Indemnified Parties and hold the Seller Indemnified Parties harmless for, from and against any Losses to the extent the same shall result from a Seller Party’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.
 
7.3 Indemnification Procedures.
 
(a) In case any claim, suit, action or proceeding (any “Action”) is made or commenced against either a Person in respect of which indemnification may be sought under Section 7.1 or 7.2 (the “Indemnitee”), the Indemnitee shall promptly give the party to provide the indemnity (the “Indemnitor”) written notice thereof, provided that the Indemnitor shall not be relieved of its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee as a result of the Indemnitee’s failure to promptly give such prompt notice, except to the extent that the defense of such Action is materially and irrevocably prejudiced by such failure.  The Indemnitor shall be entitled to participate in (or, if the Indemnitee does not desire to defend, to conduct) the defense thereof with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee at the Indemnitor’s expense.  The Indemnitor may (but need not) defend or participate in the defense of any Action, but the Indemnitor shall promptly notify the Indemnitee if the Indemnitor shall not desire to defend or participate in the defense of any such Action.  If the Indemnitor fails to provide a defense of any such claim and the Indemnitee provides the defense, the Indemnitor shall be responsible for payment of the reasonable legal fees incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such participation.  If, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such notice the Indemnitor notifies the Indemnitee in writing of its intent to assume the defense of such Action, the Indemnitor shall not be liable to the Indemnitee under this Section 7.3 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnitee shall have the right to engage its own counsel if the Indemnitee elects to assume the defense of the Action, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the Indemnitee’s expense unless (i) the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in
 

 
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writing by the Indemnitor, (ii) the Indemnitor shall not have employed counsel to take charge of the defense of such Action within thirty (30) days after receiving notice of the Indemnitee electing to assume the defense of such Action or (iii) there is a reasonable basis on which the Indemnitee’s interests may differ from those of the Indemnitor, in any of which events the Indemnitor will be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with defending such Action.
 
The Indemnitee shall notify the Indemnitor of its intention to settle or compromise any Action against the Indemnitee in respect of which payments may be sought by the Indemnitee hereunder (and in the defense of which the Indemnitor has not previously elected to participate), and the Indemnitee may settle or compromise any such Action unless the Indemnitor notifies the Indemnitee in writing (within ten (10) Business Days after the Indemnitee has given the Indemnitor written notice of its intention to settle or compromise) that the Indemnitor intends to conduct the defense of such Action.  Any such settlement or compromise of, or any final judgment or decree entered into or in, any Action which the Indemnitee defended or participated in the defense in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been consented to by, and shall be binding upon, the Indemnitor as fully as if the Indemnitor had assumed the defense thereof and a final judgment or decree had been entered in or with regard to such Action by a court of competent jurisdiction for the amount of such settlement, compromise, judgment or decree. In the event that the Indemnitor reimburses the Indemnitee for any third party claim, the Indemnitee shall promptly remit to the Indemnitor any reimbursement the Indemnitee subsequently received for such third party claim.
 
(b) Without limiting their respective rights and obligations as set forth elsewhere in this Article 7, and subject to the procedures for indemnification claims set forth in this Article 7, each Indemnitee, as the case may be, will act in good faith, will use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any losses, will use similar discretion in the use of personnel and the incurring of expenses as the Indemnitee would use if they were engaged and acting entirely at their own cost and for their own account, will render to the Indemnitor such assistance as Indemnitor may reasonably require in order to insure prompt and adequate defense of any Action, and will consult regularly with the Indemnitor regarding the conduct of any proceedings or the taking of any action for which indemnification may be sought.
 
(c) In calculating the amount of any Losses of any Indemnitee under this Article 7, there will be subtracted the amount of any third-party payments (including insurance payments) actually received by the Indemnitee with respect to such Losses; provided, however that nothing herein shall limit such third party's rights to pursue recovery against the Indemnitor for any such payments made by such third party. In the event that the Indemnitor reimburses the Indemnitee for any Losses prior to the occurrence of the events contemplated above, the Indemnitee will remit to the Indemnitor any such amounts that the Indemnitee subsequently receives in reimbursement of such Losses (not to exceed the amount previously reimbursed in respect thereof).
 
(d) After the Closing Date, except for those matters expressly addressed in Article 3, this Article 7 will constitute Purchaser’s and the Seller Parties’ exclusive remedy for any of the matters set forth in this Agreement, the Assumption Agreements, the Specified Amendments, the Assignment and Bill of Sale and the certificates of the Seller Parties delivered pursuant to
 

 
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Section 11.4(b); provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall prevent an Indemnitee from pursuing remedies as may be available to such party under applicable law in the event of an Indemnitor’s failure to comply with its indemnification obligations hereunder.
 
7.4 Limitation of Liability.
 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, except for Losses described in the last two sentences of this Section 7.4, following the Transfer Date (and subject to the provisions of this Section 7.4): (i) neither party shall have any obligation with respect to any indemnification payments payable pursuant to this Article 7 except to the extent that either (x) the aggregate of all such claims relating to Sections 6.7, 7.1(v), 7.2(vi), 8.14 or 9.11(a) through (c) (including all costs and reasonable attorneys fees incurred in connection therewith or as otherwise provided above) exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) (the “Tax Floor”), or (y) the aggregate of all of such obligations other than those listed in clause (x) (including all costs and reasonable attorneys fees incurred in connection therewith as otherwise provided above) exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) (the “Floor”); in which case Indemnitor shall be responsible for all obligations in excess of the Floor or the Tax Floor, as the case may be; (ii) the indemnification provided for herein shall not cover, and in no event shall any party hereto be liable for, any indirect damages claimed by the Indemnitee, including consequential, incidental, exemplary or punitive damages claimed by the Indemnitee (except that (x) the indemnification provided for herein shall cover reasonable attorneys fees incurred by the Indemnitee as otherwise provided above and shall also cover judgments awarded to third parties for indirect damages, including consequential and punitive damages, and (y) that, for the avoidance of doubt, Losses which result from or arise out of indemnification or other obligations owing by the Purchaser or any Purchaser Indemnified Party in connection with a Securitization Transaction shall not be considered to be indirect damages for purposes of this Section 7.4); and (iii) the aggregate amount of indemnification either party is obligated to provide under this Agreement shall not exceed the Adjusted Payment Amount (the “Ceiling”) unless the claim arises from the willful misconduct of the Indemnitor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing limits or any other provision of this Section 7.4 to the contrary, any claims arising from (i) a breach of a Seller Party’s representations set forth in Sections 8.6 or 8.11 or set forth in Section 8.12 or 9.8 with respect to the information provided by the Seller Parties described in Section 6.8(a)(i) (as updated solely  by the Seller Parties from time to time in accordance with this Agreement), including with regard to any reconfirmation of such representations required by this Agreement; (ii) litigation matters filed on or before the Transfer Date with respect to an Eligible Account, (iii) a breach of Purchaser’s obligations pursuant to Section 2.2, 6.8(a)(i) or 6.8(b) or (iv) any prospectus, offering memorandum, other disclosure document or rating agency presentation prepared in connection with any Securitization Transaction of the Purchaser (other than the information provided by the Seller Parties described in Section 6.8(a)(i) (as updated solely  by the Seller Parties from time to time in accordance with this Agreement)), shall not be subject to the Floor or the Ceiling and the Seller Parties, in the case of clause (i) and (ii), and the Purchaser, in the case of clauses (iii) and (iv), shall be responsible for the full amount of any such claim. In addition, if as a result of a party’s breach of a representation of this Agreement the Closing does not occur and this Agreement is terminated, all of the non-breaching party’s direct costs incurred as a direct result of breach of the representation and termination of the Agreement shall be deemed direct damages of the non-breaching party not subject to the Floor.
 

 
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7.5 Deadline for Claims for Indemnification
 
Neither party shall have any obligation with respect to any indemnification payments payable pursuant to this Article 7 hereof with respect to any Losses resulting from any Action arising or asserted by any Indemnitee or any other person more than three (3) years after the Closing Date (provided, that the foregoing three (3) year limitation shall not apply to (i) any Losses of any Indemnitee arising from the failure of the Seller Parties or Purchaser to satisfy any of its respective obligations under Sections 6.3 and 6.8 hereof, (ii) any Losses arising from a breach of Purchaser’s obligations pursuant to Section 2.2 or (iii) any Losses arising from any prospectus, offering memorandum, other disclosure document or rating agency presentation prepared in connection with any Securitization Transaction of the Purchaser, which, instead, shall be subject to a limitation equal to the longer of five (5) years or the period of the applicable statute of limitations with respect to all securities offered pursuant to, or described in, the related documents described in clause (iii); and provided, further, that the foregoing three (3) year limitation shall not apply to any Losses related to a breach of the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 6.7, 7.1(v), 7.2(vi), 8.14 and 9.11 (a) through (c), which, instead, shall be subject to a limitation equal to the period of the applicable statute of limitations.  The Seller Parties shall have no liability to Purchaser with respect to or resulting from Purchaser or their third party vendors’ conversion of the Assets to be Sold except for the Seller Parties’ limited liability to Purchaser under this Agreement solely with respect to the Seller Parties’ obligations to comply with their obligations under this Agreement.
 
8. Warranties and Representations of SOANB.
 
SOANB represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:
 
8.1 Organization
 
SOANB is a national bank duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States and is authorized to conduct its business under those laws.  SOANB’s “main office”, as that term is used in Comptroller of the Currency Interpretive Letter #913 dated August 3, 2001, is located at 1103 Allen Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150.
 
8.2 Authority
 
SOANB has full corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and to effect the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and to sell the Assets to be Sold to the Purchaser.  The execution, delivery and performance by SOANB of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which SOANB is a party (and all documents, agreements, and instruments contemplated hereby or thereby to which SOANB is a party) have been approved by all requisite corporate action on the part of SOANB.  This Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which SOANB is a party constitutes, (and each such document, agreement, and instrument when executed and delivered will constitute) a valid and binding obligation of SOANB, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally
 

 
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and by general principles of equity.  No consents are required for the execution and performance of SOANB’s obligations hereunder or under the Ancillary Documents to which SOANB is a party except such consents as have been or will be obtained prior to the Closing Date.
 
8.3 Legal Proceedings
 
As of the date of this Agreement there are no material Actions (including without limitation governmental or regulatory violations, proceedings or investigations) which are pending or to the knowledge of SOANB threatened against or affecting the Assets to be Sold (other than Actions arising with respect to the Accounts in the ordinary course of business), the Master Trust or SOANB’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements.
 
8.4 Finders or Brokers
 
SOANB has not agreed to pay any fee or commission to any agent, broker, finder or other person for or on account of services rendered as a broker or finder in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby which would give rise to any valid claim against Purchaser or any of Purchaser’s Affiliates for any brokerage commission or finder’s fee or like payment.  For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that SOANB or one of its Affiliates has engaged Bank of America and Barclays Bank PLC, or one of their respective Affiliates, to provide certain broker and finder services in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, but such engagement shall not give rise to any valid claim against Purchaser or any of Purchaser’s Affiliates as described in the preceding sentence, and SOANB or one of its Affiliates is solely responsible for the payment of any and all fees and/or commissions payable to Bank of America, Barclays Bank PLC or the applicable Affiliate thereof in connection with such engagement.
 
8.5 Compliance with Law and Other Instruments
 
Upon compliance with the HSR Act and Bank Merger Act, if applicable, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by SOANB and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by SOANB will not constitute a violation of or be in conflict with any applicable law or regulation in any material respect.  The Cardholder Agreements for the Eligible Accounts and the monies collected under the Accounts comply in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.  SOANB’s operation and administration of the Account Assets (including without limitation all origination procedures, credit approval procedures, finance charges, late fee calculation methodologies, disclosures, collection practices and marketing practices) has complied with (and during the Pre-Closing Period will comply with) all applicable laws, rules, regulations and regulatory directives in all material respects (including, without limitation, guidelines of the FFIEC) and the Account Assets are not subject to any claims arising from any violation thereof.
 
The execution and delivery by SOANB of, and performance by SOANB of its obligations pursuant to, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (and the documents, agreements, and instruments contemplated hereby or thereby) will not violate or be in conflict with SOANB’s
 

 
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charter or by-laws or any contract or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, except as would not have a material adverse effect on the Assets to be Sold, or SOANB’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; excluding, however, (i) any matter, condition or event that (x) is within the sole control of Purchaser or (y) affects the credit card services, consumer credit or banking industry generally first arising after the date of this Agreement, or (ii) any changes in laws, generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting principles first arising after the date of this Agreement.  SOANB’s fulfillment of all Account Duties has been performed in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
 
8.6 Condition of Account Assets
 
(a) With respect to all Eligible Accounts sold to Purchaser hereunder, the obligation of the Cardholder to pay the unpaid Account Balance thereunder owing as of the close of business on the Transfer Date, if any, as shown on the Closing Statement, is legal, valid and binding and enforceable except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, by general principles of equity and Cardholder Disputes (which are specifically addressed in Section 6.1 of this Agreement) and is not subject to any offsets or other defenses existing as of the Transfer Date.
 
(b) On the Transfer Date, SOANB will be the owner of all right, title and interest in and to all of the Account Assets, free and clear of all Liens (other than the Permitted Liens); and immediately after such sale, such ownership interest will be vested in Purchaser.  Each Account Asset is, or as of the Transfer Date will be, freely assignable and transferable to Purchaser.
 
8.7 SOANB Agreements and Accounts
 
The form of SOANB’s Cardholder Agreements in effect with respect to Eligible Accounts on the date of this Agreement, and SOANB’s related form of periodic statement forms in effect on the date of this Agreement, are attached as Schedule 8.7.1 and Schedule 8.7.2, respectively.  There are no other Cardholder Agreements or periodic statement forms in use by SOANB or otherwise in effect, with respect to any Eligible Account on the date of this Agreement.  The form of Cardholder Agreement and form of periodic statement comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and accurately represent the agreements between SOANB and Cardholders and the methods of computing balances and finance charges.  Except for the Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program Cardholder Agreements, none of the Cardholder Agreements, periodic statement forms or Accounts includes a provision for annual fees required for the Cardholder to retain the use of its Account.  There are no obligations to Cardholders except as set forth in the Cardholder Agreements and those agreements made in the ordinary course of SOANB’s business (which agreements taken as a whole would not have a materially adverse effect on the Account Assets) and as noted in the Books and Records.  There are no leases, contracts or other agreements that are material to the Account Assets that would affect the purchase or operation thereof by Purchaser, other than those which have been disclosed to Purchaser, and/or assigned to and assumed by Purchaser or one of its Affiliates under the Ancillary Agreements.  SOANB is not in breach of any contract or agreement to be sold or transferred to Purchaser hereunder in any material manner.
 

 
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8.8 Debt Cancellation Contracts.
 
The form of Debt Cancellation Contracts in effect on the date of this Agreement is attached hereto as Schedule 8.8.
 
8.9 Absence of Certain Changes
 
Since the Financial Information Computation Date, SOANB has not, solely with respect to the Eligible Accounts, (i) effected any material or significant change in the accounting practices, procedures or methods employed in connection with the Eligible Accounts, or (ii) effected any material or, significant change in its business, credit or, collection policies, re-aging policies, practices or procedures relating to the Eligible Accounts.  Since the Financial Information Computation Date, there has not occurred any material adverse change (financial or otherwise) in the condition of the Eligible Accounts or SOANB’s  continued operation thereof and ability to operate the same in accordance with past practices excluding, however, (i) any matter, condition or event that affects the credit card services, consumer credit or banking industry generally first arising after the date of this Agreement, (ii) any changes in laws, generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting principles first arising after the date of this Agreement or (iii) any action, change, effect circumstance or condition contemplated or required by this Agreement or attributable solely to the announcement of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby made in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
 
8.10 Accounts Not Business Accounts
 
To SOANB’s knowledge, none of the Accounts sold to Purchaser hereunder are with business entities or otherwise represent commercial receivables.
 
8.11 Conveyance of Assets to be Sold
 
SOANB is not insolvent at the time of the conveyance of title and the sale of the Assets to be Sold by SOANB is absolute and irrevocable and provides Purchaser with the full benefits of ownership of such Assets to be Sold.  The transfer by SOANB of such Assets to be Sold is not made for or on account of an antecedent debt, and SOANB will not be insolvent on the date of (nor will it become insolvent as a result of) such transfer.  No transfer by the SOANB of any Asset to be Sold hereunder is voidable under any law dealing with bankruptcy, insolvency, creditors’ rights or similar laws.  SOANB is the originator of all Accounts included in the Account Assets.
 
8.12 Accuracy of Statements
 
No statement contained in any document provided or delivered by SOANB to Purchaser in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby, as of the date of such statement, contains any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statement contained therein not misleading in any material respect.
 

 
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8.13 Service Provider SAS 70 Review by Spirit of America
 
SOANB has reviewed the Type II SAS 70 report for its service provider TSYS dated September 30, 2008 and a letter from TSYS for the period January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 with respect to such SAS 70 report and, in SOANB’s  judgment, such SAS 70 report has not indicated any material weaknesses in controls.
 
8.14 Tax Matters
 
Any and all Tax Returns with respect to the Assets to be Sold or income attributable therefrom that are required to be filed have been filed, the information provided on such Tax Returns is complete and accurate in all material respects, and all Taxes shown to be due on such Tax Returns have been paid in full, to the extent that a failure to file such Tax Returns or pay such Taxes, or an inaccuracy in such Tax Returns, could result in the Purchaser being liable for such Taxes or could give rise to a Lien on the Assets to be Sold.
 
8.15 Securitization
 
(a) No event or condition exists which is or with either notice or the passage of time would constitute an “Early Amortization Event” (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) with respect to SOANB.  The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including execution of the Specified Agreements) shall not cause the occurrence of any repurchase event, default or other event, that with either notice or the passage of time would constitute an “Early Amortization Event” (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) with respect to SOANB;
 
(b) Each Securitization Document to which SOANB is a party is a valid, legally binding agreement of SOANB and SOANB is in compliance in all material respects with its obligations thereunder;
 
(c) The form of the Specified Amendments to the Securitization Documents necessary to give effect to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement are set forth in Exhibit 6; and
 
(d) As of the Execution Date, Annex I is true and correct and does not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  If SOANB shall have provided an update to Annex I, Annex I, as of the date so updated, shall be true and correct and shall not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
 
8.16 Closing Statements
 
Each of the Preliminary Closing Statement and the Adjusted Closing Statement delivered by the Seller Parties to Purchaser pursuant to Section 3.2 (a) will to the Seller Parties’ knowledge be accurate in all material respects as of the date thereof.
 

 
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8.17 Eligible Accounts
 
As of the Transfer Date, all Accounts included in the Assets to be Sold shall have been designated to the Master Trust.
 
9. Warranties and Representations of CSRC and SOAI
 
SOAI and CSRC represent and warrant to Purchaser as follows:
 
9.1 Organization
 
CSRC is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is authorized to conduct its business in each jurisdiction where the ownership or operation of the Assets to be Sold requires such qualification.  SOAI is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is authorized to conduct its business in each jurisdiction where the servicing of the Assets to be Sold requires such qualification.
 
9.2 Authority
 
Each of SOAI and CSRC has full corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and to effect the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and to sell the Assets to be Sold to the Purchaser.  The execution, delivery and performance by CSRC and SOAI of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which CSRC or SOAI is a party (and all documents, agreements, and instruments contemplated hereby or thereby to which CSRC or SOAI is a party) have been approved by all requisite corporate action on the part of CSRC and SOAI.  This Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which CSRC or SOAI is a party constitutes, (and each such document, agreement, and instrument when executed and delivered will constitute) a valid and binding obligation of CSRC or SOAI, as applicable, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.  No consents are required for the execution and performance of CSRC’s or SOAI’s obligations hereunder or under the Ancillary Documents to which CSRC or SOAI is a party except such consents as have been or will be obtained prior to the Closing Date.
 
9.3 Financial Information with respect to Account Assets
 
CSRC and SOAI have provided to Purchaser financial information relating to the Account Assets, computed with information as of May 31, 2009 (the “Financial Information Computation Date”), which (i) includes as of the Financial Information Computation Date the number of Accounts, together with the additional Account information set forth on Schedule 9.3 hereof (collectively, the “Financial Information”), (ii) is accurate in all material respects as of the respective date thereof, (iii) does not, to CSRC’s or SOAI’s knowledge, as of such date, contain any untrue statement of a material fact, and (iv) does not, as of such date, omit to state any material fact relating to the Financial Information.  All charge or credit transactions (including payments) as to which the records thereof shall have been received by SOANB or SOAI on or
 

 
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before the Transfer Date shall have been posted to the appropriate Account as of the close of business on the Transfer Date.  The Closing Tape when delivered by SOAI to the Purchaser shall set forth in all material respects the true, correct and complete list of the Eligible Accounts and Account Balances as of the date of their preparation.
 
9.4 Legal Proceedings
 
As of the date of this Agreement there are no material Actions (including without limitation governmental or regulatory violations, proceedings or investigations) which are pending or to the knowledge of CSRC or SOAI threatened against or affecting the Assets to be Sold (other than Actions arising with respect to the Accounts in the ordinary course of business), the Master Trust or CSRC’s or SOAI’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements.  As of the Execution Date, none of the Accounts are subject to class action litigation.
 
9.5 Finders or Brokers
 
Neither CSRC nor SOAI has agreed to pay any fee or commission to any agent, broker, finder or other person for or on account of services rendered as a broker or finder in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby which would give rise to any valid claim against Purchaser or any of Purchaser’s Affiliates for any brokerage commission or finder’s fee or like payment.  For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that CSRC, SOAI or one of their Affiliates has engaged Bank of America and Barclays Bank PLC, or one of their respective Affiliates, to provide certain broker and finder services in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, but such engagement shall not give rise to any valid claim against Purchaser or any of Purchaser’s Affiliates as described in the preceding sentence, and CSRC, SOAI or one of their Affiliates is solely responsible for the payment of any and all fees and/or commissions payable to Bank of America, Barclays Bank PLC or the applicable Affiliate in connection with such charges.
 
9.6 Compliance with Law and other Instruments
 
Upon compliance with the HSR Act and Bank Merger Act, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by CSRC and SOAI and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by CSRC and SOAI will not constitute a violation of or be in conflict with any applicable law or regulation in any material respect.  The execution and delivery by CSRC and SOAI of, and performance by each of CSRC or SOAI of its obligations pursuant to, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (and the documents, agreements, and instruments contemplated hereby or thereby) will not violate or be in conflict with CSRC’s or SOAI’s charter or by-laws or any contract or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, except as would not have a material adverse effect on the Assets to be Sold, or CSRC’s or SOAI’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; excluding, however, (i) any matter, condition or event that (x) is within the sole control of Purchaser or (y) affects the credit card services, consumer credit or banking industry generally first arising after the date of this Agreement, or (ii) any changes in laws, generally accepted
 

 
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accounting principles or regulatory accounting principles first arising after the date of this Agreement.
 
9.7 Conveyance of Assets to be Sold
 
CSRC is not insolvent at the time of the conveyance of title and the sale of the Assets to be Sold by CSRC is absolute and irrevocable and provides Purchaser with the full benefits of ownership of such Assets to be Sold.  The transfer by CSRC of such Assets to be Sold is not made for or on account of an antecedent debt, and CSRC will not be insolvent on the date of (nor will it become insolvent as a result of) such transfer.  No transfer by CSRC of any Asset to be Sold hereunder is voidable under any law dealing with bankruptcy, insolvency, creditors’ rights or similar laws.
 
9.8 Accuracy of Statements
 
No statement contained in any document provided or delivered by CSRC or SOAI to Purchaser in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby, as of the date of such statement, contains any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statement contained therein not misleading in any material respect.
 
9.9 Securitization
 
(a) No event or condition exists which is or with either notice or the passage of time would constitute an “Early Amortization Event” or “Servicer Default”, in each case as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, or any similar event permitting the acceleration or rapid amortization of the Investor Certificates.  The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including execution of the Specified Agreements) shall not cause the occurrence of any repurchase event, default or other event, that with either notice or the passage of time would constitute an “Early Amortization Event” (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), or any event permitting the acceleration or rapid amortization of the Investor Certificates under any Securitization Documents, or a “Servicer Default” (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) or other similar event permitting the termination of the Servicer under the Securitization Documents, nor shall such consummation or the receipt of any consents required in connection with the Specified Amendments trigger any requirement under the Securitization Documents to fund any spread account, reserve account or similar account, or any draw any such account under the terms of the Securitization Documents or to otherwise increase any credit enhancement required under the Securitization Documents;
 
(b) Neither CSRC nor the Master Trust is required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
 
(c) The Pooling and Servicing Agreement is not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended;
 
(d) CSRC is the sole owner of the Seller Interest and the Retained Interests. Other than the Retained Interests and the Investor Certificates set forth in Exhibit 7, the Seller Interest represents the entire interest in the Master Trust. Each of the Retained Interests is a valid and binding obligation of the Master Trust;
 

 
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(e) The only outstanding series of Investor Certificates are set forth in Exhibit 7;
 
(f) The Master Trust has no contractual obligations other than as set forth in the Securitization Documents listed in Exhibit 5, all of which have been made available to Purchaser;
 
(g) Each Securitization Document is a valid, legally binding agreement of each of the Seller Parties and the Master Trust that is a party thereto and each such Seller Party and the Master Trust is in compliance in all material respects with its obligations thereunder; and
 
(h) The form of the Specified Amendments to the Securitization Documents necessary to give effect to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement (including the repayment of the series of Investor Certificates specified for repayment on the Closing Date in Exhibit 7) are set forth in Exhibit 6;
 
(i) CSRC and SOAI have reviewed the Type II SAS 70 report for its service provider TSYS dated September 30, 2008 and a letter from TSYS for the period January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 with respect to such SAS 70 report and, in SOANB’s  judgment, such SAS 70 report has not indicated any material weaknesses in controls.
 
(j) As of the Execution Date, Annex I is true and correct and does not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  If the Seller Parties shall have provided an update to Annex I, Annex I, as of the date so updated, shall be true and correct and shall not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
 
9.10 Investor Certificates
 
All of the outstanding investor certificates in the Master Trust issued to any Person other than the Seller Parties or any of their Affiliates are properly characterized as indebtedness for federal income tax purposes.
 
9.11 Tax Matters
 
(a) Any and all Tax Returns with respect to the Assets to be Sold or income attributable therefrom that are required to be filed have been filed, the information provided on such Tax Returns is complete and accurate in all material respects, and all Taxes shown to be due on such Tax Returns have been paid in full, to the extent that a failure to file such Tax Returns or pay such Taxes, or an inaccuracy in such Tax Returns, could result in Purchaser being liable for such Taxes or could give rise to a Lien on the Assets to be Sold.
 
(b) The Master Trust is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
(c) Except as disclosed in Schedule 9.11, to the knowledge of the Seller Parties, all Investor Certificates were issued with no Original Issue Discount, within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 1273(a)(1), nor issuance premium, within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.163-13.
 

 
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9.12 Closing Statements
 
Each of the Preliminary Closing Statement and the Adjusted Closing Statement delivered by the Seller Parties to Purchaser pursuant to Section 3.2 (a) will to the Seller Parties’ knowledge be accurate in all material respects as of the date thereof.
 
9.13 Eligible Accounts
 
As of the Transfer Date, all Accounts included in the Assets to be Sold shall have been designated to the Master Trust.
 
10. Warranties and Representations of Purchaser.
 
Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Seller Parties as follows:
 
10.1 Organization
 
Purchaser is a national bank duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States and is authorized to conduct its business under those laws.
 
10.2 Authority
 
Purchaser has full corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and to effect the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  The execution, delivery and performance by Purchaser of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement (and all documents, agreements, and instruments contemplated hereby or thereby) have been approved by all requisite corporate action on the part of Purchaser.  This Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement constitutes (and each such document, agreement and instrument when executed and delivered will constitute) a valid and binding obligation of Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.  No consents are required for the execution and performance of Purchaser’s obligations hereunder or under the Ancillary Agreements except such consents as have been or will be obtained prior to the Closing Date.
 
10.3 Legal Proceedings
 
As of the date of this Agreement there are no material Actions (including without limitation governmental or regulatory violations, proceedings or investigations) which are pending or to the knowledge of Purchaser threatened, against or affecting Purchaser’s ability to consummate this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (other than Actions arising with respect to the Accounts in the ordinary course of business).
 

 
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10.4 Finders or Brokers
 
Purchaser has not agreed to pay any fee or commission to any agent, broker, finder or other person for or on account of services rendered as a broker or finder in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby which would give rise to any valid claim against any Seller Party for any brokerage commission or finder’s fee or like payment.
 
10.5 Governmental Notices
 
Purchaser has not received notice from any federal or state governmental agency indicating that it would oppose or not grant or issue its consent or approval, if required, with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements.
 
10.6 Compliance with Law and Other Instruments
 
Upon compliance with the HSR Act and Bank Merger Act, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by Purchaser and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by Purchaser will not constitute a violation of or be in conflict with any applicable law or regulation. The execution and delivery by Purchaser of, and the performance by Purchaser of its obligations pursuant to, this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (and the documents, instruments, and agreements contemplated hereby or thereby) will not violate or be in conflict with Purchaser’s charter or by-laws or any material contract or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound except as would not have a material adverse effect on Purchaser’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; excluding, however, (i) any matter, condition or event that (x) is within the sole control of a Seller Party or (y) affects the credit card services, consumer credit or banking industry generally, or (ii) any changes in laws, generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting principles.
 
11. Conditions Precedent to Purchaser’s Obligations.
 
The obligations of Purchaser to consummate the purchase provided for herein are subject to the fulfillment (except to the extent, if any, waived by Purchaser) of the following conditions at or prior to the Transfer Date:
 
11.1 Absence of Litigation
 
There shall not be pending on the Transfer Date any action or proceeding instituted by any person, entity or governmental authority against a Seller Party or Purchaser to prevent the consummation of the sale of the Assets to be Sold and, on the Transfer Date, there shall be no injunction, decree or similar legal restraint preventing the consummation of such sale and there shall be no statute, rule or regulation in effect which would prevent the Seller Parties from selling or Purchaser from purchasing the Assets to be Sold as contemplated by this Agreement or consummating the transactions contemplated by the Ancillary Agreements.  There shall not be any class action lawsuits affecting the Eligible Accounts that materially affects the value of the Assets.
 

 
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11.2 Truth of Representations
 
The representations and warranties of the Seller Parties set forth in Sections 8 and 9 of this Agreement shall be true in all material respects as though made again on and as of the Transfer Date (except for those representations and warranties made as of a particular date, which such representations and warranties shall be true in all material respects as of such particular date).
 
11.3 Performance of Covenants
 
The covenants and agreements of the Seller Parties set forth in this Agreement and to be performed on or before the Transfer Date shall have been performed in all material respects.
 
11.4 Items to be Delivered by Seller Parties
 
The Seller Parties shall have delivered to Purchaser:
 
(a) The Assignment and Bill of Sale, the Domain Name License, UCC assignments, and such other instruments and documents as are reasonably necessary for confirming the transfer, assignment and conveyance of title to the Assets to be Sold to Purchaser (together, the “Conveyance Documents”), duly issued or signed by duly authorized officers of the Seller Parties, as applicable.
 
(b) A certificate of each Seller Party signed by a duly authorized officer of such Seller Party to the effect that (i) the warranties and representations of such Seller Party in Section 8 or 9, as applicable, are true as of the Closing Date (except for those representations and warranties made as of a particular date, which such representations and warranties shall be true in all material respects as of such particular date) as if made on the Closing Date or, if any such warranties and representations are not then true, specifying the deficiency in reasonable detail; and (ii) the covenants and agreements of such Seller Party to be performed hereunder on or before the Transfer Date have been performed in all material respects, or, if any such covenants have not been so performed, specifying the deficiency in reasonable detail.
 
(c) The Preliminary Closing Statement.
 
(d) The Parent Agreement and the Program Agreements duly executed by such Affiliates of the Seller Parties that are party thereto.
 
(e) The Specified Amendments, duly issued or signed by duly authorized officers of the Seller Parties, as applicable.
 
(f) The Assumption Agreements, duly issued or signed by duly authorized officers of the Seller Parties, as applicable.
 
(g) The Closing Tape.
 
(h) An opinion of the Seller Parties’ counsel that (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not violate the Securitization Documents; (ii) all actions necessary to register
 

 
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the Retained Certificates in the name of the purchasing party have been taken and the Retained Certificates are binding obligations of the Master Trust entitled to the benefits of the PSA; and (iii) the security interests are perfected in a form consistent with opinions previously delivered to the trustee of the Master Trust.
 
11.5 UCC Financing Statement
 
SOANB hereby confirms that, for purposes of the UCC, it is “located” in the State of Ohio, and SOANB hereby authorizes the Purchaser to file in such location financing statements in favor of Purchaser, as secured party, against the relevant Seller Party, as debtor, reflecting the sale of the Assets to be Sold hereunder.  CSRC hereby confirms that, for purposes of the UCC, it is “located” in the State of Delaware, and hereby authorizes the Purchaser or its designee to file in such location financing statements in favor or Purchaser or such designee, as secured party, against the relevant Seller Party, as debtor reflecting the sale of the Assets to be Sold hereunder.
 
11.6 Governmental and Regulatory Approvals.
 
The waiting period under the HSR Act, if required, shall have expired or have been earlier terminated, applicable bank regulatory approvals shall have been obtained, the applicable approval under the Bank Merger Act shall have been obtained and all other approvals or authorizations of, filings and registrations with, and notifications to, all governmental authorities required to consummate the sale of the Assets to be Sold shall have been obtained or made and shall be in full force and effect and all waiting periods required by applicable law in connection therewith shall have expired or terminated, except to the extent that the failure to obtain such an approval or authorization would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Assets to be Sold.
 
11.7 Repayment of Conduit Series
 
Those series of Investor Certificates in the Master Trust indicated on Exhibit 7 to be repaid on the Closing Date shall be repaid in full and each holder of such Investor Certificates shall have delivered a payoff letter (in form reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser) of all interest in the assets of the Master Trust, a copy of which shall be delivered to Purchaser.
 
11.8 Eligible Account
 
As of the Transfer Date, all Accounts included in the Assets to be Sold shall have been designated to the Master Trust.
 
12. Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of the Seller Parties.
 
The obligation of each Seller Party to consummate the sale provided for herein is subject to the fulfillment (except to the extent, if any, waived by a Seller Party) of the following conditions at or prior to the Transfer Date, each of which, to the extent within a Seller Party’s control, such Seller Party shall pursue satisfying in good faith:
 

 
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12.1 Absence of Litigation
 
There shall not be pending on the Transfer Date any action or proceeding instituted by any person, entity or governmental authority against a Seller Party or Purchaser to prevent the consummation of the sale of the Assets to be Sold and, on the Transfer Date, there shall be no injunction, decree or similar legal restraint preventing the consummation of such sale and there shall be no statute, rule or regulation in effect which would prevent the Seller Parties from selling or Purchaser from purchasing the Assets to be Sold as contemplated by this Agreement or consummating the transactions contemplated by the Ancillary Agreements.
 
12.2 Truth of Representations
 
The representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in Section 10 shall be true in all material respects as though made again on and as of the Transfer Date (except for those representations and warranties made as of a particular date, which representations and warranties shall be true in all material respects as of such particular date).
 
12.3 Performance of Covenants
 
The covenants and agreement of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement and to be performed on or before the Transfer Date shall have been performed in all material respects.
 
12.4 Items to be Delivered by Purchaser
 
Purchaser shall have delivered to the Seller Parties:
 
(a) A payment to the Seller Parties of the Payment Amount set forth in the Closing Statement by transfer of funds immediately available.
 
(b) The Assignment and Bill of Sale signed by duly authorized officers of Purchaser.
 
(c) A certificate of Purchaser signed by a duly authorized officer of Purchaser to the effect that (i) the warranties and representations of Purchaser in Section 9 are true as of the Transfer Date (except for those representations and warranties made as of a particular date, which such representations and warranties shall be true in all material respects as of such particular date) or, if any such warranties and representations are not then true, specifying the deficiency in reasonable detail; and (ii) the covenants and agreements of Purchaser to be performed hereunder on or before the Transfer Date have been performed in all material respects, or, if any such covenants have not been so performed, specifying the deficiency in reasonable detail.
 
(d) The Parent Agreement and the Program Agreements duly executed by Purchaser.
 
(e) The Securitization Transfer Agreements signed by duly authorized officers of Purchaser.
 
(f) [Reserved.]
 

 
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(g) The Milford Agreement and each document required to be delivered thereunder, each duly executed by the parties thereto.
 
(h) The Assumption Agreements, duly issued or signed by duly authorized officers of the Purchaser.
 
12.5 Governmental and Regulatory Approvals.
 
The waiting period under the HSR Act, if required, shall have expired or have been earlier terminated, applicable bank regulatory approvals shall have been obtained, the applicable approval under the Bank Merger Act shall have been obtained and all other approvals or authorizations of, filings and registrations with, and notifications to, all governmental authorities required to consummate the sale of the Assets to be Sold shall have been obtained or made and shall be in full force and effect and all waiting periods required by applicable law in connection therewith shall have expired or terminated, except to the extent that the failure to obtain such an approval or authorization would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Assets to be Sold.
 
12.6 Loan Agreement
 
Charming Shoppes shall have satisfied the requirements under the Loan Agreement with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.  Charming Shoppes shall act in good faith to satisfy such requirements.
 
12.7 Milford Agreement
 
The closing with respect to the Milford Agreement shall have occurred simultaneously with the Transfer Date.
 
12.8 Ratings Confirmation
 
The applicable rating agencies rating the outstanding Investor Certificates shall have confirmed the then-current ratings of such Investor Certificates in connection with the Specified Amendments.
 
13. Survival of Representations and Warranties.
 
Notwithstanding any investigation made by or on behalf of either party at any time, all covenants, agreements, representations, indemnifications and warranties made herein and in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and Closing hereunder until the third anniversary of the Transfer Date; provided, that the foregoing three (3) year survival period shall not apply to (i) any Seller Party’s respective obligations under Sections 6.3 and 6.8 hereof (and the indemnifications related thereto), (ii) any of the Purchaser’s obligations pursuant to Section 2.2, 6.8(a)(i) or 6.8(b) (and the indemnifications related thereto), or (iii) any indemnification for any claims arising from any prospectus, offering memorandum, other disclosure document or rating agency presentation prepared in connection with any Securitization Transaction of the Purchaser which, instead, shall survive until the later of the fifth anniversary of the Transfer Date or the expiration of the
 

 
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applicable statute of limitations with respect to all securities offered pursuant to, or described in, the related documents described in clause (iii); and provided, further, that the representations and warranties and indemnities contained in Sections 6.7, 7.1(v), 7.2(vi), 8.14 and 9.11(a) through (c) (and the indemnifications related thereto) will survive for the period of the applicable statute of limitations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any representation or warranty that would otherwise terminate shall survive with respect to losses asserted in any claim for indemnification hereunder of which notice is given pursuant to this Agreement prior to the end of the applicable survival period, until such claim is finally resolved and any related losses are paid.
 
14. Default/Termination of Agreement.
 
14.1 Default
 
A “Default” shall occur hereunder upon the occurrence of the following:
 
(i)  
The expiration of thirty (30) days from the date one party shall have given notice to the other party (the “Defaulting Party”) of a breach or default by the Defaulting Party in the performance of any covenant, agreement, representation or warranty hereunder which is not cured within such thirty (30) day period; or
 
(ii)  
A Seller Party or Purchaser (as applicable in this clause (ii), the “Bankrupt Party”) becomes insolvent or generally fails to pay, or admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due; or the Bankrupt Party applies for, consents to, or acquiesces in the appointment of, a trustee, receiver or other custodian for the Bankrupt Party or any property thereof, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or in the absence of such application, consent of acquiescence, a trustee, receiver or other custodian is appointed for the Bankrupt Party or for a substantial part of its property and is not discharged within thirty (30) days; or any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, or other case or proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any dissolution or liquidation proceeding, is commenced in respect to the Bankrupt Party, and if such case or proceeding is not commenced by the Bankrupt Party or remains for thirty (30) days undismissed; or the Bankrupt Party takes any corporate action to authorize, or in furtherance of, any of the foregoing.
 
14.2 Termination Right
 
Upon the occurrence of a Default, the non-defaulting party, in addition to all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity, shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon notice to the defaulting party.
 
14.3 Other Termination
 
This Agreement may be terminated (i) upon mutual agreement of Purchaser and the Seller Parties or (ii) by either Purchaser or the Seller Parties if the Closing has not occurred by the later to occur of (1) the date forty-five (45) days following the date Purchaser and the Seller Parties mutually agreed would be the Transfer Date (or any mutually agreed extension of the
 

 
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Transfer Date) or (2) January 30, 2010; provided that the party seeking to terminate this Agreement under clause (ii) hereof has not caused such failure to close.
 
14.4 No Release
 
No termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section or otherwise shall release, or be construed as releasing, either party hereto from any liability for damages to the other party hereto arising out of, in connection with or otherwise relating to, directly or indirectly, such party’s breach or default of any of its representations, warranties, covenants, agreements, duties or obligations arising under this Agreement.
 
15. Delayed Payment After Closing
 
15.1 Final Settlement and Disputes
 
In the event that Purchaser and the Seller Parties disagree after the Closing Date as to any item or amount (or the computation or determination in accordance with the terms of this Agreement of any item or amount) reflected, set forth in or relating to the Preliminary Closing Statement or any Adjusted Closing Statement, the Payment Amount, the Adjustment Amount or any other amounts due either party under this Agreement, then any payment required to be made under this Agreement shall be made when due on the basis of such items or amounts as to which the parties do not disagree and any party hereto shall thereupon be entitled to request a firm of nationally recognized independent accounts as Purchaser and the Seller Parties may jointly designate which does not have a material relationship with either Purchaser or the Seller Parties to determine, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, such disputed item or amount (or the computation or determination thereof).  Any such request shall be in writing and shall specify with particularity the disputed items, amounts and computations being submitted for determination, and the requesting party shall furnish the other parties hereto with a copy of such request at the same time it is submitted to the independent accountants.  The firm of independent accountants to which any dispute is referred hereunder shall as promptly as practicable determine, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the proper amount of any disputed item or other amount, or the computation thereof, and such determination shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties hereto.  In acting pursuant to this Agreement, such firm of independent accountants shall constitute, and be entitled to the privileges and immunities of, arbitrators.  The Seller Parties and Purchaser shall cooperate fully in assisting such firm in making any determination requested hereunder, including giving such firm full access to all files, books and records relevant thereto and providing such other information as such firm may reasonably request in connection with the determination to be made by it hereunder.  The fees and disbursements in connection with such firm’s determination shall be borne equally by Purchaser and the Seller Parties.  In the event that a determination by independent accountants pursuant to this Section 15.1 requires any previously suspended payment to be made by any party, such payment shall be made promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days) after receipt by such party from such independent accountants of written notice of such determination.  Such firm of accountants shall promptly and substantially simultaneously notify Purchaser and the Seller Parties in writing of any determination by it hereunder.  In the event of any litigation between the parties regarding this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to seek recovery of all costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees) incurred by the prevailing
 

 
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party in such litigation (which costs may be included as part of the damages awarded in any such litigation).
 
15.2 Interest
 
Any amount payable by any party to another party pursuant to Section 15.1 shall bear interest from the date such amount would originally have been required to be paid hereunder had no dispute over such amount existed to the date of payment at the federal funds rate (at weighted average daily rates reported by Federal Reserve System) during the period(s) involved.
 
15.3 Records and Financial Information
 
The party having control of the relevant records and financial information used in connection with any adjustment provided for in this Section 15 shall certify the accuracy of such records and financial information if so requested by the other party.
 
16. Miscellaneous
 
16.1 Expenses
 
Except as is otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, each party shall pay its own costs and expenses in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, but not by way of limitation, all regulatory fees, attorneys’ fees, accounting fees and other expenses.  Each of Purchaser and the Seller Parties shall be responsible for half of all fees of the rating agencies in connection with confirming ratings.
 
16.2 Notices
 
All notices, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered in person or by United States mail, certified or registered, with return receipt requested, or otherwise actually delivered, as follows:
 
(i)  
If to SOANB, CSRC or SOAI:
 
450 Winks Lane
Bensalem, PA  19020
Attention:  President
 
           With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
 
450 Winks Lane
Bensalem, PA  19020
Attention:  Legal Dept.
 

 
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(ii)  
If to Purchaser, to:
 
3100 Easton Square Place
Columbus, OH  43219
Attention: President
 
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
 
World Financial Network National Bank
3100 Easton Square Place
Columbus, OH  43219
Attention: General Counsel
 
The persons or addresses to which mailings or deliveries shall be made may be changed from time to time by notice given pursuant to the provisions of this Section 16.2.  Any notice, demand or other communication given pursuant to the provisions of this Section 16.2 shall be deemed to have been given on the date actually delivered or three (3) days following the date deposited in the United States mail, properly addressed, postage prepaid, as the case may be.
 
16.3 Successors and Assigns
 
All terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Agreement and all rights, privileges, duties and liabilities, and obligations of the parties hereto, may be assigned or delegated by any party without the consent of the other party.  In order for any such assignment to be effective, the assigning party and the assignee must first execute a written agreement (and deliver a copy thereof to the other party hereto) by which the assigning party assigns the particular rights or privileges to the assignee.  In order for any such delegation to be effective, the delegating party and the delegatee must first execute a written agreement (and deliver a copy thereof to the other party hereto) by which the delegating party delegates the particular duties, liability or obligations to the delegatee and such delegatee expressly assumes the performance and discharge thereof when due.  No such assignment or delegation shall relieve Purchaser or the Seller Parties of any of their respective duties, obligations, or liabilities to the other hereunder which are not performed or discharged in full by such assignee or delegatee.  For clarification, Purchaser may assign its rights under this Agreement with respect to the receivables included in the Account Assets in connection with Purchaser’s securitization of such receivables without also assigning any obligations with respect thereto provided Purchaser shall remain liable for all obligations hereunder.
 
16.4 Counterparts
 
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument.
 

 
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16.5 Governing Law
 
The laws of the State of Ohio applicable to contracts executed and wholly performed therein shall govern the validity and interpretation hereof and the performance of the parties hereto of their respective duties and obligations hereunder.
 
16.6 Captions
 
The captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and no not form a part of this Agreement.
 
16.7 No Waiver
 
The failure or delay on the part of any party to exercise any right provided for herein shall not act as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right by and party hereto preclude the exercise of any other right or the further exercise of such right thereof.  In no event shall a term or provision of this Agreement be deemed to have been waived, modified or amended unless said waiver, modification or amendment is in writing and signed by Purchaser and the Seller Parties.
 
16.8 No Petition
 
Each party hereto covenants and agrees that it shall not, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the final payment of any series of investor certificates or any other series issued by the Master Trust, acquiesce, petition or otherwise invoke the process of any governmental authority for the purpose of commencing or sustaining a case against CSRC or the Master Trust under any federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of CSRC or the Master Trust or any substantial part of its property or ordering the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of CSRC or the Master Trust.
 
16.9 No Joint Venture
 
Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to create a partnership or joint venture between any of the parties hereto.  Except as expressly set forth herein, no party shall have any authority to bind or commit any other party.
 
16.10 Severability
 
Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction.
 

 
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16.11 No Third Party Beneficiaries
 
This Agreement is not for the benefit of any third party and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
 
16.12 Waiver of Jury Trial
 
THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHTS PURSUANT HERETO.
 
16.13 Entire Agreement
 
The making, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties hereto have been induced by no representations, statements, warranties or agreements other than those herein expressed.  This Agreement and other written agreements specifically referred to herein (including without limitation the Confidentiality Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto) embody the entire understanding of the parties and there are no further or other agreements or understandings, written or oral, in effect between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.  This instrument and the agreements contained herein may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by both parties or their duly authorized agents.
 
[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
 

 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
 
WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK
NATIONAL BANK
 
 
By: /S/ DANIEL T. GROOMES
Name:  Daniel T. Groomes
Title:    President




































 
S-1

 


SPIRIT OF AMERICA NATIONAL BANK
 
 
By: /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER
Name:  Eric M. Specter
Title:    Chairman of the Board
 
 
CHARMING SHOPPES RECEIVABLES CORP.
 
 
By: /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER
Name:  Eric M. Specter
Title:    President
 
 
SPIRIT OF AMERICA, INC.
 
 
By: /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER
Name:  Eric M. Specter
Title: :   President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
S-2

 

EX-10.2 3 exh102aug122009.htm LANE BRYANT AGREEMENT AUGUST 12, 2009 exh102aug122009.htm
 
 

 

EXHIBIT 10.2






PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT FOR LANE BRYANT

BETWEEN

WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK NATIONAL BANK

AND

LANE BRYANT, INC. (a Delaware corporation)

AND

OUTLET DIVISION MANAGEMENT CO., INC. (a Delaware corporation)

AND

PETITE SOPHISTICATE, INC. (a Delaware corporation)

AND

SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC. (a Nevada corporation)


DATED AS OF AUGUST 12, 2009





 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS
1.1
Certain Definitions
1.2
Other Definitions
   
SECTION 2.  THE PLAN
2.1
Establishment and Operation of the Plan
2.2
Application for Credit Under the Plan; Internet Features
2.3
Operating Procedures
2.4
Plan Documents (Forms and Collateral)
2.5
Marketing and Promotion of Plan
2.6
Administration of Accounts and Plan and Operating Committee
2.7
Credit Decision
2.8
Ownership of Accounts and Information
2.9
Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services
2.10
Ownership and Licensing of the Party’s Marks
2.11
Cardholder Loyalty Program
   
SECTION 3.  OPERATION OF THE PLAN
3.1
Honoring Credit Cards
3.2
Cardholder Disputes Regarding Accounts, and Goods and/or Services
3.3
No Special Agreements
3.4
Cardholder Disputes Regarding Violations of Applicable Law
3.5
Payment to Company; Ownership of Accounts; Fees; Accounting
3.6
Bank Mailings; Insertion of Company’s Promotional Materials
3.7
Payments
3.8
Chargebacks
3.9
Exercise of Chargebacks
3.10
Non-Competition
3.11
Reports
3.12
Addition of New Businesses
   
SECTION 4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY
4.1
Organization, Power and Qualification
4.2
Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention
4.3
Accuracy of Information
4.4
Validity of Charge Slips
4.5
Compliance with Law
4.6
Company Marks
4.7
Intellectual Property Rights
4.8
Legal Proceedings
   


 
(i)

 


SECTION 5.  COVENANT OF COMPANY
5.1
Notices of Changes
5.2
Financial Statements
5.3
Access Rights
5.4
Company’s Business
5.5
Insurance
5.6
Sales Information
5.7
Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan
5.8
Compliance with Agreement and Operating Procedures
   
SECTION 6.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BANK
6.1
Organization, Power and Qualification
6.2
Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention
6.3
Accuracy of Information
6.4
Compliance with Law
6.5
Intellectual Property Rights
6.6
Legal Proceedings
   
SECTION 7.  COVENANTS OF BANK
7.1
Notices of Changes
7.2
Financial Statement
7.3
Access Rights
7.4
Bank’s Business
7.5
Insurance
7.6
Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan
   
SECTION 8.  INDEMNIFICATION
8.1
Indemnification Obligations
8.2
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY
8.3
NO WARRANTIES
8.4
Notification of Indemnification; Conduct of Defense
   
SECTION 9.  TERM, EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION
9.1
Term and Expiration
9.2
Termination with Cause by Bank; Bank Termination Events
9.3
Termination with Cause by Company; Company Termination Events
9.4
Termination in a Particular State
9.5
Purchase of Accounts
9.6
Effect of Termination
9.7
Termination Assistance Services
   
SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS
10.1
Entire Agreement
10.2
Coordination of Public Statements
10.3
Amendment
10.4
Successors and Assigns
10.5
Waiver


 
(ii)

 


10.6
Severability
10.7
Notices
10.8
Captions and Cross-References
10.9
Governing Law
10.10
Counterparts
10.11
Force Majeure
10.12
Relationship of Parties
10.13
Survival
10.14
Mutual Drafting
10.15
Independent Contractor
10.16
No Third Party Beneficiaries
10.17
Confidentiality and Security Control
10.18
Taxes
10.19
Arbitration
10.20
Consent Not to be Unreasonably Withheld
   
SCHEDULES
1.1
Other Definitions
2.1 (b)
Service Standards
2.2 (b)
New Account Portal Specifications
2.4 (d)
Initial Reissue
2.5 (a)
Marketing Promotions
2.5 (b)
Restricted Marketing Funds
2.6 (a)
Administration of Accounts and Plan
2.6 (b)
Operating Committee
2.7
Credit Decision
2.8
Monthly Master File Information
2.9 (c)
Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services
2.9 (d)
Company Third Party Vendor Products
2.11
Existing Loyalty Program And Bank Loyalty Program Description
3.1
Cross-Shopping
3.5 (a)
Payment to Company
3.5 (d)
Summary of Rates and Fees
3.11
Bank Reports
3.12
Addition of New Businesses
9.2
Termination with Cause by Bank
9.3
Termination with Cause by Company
9.5
Purchase of Accounts
   
APPENDIX  A  Initial Operating Procedures
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
(iii)

 

PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT


THIS PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT is made as of this 12th day of August, 2009 (the “Effective Date”) by and between LANE BRYANT, INC.,  PETITE SOPHISTICATE, INC., SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC., OUTLET DIVISION MANAGEMENT CO., INC. (hereinafter referred to as “Outlets”, and, together with Lane Bryant, Inc., Petite Sophisticate, Inc., and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc., hereinafter referred to as “Company”), and WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK NATIONAL BANK (hereinafter referred to as “Bank”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Company has requested Bank to extend credit, to qualifying individuals in the form of private label open-ended credit card accounts for the purchase of Goods and/or Services from Company through its Sales Channels and to issue Credit Cards to such individuals (as such capitalized terms are defined below); and

WHEREAS, Bank shall own all the Accounts, and Cardholder payments will be sent to such location as Bank shall from time to time direct (as such capitalized terms are defined below); and

WHEREAS, Bank will operate the Plan subject to the terms and conditions as more fully set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Bank also intends to purchase from CHRS’ subsidiary, Spirit of America National Bank, the existing private label and co-brand credit card accounts for Company subject to a Purchase Agreement dated as of the date of this Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and convert such existing accounts to the Plan; and

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereof, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby mutually acknowledged by the parties, Company and Bank agree as follows.

SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS

1.1           Certain Definitions.  As used herein and unless otherwise required by the context, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings.

“Account” shall mean an individual open-end revolving line of credit which is (i) established by Bank for a Customer pursuant to the terms of a Credit Card Agreement, and (ii) branded with a Company Mark.  The term “Account” includes, without limitation, the Purchased Accounts upon acquisition of such accounts by Bank.


 
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“Accounts Receivable” shall mean, as to any Account at the time of reference, any and all amounts owing on such Account, including, without limitation, principal balances from Purchases, fees related to Protection Programs, Enhancement Marketing Services and Company Third Party Vendor Products, accrued finance charges (whether or not posted or billed to an Account), late fees, and all other fees and charges assessed on the Accounts, less any payments and credits received by Bank with respect to the Accounts. This definition specifically excludes any amounts which have been written-off by Bank with respect to such Accounts.

“Address Verification Service” shall mean an adjunct process to the credit authorization process where the Cardholder’s reported billing address is verified against the Bank’s address on file for such Cardholder.

“Affiliate” shall mean with respect to a party any entity that is owned by, owns, or is under common control with such party.

“Agreement” shall mean this Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement, including any schedules, exhibits, addenda, and future amendments and supplements hereto.

“Applicable Law” shall mean any applicable federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation including, without limitation, requirements of satisfying regulatory agencies.

“Applicant” shall mean an individual who is a Customer and applies for an Account under the Plan.

“Bank” shall mean the party to this Agreement identified in the first paragraph on Page 1 of this Agreement.

“Bank Clients” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.6 (a).

“Bank Mark” shall mean a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) to Bank and designated by Bank to Company for use in connection with the Plan.

“Batch Prescreen” shall mean a process where Bank’s offer of credit is made to certain Customers prequalified by Bank (per its criteria), in a batch mode (often but not exclusively within a direct to consumer environment).

“Billing Statement” shall mean Bank’s periodic statement listing the amounts of Purchases made, credits received, and other information, as required by Applicable Law and/or deemed desirable by Bank.

“Business Day” shall mean any day, except Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks in Ohio are required to be closed.

 
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“Cardholder” shall mean any natural person to whom an Account has been issued by Bank and/or any authorized user of the Account.

“Cardholder List” means the Cardholders’ names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and physical addresses in the Bank’s Plan records as of the date of termination or expiration of this Agreement, such records do not include any similar or same consumer information maintained by Bank with respect to any other credit programs owned by Bank.

“Charge Slip” shall mean a sales receipt, register receipt tape, invoice or other documentation, whether in hard copy or electronic form, in each case evidencing a Purchase that is to be charged to a Cardholder’s Account.

“CHRS” shall mean Charming Shoppes, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and the parent of Company.

“CHRS Businesses” shall mean (collectively) the retail women’s apparel business operated by Company’s affiliate Fashion Bug Retail Companies, Inc. (“Fashion Bug”), the retail women’s apparel business operated by Company’s affiliate Catherines Stores Corporation, and/or Catherines retail women’s apparel outlet business operated by Outlets, and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc., as long as (i) such companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of CHRS, and any successors of such companies (as long as such successors are wholly owned subsidiaries of CHRS) and (ii) the assets comprising such companies’ retail women’s apparel businesses are directly or indirectly owned by CHRS.

“CHRS Business Card” shall mean a credit card and/or account established by Bank for a customer of a CHRS Business and bearing a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) of such CHRS Business and designated by such CHRS Business for use by Bank in connection with the credit card and/or account.

“Company Deposit Account” shall mean the one (1) deposit account maintained by Company and designated by it in writing to Bank as to which Bank should direct its payments. See also Section 3.5 (a).

“Company Mark” shall mean a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) to Company and designated by Company to Bank for use in connection with the Plan.

“Company Third Party Vendor Products” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.


 
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“Consumer Personal Information” shall mean that non-public personal information regarding Applicants, Customers, and Cardholders, including but not limited to Account information consumer reports, and information derived from consumer reports, that is subject to protection from publication under Applicable Law.

“Credit Card” shall mean the credit card issued by Bank to Cardholders bearing the Company Mark (and with respect to Purchased Accounts shall mean the credit card issued by Spirit America National Bank), corresponding to a related Account for the purpose of purchasing Goods and/or Services pursuant to this Agreement.

“Credit Card Agreement” shall mean the open-end revolving credit agreement between a Cardholder and Bank governing the Account and Cardholder’s use of the Credit Card, together with any modifications or amendments which may be made to such agreement.

“Credit Sales Day” shall mean any day, whether or not a Business Day, on which Goods and/or Services are sold by Company through its Sales Channels.

“Credit Slip” shall mean a sales credit receipt or other documentation, whether in hard copy or electronic form, evidencing (i) a return or exchange of Goods, or (ii) a credit on an Account as an adjustment by Company for goodwill or for Services rendered or not rendered by Company to a Cardholder.

“Cross Shopping” shall mean the accepting for payment by CHRS Businesses of the Accounts and the reciprocal accepting for payment by Company of Bank’s accounts corresponding to the CHRS Businesses.  See also Schedule 3.1.

“Customer” shall mean any individual consumer who is a customer or potential customer of Company.

“Discount Fees” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1.

“Effective Date” shall mean the date set forth in the first paragraph on page one (1) of this Agreement.

“Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (or EBPP)” shall mean a procedure whereby Cardholders can elect to receive their Billing Statements electronically and that also allows them an opportunity to remit their Account payments to Bank electronically.

“Electronic Customer Service (or eCS)” shall mean a web-based customer service system Bank makes available on a Bank website.

“Enhancement Marketing Services” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.


 
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“Financial Products” shall mean credit card, credit issuance or payment processing arrangements, or other programs (including but not limited to ones involving a credit card) similar in purpose to those components of the Plan dealing with the extension of credit and repayment of debt extended to Customers as contemplated under this Agreement, including cardless, Internet-based or Internet-only payment vehicles and contactless payment vehicles to be used as devices and/or methods by Customers to purchase Goods and/or Services on credit.

“Forms” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

“Goods and/or Services” shall mean those goods and/or services sold at retail by Company through its Sales Channels to the general public for individual, personal, family or household use.

“Initial Reissue” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.4 (d).

“Initial Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.

“Instant Credit” shall mean an Account application procedure designed to open Accounts whereby the application information is communicated to Bank either (i) verbally at Point of Sale; or (ii) systemically during the order entry process.

“Losses” shall mean any liability, damage, costs, fees, losses, judgments, penalties, fines, and expenses, including without limitation, any reasonable attorneys’ fees, disbursements, settlements (which require the other party’s consent), and court costs, reasonably incurred by Bank, Company, or a third-party, as the case may be, without regard to whether or not such Losses would be deemed material under this Agreement; provided however, that Losses shall not include any overhead costs that either party would normally incur in conducting its everyday business.

“IVR” shall mean an interactive voice response system and/or procedure.

“Loyalty Program” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11.

“Net CHRS Sales” shall mean the aggregate of all CHRS Business Card purchases, less credits or refunds for goods and/or services for all CHRS Businesses.

“Net Proceeds” shall be calculated by Bank on each Business Day (to include all transactions submitted by Company for such Business Day and the prior consecutive calendar days which were not Business Days) and shall mean the sum of all Purchases adjusted as follows:  (i) minus credits to Accounts for the return or exchange of Goods, or a credit on an Account as an adjustment by Company for goodwill or for Services rendered or not rendered by Company to a Cardholder, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of

 
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any computational error); (ii) minus payments received by Company from Cardholders on Bank’s behalf; (iii) plus any applicable Royalty Payments payable to Company as in effect on the date of calculation; (iv) minus any applicable Discount Fees and/or Promotional Program Fees payable to Bank as in effect on the date of calculation; and (v) adjusted by any other undisputed amounts then due to or by Bank pursuant to Section 3.5 (g) of this Agreement.

“Net Sales” shall mean Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“Net Sales on Regular Revolving Purchases” shall mean Regular Revolving Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“Net Sales on Promotional Program Purchases” shall mean Promotional Program Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“New Account Portal” shall mean an on-line new accounts reporting and access system having the functionality described in Schedule 2.2(b).

 
“On-Line Prescreen (or OLPS)” shall mean a process where Bank’s offer of credit is made to certain Customers pre-qualified by Bank (per its criteria), in a real-time pre-approved manner, at the POS at the time of a transaction.  

“Operating Procedures” shall mean Bank’s instructions and procedures regarding the Plan as written by Bank.  The initial Operating Procedures are set forth in Appendix A and may be amended from time to time pursuant to Section 2.3.  Prior to the TSYS Transition, the Operating Procedures with respect to services provided by TSYS shall be the operating procedures under the TSYS Agreements.

“Performance Thresholds” shall mean certain thresholds set by Bank in the exercise of Bank’s reasonable discretion and after discussion with the Operating Committee with respect to the following: (a) for Web On-Line Prescreen, the Customer pass-rate and Customer acceptance rate; and (b) for in-store On-Line Prescreen, the Customer pass-rate, Company's offers made rate, and Customer acceptance rate.

“Plan” shall mean the private label credit card plan established and administered by Bank for Customers by virtue of this Agreement.

“Plan Commencement Date” shall mean the date on which Bank acquires the Purchased Accounts.

 
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“Plan Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

“Plan Manager” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.6(a).

“Plan Year” shall mean each consecutive twelve (12) month period commencing on the Plan Commencement Date.

“Point of Sale (or POS)” shall mean the physical or electronic location at which transactions (sales, credits, and returns) take place.  This includes but is not limited to a cash register, point of order entry, or website (as applicable).

“Prescreen Acceptance” shall mean a POS process designed to recognize and activate Bank’s pre-approved batch offers for Accounts for Customers.

“Prime Rate (or Prime)” shall mean the “Prime Rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of the Wall Street Journal on the date of reference.

“Promotional Program” shall mean any special Cardholder payment terms approved by Bank and Company for certain Purchases, including without limitation deferred programs.  The initial Promotional Programs approved by Bank and Company, if any, are set forth in Schedule 1.1.  Additional Promotional Programs shall be made a part of this Agreement only by written amendment.

“Promotional Program Purchase” shall mean a Purchase made under the terms of a Promotional Program.

“Protection Programs” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.

“Purchase” shall mean (i) a purchase of Goods and/or Services including without limitation all applicable taxes and shipping costs, with a specific extension of credit by Bank to a Cardholder using an Account as provided for under this Agreement, and/or (ii) a purchase of Goods and/or Services including without limitation all applicable taxes and shipping costs, with a specific extension of credit by Bank to an accountholder using a CHRS Business Card through Cross Shopping as provided for under this Agreement.  The term shall be interpreted to include Regular Revolving Purchases as well as Promotional Program Purchases unless the context of the reference clearly indicates otherwise.  Bank reserves the right to deny (or reverse) an extension of credit for particular transactions in order to comply with Applicable Law, which might include but not be limited to prohibitions against transactions related to gambling.

“Purchase Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the fourth recital.


 
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“Purchased Accounts” shall mean those certain private label credit card accounts related to Company which Bank and Company’s existing private label credit card program provider, Spirit of America National Bank, have agreed upon in their Purchase Agreement as eligible accounts.

“Purchase Date” shall mean the date on which Bank buys the Purchased Accounts from Spirit of America National Bank.

“Quick Credit” shall mean an in-store application procedure designed to open Accounts as expeditiously as possible at the Point of Sale, whereby an application for an Account might be processed without a paper application being completed by an Applicant.  An Applicant’s credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or other Bank approved private label card) is electronically read by a terminal to identify certain information to facilitate a credit analysis. Other data shall be entered into that same terminal by the Company associate as specified in the Operating Procedures.

“Rates and Fees” shall mean those Cardholder terms and conditions regarding rates and fees as are initially set forth in Schedule 3.5 (d), as amended from time to time pursuant to Section 3.5 (d).

“Regular Revolving Purchases” shall mean Purchases which are not subject to any Promotional Program.

“Renewal Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.

“Restricted Marketing Fund” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b).

“Royalty Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1.

“Sales Channels” shall mean those certain sales channels through which Company sells its Goods and/or Services during the Term, including (as applicable) but not limited to: (i) retail locations which are owned and operated by Company or Company’s licensees or franchisees and using the Company Mark and / or the same trademarks, service marks or names as used by Company in its business, (ii) Company’s website; and (iii) Company’s catalog, if any.  As a point of clarification, this definition includes different or additional sales channels that are part of Company’s expansion of its business as then constituted, if such expansion includes sales channels operated under the same trade name(s) as Company.  For example: the opening of a new store or development of a website through either (i) “organic growth” or (ii) acquisition of the assets of a competitor.  In addition, Sales Channels may be removed through the closing of a store, discontinuation of a license, or discontinuation of website or catalog.

“Service Standards” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).


 
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“Statemented Account” shall mean each Account for which a Billing Statement is generated (whether or not actually sent to the Cardholder) within a particular billing cycle.

“Take-One Application” shall mean a paper application made available at or through Sales Channels (or otherwise).  An Applicant can complete and submit the Take-One Application directly to Bank, or he or she may submit it to a Company associate for submission to Bank (such as through the Instant Credit Application procedure).

“Term” shall mean the Initial Term plus any Renewal Terms, as defined in Section 9.1.

“Transaction Record” shall mean the following, with respect to each Purchase or with respect to a credit or return related to a Purchase (as applicable), and each payment received by Company from a Cardholder on Bank’s behalf:  (a) the Charge Slip or Credit Slip corresponding to the Purchase, credit or return; or (b) a computer readable tape/cartridge or electronic transmission containing the following information: the Account number of the Cardholder, identification of the Company’s Sales Channel (location) where the Purchase, credit or return was made (if applicable), the total of (i) the Purchase price of Goods or Services purchased or amount of the credit, as applicable, plus (ii) the date of the transaction, a description of the Goods or Services purchased, credited or returned and the authorization code, if any, obtained by Company prior to completing the transaction; or (c) electronic record whereby Company or one of its Sales Channels electronically transmits the information described in subsection (b) hereof to a network provider (selected by Company at its expense), which in turn transmits such information to Bank by a computer tape/cartridge or electronic tape or transmission.

“Transfer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5 (a).

“TSYS” means Total System Services, Inc., a Georgia corporation.

“TSYS Agreements” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2.1 (b).

“TSYS Transition” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2.1 (b).

“Web (or Internet)” shall mean the world-wide web internet network as generally understood in the greater business community and any replacement technology system.

“Web Application” shall mean a web based new Account application procedure made available by Bank.  See also Section 2.2 (d).


 
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1.2           Other Definitions.  As used herein, terms defined in the introductory paragraph hereof and in other sections of this Agreement shall have such respective defined meanings.  Defined terms stated in the singular shall include reference to the plural and vice versa.  The terms “shall” and “will” have the identical meaning (i.e., that something is compulsory and certain), and the use of one versus the other is not to be interpreted as implying less certainty or a sense of possibility or choice.

SECTION 2.  THE PLAN

2.1           Establishment and Operation of the Plan.  (a) The Plan is established for the primary purposes of providing Customer financing for purchasing Goods and/or Services, providing a means to promote increased Company sales, and providing Bank a commercially reasonable financial return.  Qualified Applicants desiring to use the Plan shall be granted an Account by Bank with a credit line in an amount to be determined by Bank in its discretion for each individual Applicant.  Subject to Section 3.5 (d) and Applicable Law, Bank shall determine the terms and conditions of the Account to be contained in a Credit Card Agreement.

(b)           Subject to the provisions of Schedule 2.1 (b) regarding the TSYS Transition, Bank shall perform in accordance with the Service Standards and shall otherwise perform all operations of the Plan using reasonable care consistent with not less than industry standards and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Bank will provide Company with a monthly summary of Bank’s performance regarding the Service Standards, as set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).  In addition, Bank’s performance of the services hereunder shall be reviewed by the Operating Committee.  Bank shall provide eCS services to Cardholders at Bank’s expense, and Company shall provide a weblink to the eCS at Company’s expense.   Bank shall not display any trade names or advertisements on the eCS advertising services or products to sell to Cardholders other than those of Company and those permitted by this Agreement (such as Enhancement Marketing Services pursuant to Section 2.9(b)). Company shall perform its obligations in accordance with the Company Service Standards, as set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).  See Schedule 2.1(b) relating to TSYS Transition and Service Standards.

2.2           Applications for Credit Under the Plan; Internet Features.  (a) Company shall not promote or participate in any application by a Customer for financing the purchase of Goods and/or Services other than for participation in the Plan as provided in Section 3.10 or signage promoting Company’s acceptance of general purpose credit cards (non-Company branded Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express general purpose credit cards).  Applicants who wish to apply for an Account under the Plan must submit a completed application on a form or in an electronic format provided by or approved by Bank, and Bank shall grant or deny the request for credit based solely upon Bank’s credit criteria.  In the case of in-store applications, Company shall (i) provide a copy of the Credit Card Agreement to the Applicant, and (ii) follow any applicable Operating Procedures.  When facilitating any other method of application, Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its Sales Channels follow all applicable Operating Procedures. The application shall be submitted to Bank by the Applicant or submitted by Company on behalf of the Applicant, as required in the

 
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Operating Procedures.  If Bank grants the request for an Account, Bank will issue a Credit Card to the Applicant to accesses an individual line of credit in an amount determined by Bank.  For Quick Credit and Instant Credit, Bank will issue an account number which may be utilized by the Cardholder for Purchases at the time of approval and prior to the issuance of the Credit Card.

 
(b)           Throughout the Term, Bank shall make available, and Company shall utilize, as applicable, the following application procedure: Quick Credit.  Bank agrees that, upon Company’s request, Bank shall make available, and Company may also use the following Bank application procedures: Instant Credit, Take-One, Web Application, Batch Prescreen and On-Line Prescreen procedures (for clarification, Batch Prescreen consists of prescreening Customers selected by Company for credit approval but it does not include the cost of mailing of the offers to the customers (which mailing costs may be subject to reimbursement via the Restricted Marketing Fund as determined by the Operating Committee). With respect to On-Line Prescreen Bank will have the right to set certain Performance Thresholds and Bank will have the right to discontinue making such procedures available on not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Company in the event such Performance Thresholds are not maintained. See also subsection (d) below regarding the Web Application procedure.  Commencing on the Plan Commencement Date Bank shall make available the New Account Portal through the TSYS’ services.  Upon the completion of the TSYS Transition Bank shall provide a New Account Portal with features and functionality as set forth in Schedule 2.2(b).  Company shall not be liable to Bank for the loss of Take-One applications unless such loss is the result of actions or omissions by Company.

(c)           Regarding applications submitted in whole or in part by Company, Company agrees that it will (i) protect and keep confidential any and all Applicant information (which information shall be Bank Consumer Personal Information) acquired as a result of participating in the submission of any such applications, and (ii) not disclose the information to anyone other than authorized representatives of Bank, and (iii) follow all Operating Procedures applicable to such Bank Consumer Personal Information.  Subject to Applicable Law, the foregoing shall not limit Company’s right to receive from Bank (and use for marketing purposes) Cardholder information consisting of name, address, telephone number(s) and (as applicable) e-mail address(es).

(d)           Bank shall make available the Web Application procedure by establishing a website for such purpose, at Bank’s sole cost and expense, which shall be accessible from Company’s website and which shall comply with all Applicable Law.  Bank shall be responsible for maintaining the security of the Web Application.  Bank shall not display any trade names or advertisements on the Web Application advertising services or products other than those of Bank, Company and those permitted by this Agreement (such as Enhancement Marketing Services pursuant to Section 2.9(b)).

Bank represents and warrants that, to integrate and maintain the Web Application, to ensure access to the Bank’s designated website, and to reduce technical errors, Bank will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that Bank’s software providing the Web Application will function, and continue to function, in a sound technical manner.

 
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Bank shall appropriately monitor the Web Application and its website to ensure proper functioning. Company shall be responsible for Company’s side of integrating and maintaining on its website, at its sole expense, access to Bank’s Web Application.  Company represents and warrants that, to integrate and maintain the Web Application, to ensure access to the Bank’s designated website, and to reduce technical errors, Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that Company’s software providing the access will function, and continue to function, in a sound technical manner.  Company shall appropriately monitor its website to ensure proper functioning.  In the event Bank changes or otherwise modifies the website address for its designated website, Bank will provide at least thirty (30) days prior written notice and Company will, at Bank’s reasonable expense, either update or modify its website thereto, as directed by Bank.  In providing Web Application on the Company website, if appropriate, Company shall make it clear and conspicuous that the Customer is leaving Company’s website and is being directed to Bank’s website for the exclusive purpose of accessing Bank’s website.  Company agrees that, in connection with the Web Application, it will use Bank’s name, or any logo, statements, or any other information that is related to Bank, only as directed by Bank, or as previously approved by Bank in writing.  Without limiting the generality of the scope of required approvals, but by way of example, Company shall seek Bank’s approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, not only with respect to content, but also with respect to any typestyle, color, or abbreviations used in connection with the Web Application.

Company will reasonably promote the EBPP to Customers but is not responsible for ensuring and does not guaranty any minimum participation by Customers in the EBPP.   Bank shall bear all costs for providing the EBPP, Customer’s access to the EBPP and Bank’s processing of Cardholder payments through the EBPP.

2.3           Operating Procedures.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to observe and comply in all material respects and to cause its Sales Channels to observe and comply in all material respects with the Operating Procedures and such other reasonable procedures as may be agreed upon by the Operating Committee from time to time.  Bank is solely responsible for ensuring that its Operating Procedures and other procedures comply with Applicable Law.  The Operating Procedures may be amended or modified by the Operating Committee from time to time; provided, however, that Bank shall have the right to amend the Operating Procedures without approval by the Operating Committee to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law with notice to Company as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances and subject to review by the Operating Committee at the next meeting of the Operating Committee.  In the event Bank requested changes to the Operating Procedures would increase Company’s costs of complying with the Plan (including, without limitation, increased costs of training employees) or otherwise adversely affect Company’s operations, the parties shall negotiate in good faith the implementation of such changes and the responsibility for the costs thereof; provided, however, that (i) if such changes are  being made by Bank solely to comply with Applicable Law, and are being implemented by Bank with respect to Bank’s Clients, then Bank shall be permitted to make such changes as are necessary to enable such compliance (and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effectuate such changes in the most cost-effective manner) and Company shall

 
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bear all costs related to Company’s compliance thereof (to the extent all such Bank Clients are so required) and/or (ii) if such changes are being implemented by Bank with respect to Bank’s other Bank Clients, and if after implementation of such changes Bank will continue to utilize industry standard methods of communications with Company, then Bank shall be permitted to make such changes (and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effectuate such changes in the most cost-effective manner) and Company shall bear all reasonable costs related to Company’s compliance thereof (to the extent all such Bank Clients are so required).

2.4           Plan Documents (Forms and Collateral).  (a)  Forms - General. Subject to (b) below, Bank shall design, determine the terms and conditions of, and generate the form of the Credit Card Agreement, applications, Credit Card, card mailers, privacy notices, Billing Statements (including backers), Cardholder letters, templates, and other documents and forms  to be used under the Plan which (i) relate to the Plan, (ii) relate to Bank’s and/or the Cardholder’s obligations, (iii) are used by Bank in maintaining and servicing the Accounts; or (iv) are required by Applicable Law (collectively, “Forms”).  Bank shall be solely responsible for ensuring that all Forms comply with Applicable Law. By way of clarification, Bank’s responsibilities do not include any obligations Company may have as a retailer, such as creating the form of Charge Slips and Credit Slips.  All Forms shall be in the English language only unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing or otherwise required by Applicable Law, and there shall be only one design for each Form.

(b)           Forms - Conditions.  The provisions of (a) above are subject to the following conditions.  First, Bank’s actions are subject to Section 3.5 (d), Applicable Law, and Section 2.10.  Second, Bank and Company shall jointly design any Customer marketing aspects of Billing Statements, Cardholder letters, Credit Cards, and card mailers, all of which must be approved by the Operating Committee. 

 
(c)           Collateral. Company may design and produce promotional material, direct mail pieces, catalog, newspaper, radio and Internet advertisements, and other collateral documents (collectively, “Collateral”) which reference the Plan. Company shall submit all Collateral to Bank for its review and approval of the Plan disclosures, as well as references to the Plan and use of Bank Marks, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Pursuant to this review and approval process, Company will make (or have made) all changes that Bank requests to satisfy Applicable Law and/or in exercising its rights under this Agreement.

(d)           Bank’s Costs.  Subject to subsection (e) below, Bank, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, will determine which and how many of the following to provide, which shall be at Bank’s expense.  First, Bank will provide to Company at one central location, for distribution to Customers and Cardholders, marketing purposes, and mass mailings, as applicable: (i) adequate copies of Credit Card Agreements and applications; and (ii) adequate copies of any appropriate Forms. Second, Bank shall provide an appropriate number of (or copies of, as applicable) Credit Card Agreements, applications, Credit Cards, Billing Statements, and card mailers.  Bank shall use

 
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commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the supply of Forms so as to minimize creation of obsolete Forms.  See also Schedule 2.4(d).

 
(e)           Company’s Costs.  (i) Company Re-issuances. Except for the Initial Reissue for the Purchased Accounts as set forth in Section 2.4 (d) and Schedule 2.4 (d), Company shall pay all actual costs related to any re-issuance of Credit Cards to Cardholders that Company requests or that is required by Applicable Law solely as a result of Company’s decisions and/or actions, including, but not limited to, expired Credit Cards (in the event Credit Cards have expiration dates as a result of Company’s request) and upgrades for any Plan premier cards (collectively “Company Re-issuances”).  The costs associated with a Company Re-issuance are limited to the actual costs of the card itself (including all embossing and encoding), card mailers, envelopes, postage and any Collateral requested by Company and, if required as a result of the Company Re-issuance, Credit Card Agreements and other Forms.  As a point of clarification, none of the following constitutes a Company Re-issuance (and Bank shall be responsible for the costs of such issuances): Bank’s initial issuance of a Credit Card to a Customer (even if part of a pre-qualified or other program), Bank’s replacement (on an Account-by-Account basis) of lost or stolen Credit Cards, or expired Credit Cards (unless the Cards have expiration dates as a result of Company’s request), in response to some other Cardholder request, or Bank’s one-time issuance of Credit Cards to Customers of the Purchased Accounts in connection with the Initial Reissue.
 
(ii)           Variations from Bank’s Standards.  If a request or requirement (as applicable) of Company with regard to any Plan Forms requires a variation from Bank’s standard specifications or the specifications otherwise set forth in this Agreement, and such variation causes a net increase in any cost of Bank, the following shall apply.  First, Bank will advise Company in writing of the variance and provide a written estimate of the related actual net cost increase (including the cost of any obsolete forms as set forth below).  Second, Company shall notify Bank in writing of its decision to forego the request, to modify the request such that no cost increase is generated, or agree to bear the additional expense. In the event any otherwise applicable and usable Forms become obsolete solely as a result of changes requested by Company or necessitated by its decisions and/or actions as set forth above, Company shall reimburse Bank for the actual costs associated with any such unused obsolete Forms.  Company shall not be liable for lost Forms, unless such loss is due solely to the negligent or willful actions or inactions of Company.  Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize obsolete forms.

(iii)           Mass Mailings.   As to any mass mailings requested by Company (including but not limited to catalog mailings, pre-approved mailings, and zero balance mailings), Company shall pay all actual costs related thereto unless otherwise agreed by the parties (which if marketing related, the costs of which shall be eligible costs for the Restricted Marketing Fund if agreed by the Operating Committee).


 
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(f)           Timing of Reissuance.  Company and Bank agree that the volume of any Credit Card reissuance (including but not limited to the Initial Reissue) may be spread out over seven (7) consecutive days, provided that each such reissuance is limited to Two Million (2,000,000) Credit Cards.  In the event that any such reissuance includes more than Two Million (2,000,000) Credit Cards, Bank shall not be required to complete the reissuance within seven (7) days, but Bank and Company shall mutually agree upon another reissue time period.

2.5           Marketing and Promotion of Plan.  (a) Throughout the Term of this Agreement, Company shall in a commercially reasonable manner actively and consistently market, promote, participate in and support the Plan, including without limitation those marketing promotions set forth in Schedule 2.5 (a) and such other methods mutually agreed upon by Company and Bank.  Bank has had the opportunity to review the historical marketing plans of Company’s private label credit card program operated with respect to the Purchased Accounts including, without limitation, the historical practices and procedures utilized by Company to promote such program.  During the first twelve (12) months of the Term, it is Company’s intent to market the Plan in a manner consistent with Company’s historical marketing of the proprietary credit card plan associated with the Purchased Accounts. As one example, Company agrees to advertise and actively promote the Plan through all Sales Channels (e.g., as applicable, signage and spiffs at retail locations and promotions on Company’s website).  Company and Bank will jointly agree upon programs to market the Plan, both initially and on a continuing basis and in accordance with Applicable Law.  The parties agree that such agreed upon programs will include some form of statement messaging, the details of which will be agreed upon in the Operating Committee (which shall include Company’s ability to transmit an electronic file (in a secure format in accordance with Bank’s security policies) by Cardholder Account number to Bank setting forth targeted credit marketing to be performed by Bank in the statement messages to targeted groups of Cardholders, up to Bank’s maximum group limit.

(b)           Bank shall pay to Company as an expense reimbursement the amounts set forth in (and in accordance with the provisions of) Schedule 2.5 (b) to reimburse Company for its marketing and promotion expenses associated with the Plan (to the extent such marketing and promotion expenses were approved by the Operating Committee).  All of such funds shall be referred to herein as the “Restricted Marketing Fund.”

2.6           Administration of Accounts and Plan and Operating Committee.  (a) Bank shall, at Bank’s sole cost and expense (unless such costs and expenses are otherwise expressly provided for in the Agreement) perform, in compliance with Applicable Law, all functions necessary to originate, administer, fund and service the Accounts, including but not limited to: providing receivables funding, application processing, credit authorizations, making all necessary credit and fraud investigations; notifying Applicants in writing of acceptance or rejection of credit under the Plan; preparing and mailing Billing Statements; making collections; handling Cardholder inquiries; providing legal compliance functions related to Bank’s operation of the Plan; and processing Cardholder payments and payments to Company hereunder.  See also Schedule 2.6 (a).

 
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(b)           The parties hereby establish an Operating Committee (the "Operating Committee"), which shall act and be governed by the provisions of Schedule 2.6 (b).

2.7           Credit Decision.  The decision to extend credit to any Applicant under the Plan shall be Bank’s decision.  Bank shall determine all credit underwriting policies and procedures, as subject to Applicable Law and safety and soundness considerations.  Bank will work in good faith with Company in good faith to develop business strategies with respect to the issuance of Credit Cards which are intended to maximize the potential of the Plan, and which are mutually beneficial to Company and Bank.  See also Schedule 2.7.

2.8                 Ownership of Accounts and Information. (a) The parties recognize that Cardholders are Customers, and that each of Bank and Company has certain ownership rights in information relating to such individuals in their respective roles as Cardholders and Customers.  The parties acknowledge that the same or similar information may be contained in the Bank Cardholder Information (defined below) and the Company Customer Information (defined below); such common information being referred to herein as “Common Information”.  Each such pool of data shall therefore be considered separate information subject to the specific provisions applicable to that data hereunder.  For example, in subsection (b) below Bank is authorized to use Company Customer Information only for certain limited purposes.  Presume such information included names of both Customers who were Cardholders and non-Cardholder Customers. The names of those who were both Customers and Cardholders would be Common Information. So, Bank would not be limited by the terms of subsection (b) as to such names. However, the names of non-Cardholder Customers would not be Common Information, and thus would be subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (b). Likewise, though subsection (c) below limits what Company can do with Bank Cardholder Information, such limitations do not apply to that portion of Bank Cardholder Information that is comprised of Common Information.

(b)           The Customer’s names, phone numbers, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses, if applicable, and other Customer information collected by Company independent of Bank and set forth in Company’s records, including Company’s Transaction Record information, shall be the exclusive property of Company; such information and Company’s Common Information shall be referred to collectively as “Company Customer Information”.  Company Customer Information might or might not be comprised exclusively of Company’s Consumer Personal Information. As reasonably requested by Bank, Company shall provide the names, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses of Customers for whom Company has such information to Bank, to be used by Bank only for purposes of (i) evaluating such Customer’s creditworthiness, (ii) soliciting such Customers for Credit Cards, and (iii) administering the Plan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and Applicable Law. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, Company’s privacy and security policies shall authorize Company to disclose such information to Bank.  Additionally, all Transaction Record information originated by Company shall be sent to Bank for daily processing.  Bank shall protect the confidentiality of such information as set forth in Section 10.17 and shall not use or

 
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disclose such Company Customer Information without prior written consent from Company except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement.

(c)            (i) The Accounts and all information related thereto set forth in Bank’s records, including without limitation the information listed in Schedule 2.8, the information obtained through applications, the receivables, names, addresses, and credit Account information of Cardholders shall be the exclusive property of Bank during the Term, and thereafter (unless the Accounts are purchased by Company or its designee pursuant to Section 9.5). Such information and Bank’s Common Information shall be referred to collectively as “Bank Cardholder Information”. Bank Cardholder Information might or might not be comprised exclusively of Bank’s Consumer Personal Information.  Bank agrees that during the Term and in the event Company purchases the Portfolio pursuant to Schedule 9.5, Bank shall not (i) sell or disclose to third parties the Cardholder List, nor (ii) use such Cardholder List for the purpose of marketing or soliciting to the Cardholders, except as expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement and/or in connection with Bank’s administration and servicing of the Plan.

 
(ii)           To the extent permitted by Applicable Law and Bank’s privacy and security policies, Bank shall provide to Company (A) one (1) monthly master file extract, initially containing the information set forth on Schedule 2.8 with such changes as the parties may mutually agree from time to time, and (B) any other Bank Cardholder Information as agreed to by Company and Bank.  Company may use such information in connection with maintaining and servicing the Accounts; furthermore, Company may use it to market to the Cardholders its Goods and/or Services, its business in general or any CHRS Business engaged in Cross Shopping, but in any event only as permitted by Applicable Law. Company may share the same with CHRS to the extent permitted by Applicable Law. The parties recognize that Company’s efforts related to such approved purposes might necessitate disclosure of Bank Cardholder Information to Company’s vendors and contractors.  Such disclosure shall be permitted, provided the third-parties agree in writing to use the information only for the aforementioned approved purposes and to protect the confidentiality of such information as set forth in Section 10.17.  Except as so provided, unless Bank consents otherwise in advance and in writing, Company shall keep such Bank Cardholder Information which is not Common Information confidential as set forth in Section 10.17, and shall not disclose such information to any third-party nor sell, lease, or otherwise transfer such information to any third-party.

2.9           Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services.  (a) Company and Bank agree that Bank will have the exclusive right but, except as set forth herein, not the obligation to make available to Cardholders various types of debt cancellation and credit related protection programs (collectively referred to herein as “Protection Programs”) offered by Bank.  Bank may but is not obligated to offer such Protection Programs through direct marketing channels including but not limited to telemarketing, call transfer, inbound customer service call offers, call to confirm programs, IVR, eCS, and EBPP.  Bank also has the right but not the obligation to make written offers for Protection Programs through Billing Statement bangtails and inserts Billing Statement messaging, and direct mail.  The fees for Protection Programs will be charged to the

 
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applicable Cardholder’s Account.  Company will assist Bank’s effort to offer Protection Programs in accordance with the mutually agreed promotional efforts so long as such assistance will not require Company to incur any direct expense or cost. Company will continue to support Protection Programs consistent with the support provided by Company prior to the Effective Date.  In the event Company purchases the Portfolio in connection with a termination of this Agreement, to the extent lawfully permitted, Bank shall, at Company’s request, transfer the Protection Programs (and all Cardholder contracts associated therewith) to Company (or its designee) as part of the acquisition and at no additional cost to Company (provided that Bank shall not transfer rights to use its trade names for such Protection Programs in connection therewith and Company shall rebrand such Protection Programs upon acquisition thereof).  In the event Company does not request the transfer of such Protection Programs, Bank shall have the right but not the obligation to immediately terminate any Protection Programs if and when either party:  (i) terminates this Agreement, (ii) notifies the other party of an intent to terminate or that the notifying party has already terminated this Agreement, or (iii) notifies the other of an intent to allow this Agreement to expire.

(b)           Company and Bank agree that, subject to Section 2.9(c), and except for Company’s Third Party Vendor Products as set forth in Section 2.9(d), Bank will have the exclusive right but not the obligation to make available to Cardholders, through solicitations made in connection with their Accounts, various types of products and services other than Protection Programs subject to Company’s prior written consent.  Such other products and services shall be referred to collectively herein as “Enhancement Marketing Services”. Such Enhancement Marketing Services include, but are not limited to, travel clubs, legal services, and merchandise products.  Bank may but is not obligated to offer Enhancement Marketing Services through direct marketing channels including but not limited to telemarketing, call transfer, inbound customer service call offers, call to confirm programs, IVR, ECS, and EBPP.  Subject to Company’s written consent, Bank also has the right, but not the obligation, to make written offers through Billing Statement bangtails and inserts, Billing Statement messaging, and direct mail. Bank will notify Company of proposed offers and obtain Company’s prior written consent prior to execution.  The charges for Enhancement Marketing Services will be billed to the applicable Cardholder’s Account.  Bank shall have the right but not the obligation to immediately terminate any Enhancement Marketing Services if and when either party:  (i) terminates this Agreement, (ii) notifies the other party of an intent to terminate or that the notifying party has already terminated this Agreement, or (iii) notifies the other of an intent to allow this Agreement to expire.

(c)           See Schedule 2.9 (c).

(d)           Subject to the provisions of this Subsection 2.9 (d) and its corresponding Schedule, and notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.9 (b), Company may make available to Cardholders through Billing Statement inserts, EBPP direct mail programs and telemarketing non-financial products and services and, with the consent of Bank, other products and services, from Company’s or its Affiliates’ third party vendors (“Company Third Party Vendor Products”).  By way of clarification, the parties agree that no product or service that is a competing debt cancellation or other credit related

 
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protection program competitive with a Protection Program can be a Company Third Party Vendor Product without the consent of Bank.  The fees for Company Third Party Vendor Products will be charged to the applicable Cardholder’s Account.  “Company Third-Party Vendor” shall mean a vendor with whom Company or its Affiliate has from time to time contracted to sell products and services that are not Goods and/or Services.  With regard to any Company Third Party Vendor Product for which Company desires an Account to be an accepted form of tender, Company and the applicable Company Third-Party Vendor shall enter into separate written agreement with Bank, as described in greater detail in Schedule 2.9 (d).

2.10           Ownership and Licensing of the Parties Marks.  (a)  Bank recognizes that Company is the sole owner of the Company Marks, that Bank has no rights of ownership or license therein (except as provided herein), and that Bank is not entitled to (and shall not) use the Company Marks other than as explicitly and specifically provided in this Agreement or as required by Applicable Law.  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants to Bank a non-exclusive (except as to branded credit account and card plans per Section 3.10), non-transferable revocable license to use the Company Marks solely in satisfaction of its duties, rights and obligations described in and pursuant to this Agreement, including using same in any and all promotional materials, Account documentation, advertising, websites, marketing, and solicitations related to the Plan, during the Term.  Bank shall use the trademark designations “®” or “TM” or such other designation as Company may specify or approve in connection with the Company Marks on the Credit Cards, Account documentation and promotional materials.  Bank shall comply with all branding guidelines established by Company with respect to the Company Marks from time to time including, without limitation, as to typestyle, fonts and colors.  Bank agrees that it will not bid for the names “Charming Shoppes”, or any Company Mark, or any common misspelling or confusingly similar name, word or phrase, of any of the foregoing, or on any other intellectual property held by Company, CHRS or an affiliate of Company or CHRS, on any pay-for-placement search engine, or shopping engine, without the prior consent of Company.

(b)           Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) Company shall retain all rights (including without limitation, all intellectual property rights) in and to the Company Marks, and all goodwill and intangibles associated with the use of Company Marks (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) shall inure to the benefit of Company; (ii) Company shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to prohibit the use of any Company Marks in any Forms (except with respect to Bank’s right to use Company Marks solely in connection with the administration and collection of the balance due on the Accounts), advertisements or other materials or references proposed to be used by Bank which Company deems objectionable or improper; (iii) Bank shall cease all use of Company Marks upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason unless Bank retains the Accounts after termination of the Agreement, in which case, Bank may use Company Marks solely in connection with the administration and collection of the balance due on the Accounts.


 
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(c)           Company recognizes that Bank is the sole owner of the Bank Marks, that Company has no rights of ownership or license therein, and that Company is not entitled to (and shall not) use the Bank Marks other than as explicitly and specifically provided in this Agreement. As a point of clarification, Bank has and retains all rights in and to Bank Marks and the use thereof, and all goodwill associated with the use of Bank Marks (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) shall inure to the benefit of Bank.  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, Bank hereby grants to Company a non-exclusive, non-transferable revocable license to use the Bank Marks solely in satisfaction of its duties, rights and obligations described in and pursuant to this Agreement, including using same in any and all promotional materials, Account documentation, advertising, websites, marketing, and solicitations related to the Plan, during the Term.  Bank shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to prohibit the use of any Bank Marks in any Plan Documents, advertisements, or other materials or references proposed to be used by Company which Bank in its reasonable business judgment deems objectionable or improper.  Company shall cease all use of Bank Marks upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason unless Company purchases the Accounts upon termination in which event Company shall have the right to utilize the Bank Marks solely as necessary to administer and collect the Accounts during a reasonable transition period as mutually agreed to by the parties in writing

2.11           Cardholder Loyalty Program. (a) If Company chooses to own and operate a loyalty program for Cardholders (a “Loyalty Program”), Company will be responsible for determining its rules, funding the rewards related to it (unless otherwise agreed by Bank), and ensuring compliance with all Applicable Laws as related solely to such Loyalty Program as distinguished from the operation of the Credit Cards in general). Bank shall support such Loyalty Program on terms mutually agreed by the parties.   Company will be entitled to all revenue from the Loyalty Program. Company will provide Bank with reasonable notice of any changes to the Loyalty Program. Commencing on the Plan Commencement Date Bank shall make available through the TSYS’ services the loyalty program services supported by TSYS for the Purchased Accounts prior to the Plan Commencement Date. Bank acknowledges and agrees that as of the TSYS Transition, Bank shall support the Loyalty Program set forth on Schedule 2.11 (b) hereto.

(b)           Upon request by Company, and to the extent available, Bank will provide Company with certain system functionality tied to the Accounts to support the Loyalty Program, for matters such as recording the accumulation of loyalty points, tracking, lookup/reporting, and redemption where a coupon is part of the Billing Statement.  Any such system functionality provided by Bank shall be at no additional charge to Company, to the extent the Loyalty Program: (i) is compatible with Bank’s existing or future functionality offered to other Bank clients; (ii) is facilitated using monthly Billing Statements to active Accounts; (iii) does not require Bank to incur additional internal or external expense; and (iv) does not include stand-alone mailings.  Otherwise, such functionality if available shall be provided pursuant to terms (including fees to Bank) mutually agreed to by the parties. For example, Bank will at Company’s expense (which expense shall be Bank’s then current actual costs), support stand-alone Cardholder mailings and zero-balance Billing Statements associated with the Loyalty Program.

 
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Bank acknowledges that the system functionality and information included or required to support the existing Loyalty Program described on Schedule 2.11 (b) shall be provided by Bank at no charge to Company.

SECTION 3.  OPERATION OF THE PLAN

3.1           Honoring Credit Cards.  Company agrees that Company will honor any Credit Card and/or Account properly issued and currently authorized by Bank under the Plan.  In addition, as of the Effective Date, and subject to Schedule 3.1, there will be Cross Shopping between and among the CHRS Businesses, meaning Company will accept for payment all CHRS Business Cards properly issued and currently authorized by Bank. Furthermore, Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Operating Procedures, deliver to Bank all Transaction Records evidencing transactions made under the Plan.  Nothing herein shall require or permit Company to accept or honor any credit card of Bank other than a Credit Card issued hereunder or a CHRS Business Card.

3.2           Cardholder Disputes Regarding Accounts, and Goods and/or Services.  (a) Company shall promptly notify Bank regarding any Cardholder dispute regarding an Account upon Company being made aware of such dispute.  This includes but is not limited to claims related to outstanding balances, Bank reports to credit bureaus, finance charges, fees, and collection efforts (e.g., notification to the Company that the Cardholder has filed bankruptcy or wants collection communications directed to legal counsel, etc.).

(b) Company shall act in a commercially reasonable manner to investigate and work to resolve disputes with Cardholders regarding Goods and/or Services obtained through Company pursuant to the Plan.  Company shall timely process credits or refunds for Cardholders utilizing the Plan as determined by Company in its reasonable discretion and in accordance with Applicable Law.

3.3           No Special Agreements.  Company will not extract any special agreement, condition, fee, or security from Cardholders in connection with their use of a Credit Card, unless approved in advance by Bank in writing.

3.4           Cardholder Disputes Regarding Violations of Applicable Law.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Bank in further investigating and using its reasonable efforts to help resolve any Applicant or Cardholder claim, dispute, or defense which may be asserted under Applicable Law.

3.5           Payment to Company; Ownership of Accounts; Fees; Accounting.  (a) Company shall electronically transmit all Transaction Records (from its main offices and/or its Sales Channels) to Bank within a reasonable period of time and in a format reasonably acceptable to Bank. Upon receipt, Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly verify and process such Transaction Records and, in the time frames specified herein, Bank will remit to Company an amount equal to the Net Proceeds indicated by such Transaction Records for the Credit Sales Day(s) for which such

 
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remittance is made.  Bank will transfer funds electronically via immediately available funds (the “Transfer”) to an account designated in writing by Company to Bank (the “Company Deposit Account”) as follows. If Transaction Records are received by Bank’s processing center before 10 a.m. Eastern time on a Business Day, Bank will initiate the Transfer on the next Business Day thereafter.  In the event that the Transaction Records are received on a non-Business Day or after 10 a.m. Eastern time on a Business Day, then Bank will initiate the Transfer no later than the second Business Day thereafter.  The term “initiate” shall mean that Bank shall transmit the Transfer file to Bank’s financial institution for settlement on the same Business Day. See also the provisions of Schedule 3.5 (a).

 
(b)           Bank shall own all the Accounts under the Plan from the time of establishment (or time of purchase as to the Purchased Accounts), and except as otherwise provided herein, Company shall not have any right to any indebtedness on an Account or to any Account payment from a Cardholder arising out of or in connection with any Purchases under the Plan and shall not have any obligations to Cardholders for Account credit balances.  Effective upon the delivery of each Charge Slip by Company to Bank and payment to Company by Bank pursuant to Section 3.5 (a), Company shall be deemed to have transferred, conveyed, assigned and surrendered to Bank all right, title or interest in all such Charge Slips and in all other rights and writings evidencing such Purchases, if any.

(c)           All Transaction Records are subject to review and acceptance by Bank (it being agreed that Transaction Records obtained and submitted in accordance with this Agreement and the Operating Procedures shall be accepted by Bank).  In the event of a computational or similar error of an accounting or record keeping nature with respect to such Transaction Records, Bank may credit to the Company’s Deposit Account or net against the Net Proceeds (as the case may be) the proper amount as corrected. If the Net Proceeds are insufficient, Company shall remit the proper amount to Bank promptly following written demand.  Upon any such correction, Bank shall give Company prompt notice of same, including details of the discrepancy and correction and reasonable supporting documentation and Company shall have the right to dispute such correction.

(d)           The Credit Card Agreement shall include the Rates and Fees as are set forth in Schedule 3.5(d).  In connection with its servicing of the Accounts, Bank may make changes to the Credit Card Agreement on an individual Account by Account basis and without notice to Company provided the same are consistent with Applicable Law and Bank’s Operating Procedures.  On other than an Account by Account basis, Bank may make non-Rates and Fees changes at any time as required by Applicable Law, but must provide written notice of same to Company as is reasonable under the circumstances and the same must be in accordance with Applicable Law.  Bank may make changes to the Rates and Fees as specified in Schedule 3.5(d).  See Schedule 3.5(d).


 
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(e)           Company shall obtain and maintain at its own expense such Point of Sale terminals, cash registers, network (electronic communication interchange system), telephone or other communication lines, software, hardware and other items of equipment (collectively, “Systems”) as are necessary for it to request and receive authorizations, transmit Charge Slip and Credit Slip information, process applications and perform its obligations under this Agreement.  The computer programs and telecommunications protocols necessary to facilitate communications between Bank and Company (and/or Bank and specific Sales Channels, if applicable) shall be determined by Bank from time to time, subject to reasonable prior notice of any change in such programs, equipment or protocols and discussion of such changes in the Operating Committee; provided, however, that Company shall not be required to make such changes unless (i) the same are in compliance with industry-standard communications systems protocols (the standards as of the Effective Date being ISO and XML for Web services); or (ii) substantially all other Bank Clients using the same type of protocols are required to comply with such changes.

(f)           Company shall be responsible for ensuring that all Promotional Program Purchases are properly designated as such on the Transaction Record in accordance with the Operating Procedures.

(g)           Bank may, if Company fails to pay Bank any amounts due to Bank pursuant to this Agreement for more than thirty (30) days after the due date, offset such amounts in the Net Proceeds calculation or any other amounts owed by Bank to Company under this Agreement. In addition to its other remedies set forth herein for failure to pay, Company may, if Bank fails to pay Company any amounts due to Company pursuant to this Agreement for more than thirty (30) days after the due date, offset such amounts against the any other amounts owed by Company to Bank under this Agreement.

3.6           Bank Mailings; Insertion of Company’s Promotional Materials.  Envelope space (including bangtail) for Billing Statements and Credit Card mailers shall be allocated as follows:

(a)           “Priority Materials”, defined as: legally required material (including privacy notices, legal disclosures and Cardholder notices), Billing Statements, new Credit Card mailers, Credit Card Agreement and any other non-marketing notices sent by Bank (such as buck slips encouraging Cardholders to register for eCS or paperless services); then

(b)           During each Plan month, Bank shall have the right to use one (1) bangtail (weighing up to .14 ounces, including the return mail envelope the bangtail is attached to, for mail delivery) for Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services.  However, if Bank does not use such space in any given Plan month Company shall have the right to use such space; and

 

 
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(c)           Company’s promotional materials (including materials promoting Goods and Services and Company Third Party Vendor Products, however, if Company does not use such space in any given Plan month Bank shall have the right to use such space for approved Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services), subject to the following terms:

At Company’s request, Bank will include with the Billing Statements and new Credit Card mailers Company promotional materials provided by Company (and at Company’s expense), so long as the materials:  (i) are provided to Bank at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled mailing date of such statements or notices (provided that Company may three (3) times per Plan Year deliver such inserts only twenty (20) days in advance (provided Company provides notice of such shortened delivery period at least thirty (30) days in advance of the scheduled mailing date); and Bank further agrees that it shall use commercially reasonable efforts to meet Company’s other reasonable requests from time to time during the Plan Year for twenty (20) day insertion times) and pursuant to an insert schedule that Company provided to Bank at least sixty (60) days in advance; (ii) have been approved as to content by Bank (in its reasonable discretion) with respect to any manner of reference to Bank or the Plan; (iii) meet all size, weight, or other specifications for such inserts as shall be reasonably set by Bank from time to time (which are subject to change by Bank on not less than ninety (90) days’ prior written notice unless such change is required by Applicable Law); (iv) would not require the removal (in Bank’s standard envelope) of Priority Materials and/or Bank’s other inserts pursuant to section 3.6(b); and (v) are paid for by Company, along with all additional actual postage costs, if any, caused by Bank’s insertion of such materials. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, Bank must provide Company reasonable advance notice of any such additional postage charge.  Furthermore, Bank shall only insert Company materials (and charge such additional expense to Company) if Company approves such additional postage costs.

Bank reserves the right to disallow any inserts which are in violation of Applicable Law, conflict with any other provision of this Agreement, or whose subject matter is reasonably deemed by Bank to be salacious in nature (it being agreed that Company’s promotion of any of its Goods and Services as sold in its Sales Channels as of the Effective Date (such as lingerie) shall not be deemed salacious).

3.7           Payments.  Company hereby authorizes Bank, or any of its employees or agents, to endorse “World Financial Network National Bank” upon all or any checks, drafts, money orders or other evidence of payment, made payable to Company and intended as payment on an Account, that may come into Bank’s possession from Cardholders and to credit said payment against the appropriate Cardholder’s Account.  Company further agrees that if Company is permitted by Bank to receive any payments made with respect to the Plan, such payments will be accepted only at Company locations approved by Bank in advance and in writing, it being agreed that as of the date of this Agreement, all existing store locations of Company are approved locations. Furthermore, Company will receive such payment in trust on Bank’s behalf and will within one (1) Business Day after receipt include the amount of such payment in the Transaction Records sent to Bank pursuant to this Agreement.  Bank will charge the

 
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amount of such payment against the Company Deposit Account, or, if the Company Deposit Account contains insufficient funds, Company shall remit the amount of such payment, or any unpaid portion thereof, to Bank immediately upon written demand. Payments made by Cardholders at such Bank pre-approved Company locations shall not be deemed received by Bank until Bank receives and accepts the Transaction Records.  Bank has the sole right to receive and retain all payments made with respect to all Accounts and to pursue collection of all amounts outstanding, unless a Purchase is charged back to Company pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.8 and 3.9 hereof (in which event Company and not Bank shall have the right to pursue such collection).  Company shall promptly comply with any written instruction by Bank or any successor to Bank to cease accepting Account payments and thereafter inform Cardholders who wish to make payments that payments should be made to Bank.

3.8           Chargebacks.  Bank shall have the right to charge back Company the amount of any Purchase, including the unpaid principal balance, applicable sales tax, and any Royalty Payment paid by Bank to Company relating to any such Purchase:

(a)           If and to the extent any Applicant or Cardholder claim, defense, dispute, or basis for non-payment is based on wrongful action or inaction by Company, including but not limited to a: (i) charge for something other than an actual Purchase; or (ii) the Charge Slip related to the Purchase is a duplicate of one already paid and/or the price on it differs from the price on the Cardholder’s unadulterated copy of same; or

(b)           If and to the extent Bank reasonably determines that, with respect to such Purchase or the Account that:  (i) there is a breach of any warranty or representation made by or with respect to Company under this Agreement; (ii) there is a failure by Company to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement, which failure shall not have been cured within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof from Bank, in either such event which breach or failure materially adversely affects Bank’s ability to pursue the Cardholder on account of the Purchase or Account; or

(c)           For any chargeback reason as set forth in the Operating Procedures; or

(d)           For any fraudulent Web Purchases related to Web Applications where approved applicants were provided the option to receive their Account number and available credit line either via e-mail or immediately on-screen.   Company shall have the right to remove the option of approved applicants receiving their Account number and available credit line either via e-mail or immediately on-screen on reasonable prior notice to Bank.

3.9           Exercise of Chargebacks.  With respect to any amounts to be charged back pursuant to Section 3.8, Bank will offset such amount as part of the Net Proceeds to be paid to Company, to the extent the balance thereof is sufficient or, if such balance is not sufficient, Bank may demand payment from Company in immediately available funds for the full or any partial amount of such chargeback.  Upon payment in full of the related amount by Company to Bank, or off-setting, as the case may be, Bank shall transfer to Company, without any representation, warranty or recourse, all of Bank’s right

 
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to payments of such amounts charged back in connection with such Purchase.  Bank will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with Company in any efforts by Company to collect the chargeback amount. Bank will provide Company reasonable supporting documentation relating to such chargeback. Bank may reduce the amount owed by a Cardholder on any Purchase subject to chargeback, but the related chargeback shall then be equal to the reduced (or net) amount owed by the Cardholder.  Company shall not resubmit or re-transmit any charged back Purchase to Bank, without Bank’s prior written consent.

3.10           Non-Competition.  (a) Company shall actively and consistently market, promote, participate in and support the Plan as set forth in this Agreement. Furthermore, except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c) below, Company agrees that, in consideration of and as an inducement for Bank to make the Plan available to Company as provided in this Agreement, during the Term, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement (including, without limitation, with respect to the Plan and Cross-Selling and as provided in subsection (b) below), Company (including its Affiliates) shall not, either on its own or under contract or in concert with any third-party, establish, provide, own, accept or process any (i) “private label” or “co-brand” revolving credit card, (ii) debit card that is  “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; or (iii) other Financial Product.

(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (a) above or elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed to prohibit or prevent Company from accepting (i) any general purpose credit card (including, without limitation, American Express Card, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover) that  is not “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; (ii) any form of general purpose debit card that is not “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; (iii) any fixed payment (installment) credit programs for Applicants declined by Bank; (iv) any gift card, gift check, voucher, coupon or marketing gift card promotion, or (v) in cases where Company is exercising its rights under Schedule 3.12 of this Agreement, solely with respect to the New Business (as defined therein).

(c)           The prohibitions set forth in subsection (a) will not apply: (i) as to a particular state after Bank has terminated the operation of the Plan in such state pursuant to Section 9.4 and Bank shall permit Company to accept in its Sales Channels credit cards issued by the new provider selected by Company for those state(s) where Bank has terminated operation of the Plan; (ii) after termination or expiration of this Agreement; or (iii) with respect to an employee credit card program whereby private label and / or co-brand credit cards are issued by Company’s Affiliate, Spirit of America National Bank, to current Company and / or other CHRS Businesses’ employees (“Employee Program”), provided, however, that if such Employee Program is not implemented by Company prior to the end of the first Plan Year, Company shall be prohibited from operating an Employee Program through the Term.  Additionally, once either party has provided notice to the other that it intends to allow the Agreement to expire, Company may enter into a credit card program agreement with another provider

 
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prior to such expiration of the Agreement, provided that program does not commence and Company shall not accept credit related to such agreement until after this Agreement has terminated or expired.

3.11           Reports.  Bank will deliver to Company the reports set forth in Schedule 3.11, as specified therein.  Bank may provide any additional reports requested by Company upon such terms and conditions (including cost) as are mutually agreed to by the parties, it being agreed that there shall be no charge for additional reports unless and to the extent Bank actually incurs costs associated with such reports beyond the costs associated with the reports set forth on Schedule 3.11.

3.12           See Schedule 3.12.                                           

SECTION 4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY

Company hereby represents and warrants to Bank as follows:

4.1           Organization, Power and Qualification.  Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing and has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.  Company is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in all jurisdictions where located and/or conducting business, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a material adverse effect on Company’s business or Company’s or Bank’s ability to perform as required under this Agreement or operate the Plan.

4.2           Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention.  (a) This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate proceedings (or analogous governing proceedings) of Company. Further, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Company, and is a valid and legally binding agreement of Company and duly enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equity principles).

(b)           No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over Company is required for (nor would the absence of such adversely affect) the legal and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c)           The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Company and the compliance by Company with all provisions of this Agreement:  (i) will not conflict with or violate any Applicable Law; and (ii) provided Bank executes a merchant agreement with Wachovia related to Company’s rights to Net Proceeds on terms mutually agreed between Bank and Wachovia, will not conflict with or result in a breach of or default under any of the terms or provisions of any indenture, loan agreement, or other contract or agreement to which Company is a party (including but not limited to any under which Company is an obligor or by which its property is bound) where such conflict, breach or

 
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default would have a material adverse effect on Company or the Plan, nor will such execution, delivery or compliance violate or result in the violation of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws (or analogous rules of governance) of Company.

4.3           Accuracy of Information.  All factual information furnished by Company to Bank in writing at any time pursuant to any requirement of, or furnished in response to any written request of Bank under this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby has been, and all such factual information hereafter furnished by Company to Bank will be, to Company’s knowledge and belief, true and accurate in every respect material to the transactions contemplated hereby on the date as of which such information was or will be stated or certified.

4.4           Validity of Charge Slips.  (a)  As of the date any Transaction Records are presented to Bank in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, each Charge Slip relating to such Transaction Records shall represent the obligation of a Cardholder in the respective amount set forth therein for Goods sold or Services rendered, together with applicable taxes, if any, and shall not involve any element of credit for any other purpose.

(b)           As of the date any Transaction Records are presented to Bank in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, Company has no knowledge or notice of any fact or matter which would immediately or ultimately impair the validity of any Charge Slip relating to such Transaction Records, the transaction evidenced thereby, or its collectibility.

4.5           Compliance with Law.  Any action taken by Company or inaction (where Company has a duty to act) in connection with the Plan, the Loyalty Program, Bank, and/or the sales of Goods and/or Services shall be in compliance with all Applicable Law, except where the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, does not or will not have a material adverse effect on Company, Bank, or the Plan.  Company’s compliance with Applicable Law includes, but is not limited to, not engaging in: the sale of any illegal goods and/or services, the illegal sale of otherwise legal goods and/or services, and sales in violation of federal and state laws designed to prevent unlawful gambling.

4.6           Company Marks.  Company has the legal right to use and to permit the Bank to use, to the extent set forth herein, Company Marks.

4.7           Intellectual Property Rights.  In the event Company provides any software, hardware, technology or specifications for development to Bank, Company has the legal right to such software, hardware, technology or specifications for development and the right to permit Bank to use such software, hardware, technology or specifications for development, and such use shall not violate any intellectual property rights of any third party.  Any software or other technology developed by Company or its Affiliates (and not developed by Bank), to facilitate the Plan, including but not limited to, software and software modifications developed in response to Bank’s request or to accommodate Bank’s special requirements and all derivative works, will remain the exclusive property

 
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of Company and/or its Affiliates.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to convey a proprietary interest to Bank or any third party in any of the software, hardware, technology or any of the derivative works thereof which are owned or licensed by Company and/or its Affiliates, and Bank shall return to Company all materials containing such intellectual property upon termination of this Agreement.

4.8           Legal Proceedings. There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings which are pending or, to the knowledge of Company, threatened, against Company which would prevent, prohibit or otherwise materially affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 5.  COVENANTS OF COMPANY

Company hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

5.1           Notices of Changes.  Company will promptly notify Bank of any:  (a) change in the name or form of business organization of Company, change in the location of its chief executive office or the location of the office where its records concerning the Plan are kept; (b) merger or consolidation of Company, the sale of a majority of its stock (or other form of ownership) or the sale of a majority of its assets not in the ordinary course of business, or any change in control of Company; (c) material adverse change in its financial condition or operations; (d) the planned opening or closing of any Sales Channels (including individual locations); (e) any change in business practices of Company that would have a material adverse effect on this Agreement or the Plan; or (f) any adverse event which is likely to materially impact Company’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, in each case to the extent Company and CHRS are not prohibited from disclosing such event under Applicable Law.  Company will furnish such additional information with respect to any of the foregoing as Bank may reasonably request, for the purpose of Bank’s evaluating the effect of such change on the financial condition and operations of Company and on the Plan.

5.2           Financial Statements.  Company shall furnish to Bank promptly upon request the following information pertaining to Company (on a consolidated basis if applicable):  (a) a balance sheet as of the close of each fiscal year; (b) a statement of income, retained earnings, and paid-in capital to the close of each fiscal year; (c) a statement of cash flow to the close of each such period; and (d) a copy of the opinion submitted by Company’s independent certified public accountants in connection with such of the financial statements as have been audited; provided, however that as long as Company is a subsidiary of CHRS, and CHRS is publicly traded, Company may satisfy the foregoing requirements by delivering to Bank: (a) copies of CHRS’ quarterly 10-Q filings; (b) copies of CHRS’ annual 10-K filing; and (c) a quarterly statement of operating income (based on CHRS’ fiscal quarter).

5.3           Access Rights.  (a) Subject to (b) below, Company will permit, once per Plan Year unless Bank has reasonable cause to do so more than once, authorized representatives designated by Bank, at Bank’s expense, to visit its facilities and inspect, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, any of the books and records of Company

 
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and/or its Sales Channels pertaining to Applicants, Accounts, Transaction Records and any category of payments owed by one party to the other, and to make copies and take extracts there from, and to discuss the same with its officers and independent public accountants, all at reasonable times during normal business hours.  Company shall provide Bank from time to time such reasonable documentation as Bank may reasonably request to verify Company’s compliance with any other material provision of this Agreement.

(b)           Company’s obligations under (a) shall not be required to the extent that (i) such access is prohibited by Applicable Law, (ii) such records are legally privileged, or (iii) such records are Company planning documents or those of any of its Affiliates, operating budgets, management reviews or employee records.

5.4           Company’s Business.  Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence (or analogous business form) and to comply with all Applicable Laws in connection with its business and the sale of Goods and/or Services, including, but not limited to: (i) compliance with all applicable license requirements related to its business, and (ii) fulfilling its obligations under the Plan.  Company shall provide to Bank, annually, a forecast of the next year in terms of Company’s total sales, number of stores or other locations (including number and location of openings and/or closings), and expansion or contraction of any Sales Channels.

5.5            Insurance.  Company shall maintain, at a minimum, at Company’s own expense, insurance policies with insurers, in such amounts, and against such types of loss and damage, as follows:

(a)           Comprehensive General Liability Insurance or Commercial General Liability Insurance with a Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate with coverage noted for Products and Completed Operations;

(b)           Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance shall be provided as required by law or regulation (statutory requirements). Employer’s Liability insurance shall be provided in amounts not less than $500,000 per accident for bodily injury by accident, $500,000 per employee for bodily injury by disease, and $500,000 policy limit by disease.

5.6           Sales Information.  Company shall furnish to Bank on a quarterly basis (CHRS’ fiscal quarter) a report showing Company’s total sales of Goods and/or Services, categorized by tender type, once Company’s sales information has been made public.

5.7           Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan.  Company shall maintain a commercially reasonable plan designed to mitigate damages resulting from Force Majeure or other causes that would threaten operation of Company’s business and/or loss or exposure of information requiring protection as described in Sections 2.8 and

 
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10.17.  Company agrees to provide a summary of such plan and a summary of its annual test results to Bank upon written request from Bank and to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any material deficiencies set forth in such test results as deemed warranted by Company.

5.8 Compliance with Agreement and Operating Procedures.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its Affiliates, licensees, franchises, officers, directors, associates and agents comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Operating Procedures.

SECTION 6.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BANK

Bank hereby represents and warrants to CHRS and Company as follows:

6.1           Organization, Power and Qualification. Bank is a national banking association duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America and has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.  Bank is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in all jurisdictions where such qualification is necessary for Bank to carry out its obligations under this Agreement.

6.2           Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention.  (a) This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings, has been duly executed and delivered by Bank and is a valid and legally binding agreement of Bank and duly enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equity principles).

(b)           No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over Bank is required for (nor would the absence of such materially adversely affect) the legal and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c)           The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Bank hereunder and the compliance by Bank with all provisions of this Agreement:  (i) will not conflict with or violate any Applicable Law; (ii) will not conflict with or result in a breach of the terms or provisions of any indenture, loan agreement or other contract or agreement to which Bank is a party (including but not limited to any under by which Bank’s property is bound) where such conflict, breach or default would have a material adverse effect on Bank, nor will such execution, delivery or compliance violate or result in the violation of the Charter or By-Laws of Bank.

6.3           Accuracy of Information.  All factual information furnished by Bank to CHRS or Company in writing at any time pursuant to any requirement of, or furnished in response to any written request of CHRS or Company under this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby has been, and all such factual information hereafter

 
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furnished by Bank to CHRS or Company will be, to Bank’s best knowledge and belief, true and accurate in every respect material to the transactions contemplated hereby on the date as of which such information has or will be stated or certified.

6.4           Compliance with Law.  Any action or inaction taken by Bank (where Bank has a duty to act) in connection with the Plan shall be in compliance with all Applicable Law except where the failure to so comply does not or will not have an adverse effect on the Bank, CHRS, Company or the Plan.

6.5           Intellectual Property Rights.  In the event Bank provides any software or hardware to Company, Bank has the legal right to such software or hardware and the right to permit Company to use such software or hardware, and such use shall not violate any intellectual property rights of any third party.  Any software or other technology developed by Bank or its Affiliates or developed for Bank or its Affiliates at Bank’s expense, to facilitate the Plan, including but not limited to, software and software modifications developed in response to Company’s request or to accommodate Company’s special requirements and all derivative works, regardless of the developer thereof, will remain the exclusive property of Bank and/or its Affiliates.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to convey a proprietary interest to Company or any third party in any of the software, hardware, technology or any of the derivative works thereof which are owned or licensed by Bank and/or its Affiliates, and Company shall return to Bank all materials containing such intellectual property upon termination of this Agreement.

6.6           Legal Proceedings. There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings which are pending or, to the knowledge of Bank, threatened, against Bank which would prevent, prohibit or otherwise materially affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 7.  COVENANTS OF BANK

Bank hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

7.1           Notices of Changes.  Bank will as soon as reasonably possible notify Company of any:  (a) change in the name or form of business organization of Bank, change in the location of its chief executive office or the location of the office where its records concerning the Plan are kept; (b) merger or consolidation of Bank or the sale of a significant portion of its stock or of any substantial amount of its assets not in the ordinary course of business or any change in control of Bank; (c) material adverse change in its financial condition or operations; or (d) any adverse event which is likely to materially impact Bank’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement to the extent Bank and its parent company are not prohibited from disclosing such event under Applicable Law.  Bank will furnish such additional information with respect to any of the foregoing as Company may request for the purpose of evaluating the effect of such transaction on the financial condition and operations of Bank and on the Plan.


 
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7.2           Financial Statement.  Bank shall furnish to Company upon request by Company, and as soon as available, the following information pertaining to Bank (on a consolidated basis with Bank’s parent company, if applicable): (a) a balance sheet as of the close of each fiscal year; (b) a statement of income, retained earnings, and paid-in capital to the close of each fiscal year; (c) a statement of cash flow to the close of each such period and a copy of the opinion submitted by Bank’s parent company or its independent certified public accountants in connection with such of the financial statements as have been audited;  provided, however that as long as Bank is a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“ADSC”), and ADSC is publicly traded, Bank may satisfy the foregoing requirements by delivering to Company: (a) copies of ADSC’s quarterly 10-Q filings; (b) copies of ADSC’s annual 10-K filing; and (c) a quarterly statement of operating income (based on ADSC’s fiscal quarter).

7.3           Access Rights.  Subject to (b) below, Bank will permit, once per Plan Year unless Company has reasonable cause to do so more than one time, authorized representatives designated by Company, at Company’s expense, to visit its facilities and inspect, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, any of Bank’s books and records pertaining to Purchases, Charge Backs, Royalty Fees, and any other category of payments owed by one party to the other, and to make copies and take extracts there from, and to discuss the same with its officers and independent public accountants, all at reasonable times during normal business hours.  Bank shall also permit Company (including without limitation Company’s collections and customer service auditing teams), a total of four times per Plan Year (in the aggregate for all CHRS Businesses for so long as Company remains a CHRS Business), unless Company has reasonable cause to do so more than four times, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, and in a manner which does not disrupt the operations, to visit the offices at which services relating to the Plan are provided, to review the activities of Bank and its subcontractors, to monitor a random sample of Cardholder customer service calls for quality and  to review compliance with the Service Standards.  Bank shall provide Company from time to time such reasonable documentation as Company may reasonably request to verify Bank’s compliance with any other material provision of this Agreement.

(b)           Bank’s obligations under (a) shall not be required to the extent that (i) such access is prohibited by Applicable Law, (ii) such records are legally privileged, (iii) such records are Bank planning documents or those of any of its Affiliates, operating budgets, management reviews or employee records, or (iv) such records relate to other clients of, or credit programs operated by, Bank.

7.4           Bank’s Business.  Bank shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and to comply with all Applicable Laws in connection with its business and the issuance of credit by Bank.


 
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7.5           Insurance.  Bank shall maintain, at a minimum, at Bank’s own expense, insurance policies with insurers, in such amounts, and against such types of loss and damage, as follows: Errors & Omissions/Professional Liability Insurance, in an amount not less than $10,000,000 per claim and annual aggregate, covering all acts, errors, omissions, negligence, and network risks in the performance of services for Company or on behalf of Company hereunder.

7.6           Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan.  Bank shall maintain a commercially reasonable plan designed to mitigate damages resulting from Force Majeure or other causes that would threaten operation of the Plan and Bank’s business and/or loss or exposure of information requiring protection as described in Sections 2.8 and 10.17 and Bank shall annually test such plan.  Bank agrees to provide a summary of such plan and a summary of its annual test results to Company upon written request from Company and to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any material deficiencies set forth in such test results as deemed warranted by Bank.

SECTION 8.  INDEMNIFICATION

8.1           Indemnification Obligations.  (a) Company shall be liable to and shall indemnify and hold harmless Bank and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, subcontractors and their successors and assigns (collectively “Bank Indemnified Parties”) from any and all Losses incurred by them by reason of:  (i) Company’s breach of any representation, warranty or covenant hereunder; (ii) Company’s failure to perform its obligations hereunder; (iii) any damage caused by or related to Goods or Services charged to an Account; (iv) any action or failure to act (where there was a duty to act) by Company related to the Plan and/or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement; (v) Company having caused Losses to third parties, where such third parties have sought recovery from Bank Indemnified Parties; and (vi) Bank’s defending against claims described in (v).  In any case, Company’s liability does not extend to Losses proximately arising from an act or failure to act by Bank Indemnified Parties.

(b)           Bank shall be liable to and shall indemnify and hold harmless Company and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, sub-contractors and their successors and assigns (collectively, “Company Indemnified Parties”) from any and all Losses incurred by reason of:  (i) Bank’s breach of any representation, warranty or covenant hereunder; (ii) Bank’s failure to perform its obligations hereunder; and (iii) any action or failure to act (where there was a duty to act) by Bank and its officers, directors, and employees relating to the Plan and/or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement; (iv)  Bank having caused Losses to third-parties, where such third-parties have sought recovery from Company Indemnified Parties; and (v) Company’s defending against claims described in (iv).  In any case, Bank’s liability does not extend to Losses proximately arising from an act or failure to act by Company Indemnified Parties.


 
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8.2           LIMITATION ON LIABILITY.  (a)  IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THE OTHER PARTY INCURS OR CLAIMS TO HAVE INCURRED ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS LIMITATION SHALL NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO A PARTY’S WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR INTENTIONAL BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT.

(b)           EXCEPT FOR (i) BANK’S OBLIGATION TO PAY NET PROCEEDS, ROYALTY PAYMENTS AND OTHER PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS TO COMPANY; AND (ii) DAMAGES ARISING FROM: (x) THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF BANK; (y) BANK’S BREACH OF SECTIONS 6.4, 6.5 AND / OR 10.17 OF THIS AGREEMENT; ALL OF WHICH SHALL HAVE NO CAP ON LIABILITY, BANK’S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO COMPANY FOR ALL DAMAGES INCURRED BY IT, FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($100,000,000.00).

(c)           EXCEPT FOR (i) COMPANY’S PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS TO BANK UNDER THIS AGREEMENT; AND (ii) DAMAGES ARISING FROM: (x) THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF COMPANY; (y) COMPANY’S BREACH OF SECTIONS 4.5, 4.7 AND / OR 10.17 OF THIS AGREEMENT; ALL OF WHICH SHALL HAVE NO CAP ON LIABILITY, COMPANY’S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO BANK FOR ALL DAMAGES IT INCURS, FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($100,000,000.00).

8.3           NO WARRANTIES.  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING IN ALL SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS ATTACHED HERETO), THERE ARE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, RESPECTING THE SERVICES AND/OR OTHER PRODUCTS SOLD OR PROVIDED BY BANK PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT.

8.4           Notification of Indemnification; Conduct of Defense.  (a) The indemnified party shall notify the indemnifying party in writing of the nature of any claim for indemnification within a reasonable time after the assertion thereof, however, failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have under this Agreement, except to the extent that the indemnifying party’s right to defend the matter is materially and irrevocably prejudiced by such failure to give prompt notice.

(b)           The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of any suit brought against the indemnified party which gives rise to a claim against the indemnifying party.  Alternatively, the indemnified party may elect to assume defense of such claim, but must do so within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the claim.  However, if the indemnifying party so elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the indemnifying party  and approved by the indemnified party (or the person or persons so indemnified, who are the defendant or defendants in any suit so brought), which approval shall not be

 
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unreasonably withheld.  Once the indemnifying party has retained counsel approved by the indemnifying party, the indemnified party (or the person or persons so indemnified who are the defendant or defendants in the suit), shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel it chooses to retain.

SECTION 9.  TERM, EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION

9.1           Term and Expiration.  Upon execution by authorized representatives of both parties, and unless  terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Date, remain in effect for ten (10) years from the Plan Commencement Date (the “Initial Term”), and automatically renew for successive eighteen (18) month terms (each a “Renewal Term”) thereafter, unless (i) either party provides the other with at least twelve (12) months’ written notice of its intention not to renew this Agreement beyond the expiration of the Initial or then current Renewal Term.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Plan Commencement Date does not occur on or before January 30, 2010, either party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other on or before March 15, 2010; provided, the party seeking to terminate this Agreement is not in breach of its obligations hereunder.

9.2           Termination with Cause by Bank; Bank Termination Events.  Any of the following conditions or events shall constitute a “Bank Termination Event” hereunder, and Bank may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Company designating the occurrence of such Bank Termination Event and the expiration of the applicable cure period, if any, designated below (provided, however, that Bank agrees upon request of Company to continue to authorize and process Purchases for up to ninety (90) days after such termination and to settle with Company with respect to the Transaction Records submitted by Company pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3.5 except such settlement by Bank shall be within three (3) Business Days after submission of the Transaction Records by Company, and provided further that during such ninety (90) day period Bank shall not be required to perform any activities which would render Bank to be out of compliance with Applicable Law or cause Bank to operate in an unsafe and/or unsound manner) and, immediately after such termination becomes effective, Company shall have the obligation to purchase the Portfolio (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5):

(a)           If Company shall:  (i) generally not pay its debts as they become due; (ii) file, or consent by answer or otherwise to the filing against it, of a petition for relief, reorganization or arrangement or any other petition in bankruptcy, for liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction; (iii) make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) consent to the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers of itself or of any substantial part of its property; (v) be adjudicated insolvent or be liquidated; or (vi) take corporate action for the purpose of any of the foregoing and such event shall materially adversely affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement or the Plan; or


 
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(b)           If a court or government authority of competent jurisdiction shall enter an order appointing, without consent by Company, a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to it or with respect to any substantial part of its property, or if an order for relief shall be entered in any case or proceeding for liquidation or reorganization or otherwise to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding up or liquidation of Company, or if any petition for any such relief shall be filed against Company and, in any such event such order or petition shall not be dismissed within ninety (90) days; or

(c)           (i) if Company shall have failed to pay Bank any payment due under this Agreement and Company fails to remedy such default within ten (10) calendar days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Company from Bank, or (ii) if Company shall materially default in the performance of or compliance with any material term or violates any of the material covenants, representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement in any material respect and Company shall not have remedied such default (or removed the materiality thereof) within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof shall have been received by Company from Bank; or

(d)           If, at the end of any Plan Year the volume of Goods and/or Services sold by Company has dropped by more than forty percent (40%) (as measured by relative annual sales volume of Goods and/or Services in the prior Plan Year); or

(e)           If at any time Company eliminates or ceases operations of Sales Channels which, at that time, account for more than forty percent (40%) of Company’s sales volume (or announces or notifies Bank of an intent or anticipation of to perform either such action); provided, further that the Company may propose to the Bank any elimination or ceasing of operations of Sales Channels prior to the implementation of such elimination or ceasing operation and submit the same for approval under the procedures of the Operating Committee, and if approved by the Operating Committee the Bank shall not have the right to designate a Bank Termination Event in respect of such change under this Section 9.2 (e); or

(f)           If either the Parent Agreement or the Purchase Agreement have not been executed and delivered by the parties thereto within ten (10) Business Days after the Effective Date; or

(g)           As set forth in Schedule 9.2; or

(h)           If Company shall receive an adverse opinion by its auditors or accountants as to its viability as a going concern and Bank notifies Company and requests to discuss the materiality and effects of such opinion with Company; then (i) if Company does not promptly respond to Bank’s request or (ii) if, after such discussion, Bank, in its reasonable discretion, determines that such opinion shall materially adversely affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement.


 
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9.3           Termination with Cause by Company; Company Termination Events.  Any of the following conditions or events shall constitute a “Company Termination Event” hereunder, and Company may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice by Company to Bank designating the occurrence of such Company Termination Event and the expiration of the applicable cure period, if any, designated below (provided, however, that Bank agrees upon request of Company to continue to authorize and process Purchases for up to ninety (90) days  (or such greater period as is set forth in Schedule 9.5 in the event Company is proceeding to purchase the Portfolio) after such termination and to settle with Company with respect to the Transaction Records submitted by Company pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3.5, provided that during such ninety (90) day period (or longer period as set forth above) Bank shall not be required to perform any activities which would render Bank to be out of compliance with Applicable Law or cause Bank to operate in an unsafe and/or unsound manner) and, immediately after such termination becomes effective, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Company shall have the option, but not the obligation, to purchase the Portfolio (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5):

(a)           If Bank (or Bank’s parent company) shall:  (i) generally not be paying its debts as they become due; (ii) file or consent by answer or otherwise to the filing against it, of a petition for relief, reorganization or arrangement or any other petition in bankruptcy, for liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction; (iii) make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) consent to the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers for itself or of any substantial part of its property; (v) be adjudicated insolvent or be liquidated; or (vi) take corporate action for the purpose of any of the foregoing and such event shall materially adversely affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement or the Plan; or

(b)           If a court or government authority of competent jurisdiction shall enter an order appointing, without consent by Bank, a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to it or with respect to any substantial part of its property, or if an order for relief shall be entered in any case or proceeding for liquidation or reorganization or otherwise to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding up or liquidation of Bank, or if any petition for any such relief shall be filed against Bank and, in any such event such order or petition shall not be dismissed within ninety (90) days; or

(c)           (i) if Bank shall have failed to pay Company the Net Proceeds due under this Agreement and Bank fails to remedy such default within three (3) calendar days after the date payment is due to Company pursuant to Section 3.5 (a), or (ii) if Bank shall have failed to pay Company any other payment due under this Agreement and Bank fails to remedy such default within ten (10) calendar days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Bank from Company, or (iii) except with respect to the Service Standards, if Bank shall materially default in the performance of or compliance with any material term or violates any of the material covenants, representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement in any material

 
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respect and Bank shall not have remedied such default (or removed the materiality thereof) within thirty (30) days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Bank from Company; or

(d)           If either the Parent Agreement or the Purchase Agreement have not been executed and delivered by the parties thereto within ten (10) Business Days after the Effective Date; or

(e)           The circumstances described in the last sentence of Section 9.4 shall occur; or
 
             (f)        As set forth in Schedule 9.3; or
 
            (g)        If Bank shall receive an adverse opinion by its auditors or accountants as to its viability as a going concern and Company notifies Bank and requests to discuss the materiality and effects of such opinion with Bank; then (i) if Bank does not promptly respond to Company’s request or (ii) if, after such discussion, Company, in its reasonable discretion, determines that such opinion shall materially adversely affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement.

 
9.4           Termination of Particular State.  If the Applicable Law of a particular state or jurisdiction is amended or interpreted in such a manner so as to render all or any material part of the Plan unenforceable, or all or any part of the Plan illegal, Bank will, if requested, assist Company with finding a new credit provider for such state or jurisdiction.  In addition, if the Plan is rendered illegal or unenforceable as described in the preceding sentence in states which comprise, in the aggregate, more than forty percent (40%) of Company’s annual Net Sales, Company may terminate this Agreement upon not less than ninety (90) days’ written notice to Bank, and immediately after such termination becomes effective, Company shall have the obligation to purchase the Accounts (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5).

9.5           Purchase of Accounts.  See Schedule 9.5.

9.6           Effect of Termination.  All solicitations, marketing and advertising of the Plan, other than acceptance of applications through Sales Channels in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, shall cease upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, except as the parties may otherwise mutually agree, provided that (i) the parties shall continue to operate the Plan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and service the Accounts in good faith and in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, subject to the terms of this Agreement, until the provisions of Schedule 9.5 are satisfied, if applicable and (ii) in the event Company is proceeding to purchase the Portfolio as set forth in Schedule 9.5, Company shall be entitled at its sole cost and expense and subject to Bank’s review of all marketing and advertising (in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.4(c)) to continue to market and advertise the Plan during the period between termination and transfer of the Plan. The parties shall cooperate to ensure the orderly wind-down or transfer of the Plan, as applicable.


 
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9.7           Termination Assistance Services.

If Company or its designee purchases the Portfolio, Bank will:

(a) Upon the request of Company provide commercially reasonable termination assistance services as are consistent with industry practices in order to efficiently transfer the Portfolio and minimize any adverse impact on the Portfolio.  Such services shall be set forth in writing in the Portfolio purchase agreement.

(b)           Upon termination or expiration of the Plan for any reason and until the date that is ninety (90) days after Bank ceases to provide any services under this Agreement, Company shall have the right to offer employment to employees of Bank and any of Bank’s Affiliates that perform all or substantially all of their work for Bank or its Affiliates in connection with the Plan.

SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS

10.1           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including its schedules, exhibits and addenda which are incorporated herein) and the Operating Procedures constitutes the entire Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and merges all prior discussions between them.

10.2           Coordination of Public Statements.  Except as required by Applicable Law, including, without limitation, any SEC filings reasonably deemed by a party to be required (in which case the party making such filing will provide notice thereof to the other, in advance whenever possible), neither party will make any public announcement of the Plan or provide any information concerning the Plan to any representative of any news, trade or other media without the prior consent of the other party.  Neither party will respond to any inquiry from any public or governmental authority, except as required by Applicable Law, concerning the Plan without prior consultation and coordination with the other party.

10.3           Amendment.  Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the provisions herein may be modified only upon the mutual agreement of the parties, however, no such modification shall be effective until reduced to writing and executed by both parties.

10.4           Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement and all obligations and rights arising hereunder shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, transferees and assigns.  Bank may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement solely as follows: (i) with the prior written consent of Company in its sole discretion; or (ii) without Company’s consent, but to an Affiliate; or (iii) without Company’s consent, but as part of an assignment of substantially all of Bank’s credit card programs.  Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without Bank’s consent but with notice thereof to Bank as soon as

 
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reasonably possible.  Further, in the event that CHRS sells Company or substantially all of the assets of Company, Company shall be obligated to assign this Agreement to the purchaser thereof.

10.5           Waiver.  No waiver of the provisions hereto shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged with such waiver.  No waiver shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in respect of any subsequent breach or default either of similar or different nature unless expressly so stated in writing.  No failure or delay on the part of either party in exercising any power or right under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver, nor does any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude any other or further exercise, or the exercise of any other power or right.

10.6            Severability.  If any of the provisions or parts of the Agreement are determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable statute or rule of law, such provisions or parts shall be deemed omitted without affecting any other provisions or parts of the Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect, unless the declaration of the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of such provision or provisions substantially frustrates the continued performance by, or entitlement to benefits of, either party, in which case this Agreement may be terminated by the affected party, without penalty.

10.7           Notices.  All communications and notices pursuant hereto to either party shall be in writing and addressed or delivered to it at its address shown below, or at such other address as may be designated by it by notice to the other party, and shall be deemed given when delivered by hand, or two (2) Business Days after being mailed (with postage prepaid) or when received by receipted courier service:

If to Bank:
World Financial Network National Bank
3100 Easton Square Place
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Attn.: President
 
With a Copy to:
Attn.:  General Counsel
If to Company:
c/o Lane Bryant, Inc.
450 Winks Lane,
Bensalem PA, 19020
Attn.:  President
 
With a Copy to:
ATTN:  General Counsel

10.8           Captions and Cross-References.  The table of contents and various captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.  References in this Agreement to any Section are to such Section of this Agreement.

10.9           GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO, REGARDLESS OF THE DICTATES OF OHIO CONFLICTS OF LAW.

10.10           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be taken together as one agreement.

 
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10.11           Force Majeure.   Neither party will be responsible for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, and not due to the fault or negligence of such party (such fault or negligence including, without limitation, (i) the failure of a party to maintain commercially reasonable precautions against such event and (ii) the failure of a party to maintain commercially reasonable procedures to mitigate against the effect of any such event [such as, but not limited to, redundant systems and manual procedures]).  Subject to the foregoing restrictions, force majeure events may include, but are not limited to, acts of God, flood, criminal acts, fire, riot, computer viruses or hackers, in each event where such party has utilized commercially reasonable means to anticipate and prevent the same, accident, strikes or work stoppage, embargo, sabotage, terrorism, inability to obtain material, government action (including any laws, ordinances, regulations or the like which restrict or prohibit the providing of the services contemplated by this Agreement), and other similar causes whether or not of the same class or kind as specifically named above in each event where such party has utilized commercially reasonable means to anticipate and prevent the same.  In the event a party is unable to perform substantially for any of the reasons described in this Section, it will notify the other party promptly of its inability so to perform, and if the inability continues for at least ninety (90) consecutive calendar days (ten (10) calendar days in the cases of credit authorizations, processing of new Accounts and payment obligations and thirty (30) calendar days in the event such failure to timely perform otherwise results in a material adverse effect on the other party), the party so notified may then terminate this Agreement forthwith.  The party unable to perform shall use its best efforts to avoid or remove such circumstance and such party unable to perform shall use its best efforts to mitigate the effects of such event and continue performance hereunder with the utmost dispatch both during the continuance of such event and whenever such causes are removed.  The foregoing shall not limit or excuse a party’s payment obligations under this Agreement, provided that the parties acknowledge that, subject to the foregoing restrictions and obligations and the provisions of Schedule 3.5(a), the timing of such payment obligations may be disrupted due to a force majeure event.

10.12           Relationship of Parties.  This Agreement does not constitute the parties as partners or joint venturers and neither party will so represent itself.

10.13           Survival.  No termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect or impair the powers, obligations, duties, rights, indemnities, liabilities, covenants or warranties and/or representations of the parties with respect to times and/or events occurring prior to such termination.  No powers, obligations, duties, rights, indemnities, liabilities, covenants or warranties and/or representations of the parties with respect to times and/or events occurring after termination shall survive termination except for the following Sections and their corresponding schedules: Section 2.8), Section 2.10, Section 3.2, Section 3.4, Section 3.5 (but not the provisions of Schedule 3.5(a) except for a termination by Company for a Company Termination Event), Section 3.7, Section 3.8, Section 3.9, Section 8, Section 9.5, Section 9.6, Section 9.7, Section 10.7, Section 10.9, Section 10.13, Section 10.17,  Section 10.18, Section 10.19 and Section 10.20.


 
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10.14           Mutual Drafting.  This Agreement is the joint product of Company and Bank and each provision hereof has been subject to mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of Company and Bank; therefore to the extent any language in this Agreement is determined to be ambiguous, it shall not be construed for or against any party based on the fact that either party controlled the drafting of the document.

10.15           Independent Contractor.  The parties hereby declare and agree that Bank is engaged in an independent business, and shall perform its obligations under this Agreement as an independent contractor; that any of Bank’s personnel performing the services hereunder are agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors of Bank and are not agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors of Company; that Bank has and hereby retains the right to exercise full control of and supervision over the performance of Bank’s obligations hereunder and full control over the employment, direction, compensation and discharge of any and all of the Bank’s agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors, including compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability insurance, social security, withholding and all other federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing such matters; that Bank shall be responsible for Bank’s own acts and those of Bank’s agents, employees, Affiliates, and subcontractors; and that except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, Bank does not undertake by this Agreement or otherwise to perform any obligation of Company, whether regulatory or contractual, or to assume any responsibility for Company’s business or operations.

10.16           No Third Party Beneficiaries.  The provisions of this Agreement are for the benefit of the parties hereto and not for any other person or entity.

10.17           Confidentiality and Security Control.

(a)           Confidential Information. Subject to Section 2.8 and except as specifically provided in this Section 10.17, neither party shall disclose any Confidential Information (defined below) which it learns as a result of negotiating or implementing this Agreement. “Confidential Information” shall mean information not of a public nature concerning the business or properties of the other party or their customers including, without limitation: Consumer Personal Information, the terms and conditions of this Agreement (as well as proposed terms and conditions of any amendments, renewals, or extensions of this Agreement) any proposed and/or agreed upon terms and conditions of any other credit card program agreement between the parties and/or their Affiliates, customer lists, sales volumes, test results, and results of marketing programs, Plan reports and files generated by Bank (in the case of Bank), trade secrets, business and financial information, source codes, business methods, procedures, know-how and other information (including but not limited to intellectual property) of every kind that relates to the business of either party.

However, the definition of “Confidential Information” specifically excludes information which:

(i)           is generally known to the trade or to the public at the time of such disclosure; or

 
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(ii)           becomes generally known to the trade or the public subsequent to the time of such disclosure; provided, however, that such general knowledge is not the result of a disclosure in violation of this Section 10.17; or

(iii)           is obtained by a party from a source other than the other party, without breach of this Agreement or any other obligation of confidentiality or secrecy owed to such other party or any other person or organization; or

(iv)           is independently conceived and developed by the disclosing party and proven by the disclosing party through tangible evidence not to have been developed as a result of a disclosure of information to the disclosing party, or any other person or organization which has entered into a confidential arrangement with the non-disclosing party.

(b)           Other Protected Information. The use and/or disclosure of any Consumer Personal Information, Company Customer Information, and/or Bank Cardholder Information shall be subject to Applicable Law, Section 2.8, and this Section 10.17.

(c)           Permitted Uses and Disclosures. Nothing in this Section 10.17 shall be interpreted to mean that a party is restricted with respect to the use or disclosure of Confidential Information which it owns. The parties may also disclose any Consumer Personal Information or Confidential Information under the following circumstances.  First, to the extent disclosure is required by Applicable Law.  Second, to the extent disclosure is both permitted by Applicable Law and either necessary for the performance of the disclosing party’s obligation under this Agreement and/or agreed to in writing by the other party, provided that:  (i) prior to disclosing any such information to any third party, the party making the disclosure (to the third party) shall give notice to the other party of the nature of such disclosure and of the fact that such disclosure will be made; and (ii) prior to filing a copy of this Agreement (whole or partial) with any governmental authority or agency, the filing party will consult with the other party with respect to such filing and shall redact such portions of this Agreement which the other party requests be redacted, unless, in the filing party’s reasonable judgment based on the advice of its counsel (which advice shall have been discussed with counsel to the other party), the filing party concludes that such request is inconsistent with the filing party’s obligations under Applicable Law.

(d)           Protecting Disclosed Information. When, pursuant to subsection (c) above, one party discloses the other party’s Confidential Information or Consumer Personal Information to the disclosing party’s Affiliate or a third-party, the disclosing party shall be responsible for ensuring that such disclosure complies with Applicable Law.  Furthermore, the disclosing party shall ensure that the Affiliate or third-party executes a confidentiality agreement provided by or approved in writing by the non-disclosing party, and that it keeps all such information in confidence.  Each party covenants that at all times it shall have in place procedures designed to assure that each of its employees who is given access to the other party’s Consumer Personal Information or Confidential Information shall protect the privacy of such information.  Each party acknowledges that

 
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any breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement by it will result in irreparable damage to the other party and therefore in addition to any other remedy that may be afforded by law any breach or threatened breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement may be prohibited by restraining order, injunction or other equitable remedies of any court.  The provisions of this Section 10.17 will survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

(e)           Protecting Stored Information.  Each party shall establish commercially reasonable controls to ensure the confidentiality of any Consumer Personal Information and the other’s Confidential Information.  Each party shall also ensure that such information is not disclosed contrary to the provisions of this Agreement, or any applicable privacy, security or other laws, rules, and regulations.  Without limiting the foregoing, each party shall implement such physical and other security measures as are necessary to (i) ensure the security and confidentiality of any Consumer Personal Information and the other’s Confidential Information, (ii) protect against any threats or hazards to the security and integrity of such information, (iii) protect against any unauthorized access to or use of such information, and (iv) properly dispose of any Consumer Personal Information as required under Applicable Law.  A party shall promptly notify the other in the event it believes, or has reason to believe, that a confidentiality or security breach, or any other unauthorized intrusion, has occurred with respect to Consumer Personal Information.  Such party shall estimate the intrusion’s affect and shall specify the corrective action taken and to be taken by such party.  Additionally, the party incurring the breach or intrusion shall be responsible for the Losses related to such breach and shall indemnify the other party for any Losses such other party suffers as a result of such data breach/intrusion which in the case of unauthorized disclosure of Consumer Personal Information shall include, without limitation any Losses related to claims brought against the non-breaching party by such consumers related to such unauthorized disclosure, costs of any and all required notifications of such breach to the affected consumers and the costs of any credit or identify theft monitoring products.

(f)           If, upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Company or its designee does not purchase the Accounts from Bank pursuant to Section and Schedule 9.5, Company shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove from its systems Bank’s Cardholder, Confidential, and Consumer Personal Information.  This includes but is not limited to any and all records regarding Cardholders, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, that is maintained or otherwise possessed by or on behalf of Company, including a compilation of such records.  Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement Bank shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove (according to Company’s direction) from its systems Company’s Confidential Information.

If Company or its designee does purchase the Accounts at such time, Company’s obligation to remove or destroy information shall apply only to any Bank Confidential Information that is not comprised of Bank Cardholder Information or Consumer Personal Information.


 
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10.18           Taxes.  Company will be responsible for, and agrees to pay, all sales, use, excise, and value-added taxes, or taxes of a similar nature (excluding personal property taxes and taxes based on Bank’s income which shall be borne by Bank), imposed by the United States, any state or local government, or other taxing authority, on all services provided by Bank under this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate with each other to minimize any applicable sales, use, or similar tax and, in connection therewith, the parties shall provide each other with any relevant tax information as reasonably requested (including without limitation, resale or exemption certificates, multi-state exemption certificates, information concerning the use of assets, materials and notices of assessments).  All amounts set forth in this Agreement are expressed and shall be paid in lawful U.S. dollars.  Company shall be entitled at its sole cost to file claims and recover refunds and credits of sales and use tax by any taxing authority in connection with a Purchase that has been charged back to Company or written off by Bank (including without limitation Purchases related to the Purchased Accounts), and all allowable interest relating thereto (a “Sales Tax Refund”).  Bank agrees to provide to Company on a monthly basis a list of such losses by state, together with an aggregate list of the subject Accounts, balances, unpaid charges and fees for Accounts that have been charged off or written off during the prior month by ZIP code, as well as an overall recovery rate, which may be used by Company in connection with the Plan solely to enable Company to obtain said refunds and credits from a taxing jurisdiction, subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in Section 10.17.  In addition, in the event that Company is required to provide additional information to a governmental agency, Bank agrees to provide first and last name, city, state, ZIP code, unpaid charges and fees, write off date and write off amount. The parties agree that Company may retain one hundred percent (100%) of any amount obtained from a taxing authority for such a Sales Tax Refund and Bank shall not apply for any such Sales Tax Refunds.

10.19  Arbitration.

(a)  Scope of Arbitration.  Any dispute, controversy or claim of any and every kind or type, whether based on contract, tort, statute, regulations or otherwise, arising out of, in connection with or relating in any way to this Agreement, the relationship of the parties, the obligations of the parties or the operations carried out under this Agreement, including without limitation any dispute as to the existence, validity, construction, interpretation, negotiation, performance, non-performance, breach, termination or enforceability of this Agreement, that cannot be resolved through the Operating Committee dispute resolution procedure (as detailed in Paragraph E of Schedule 2.6 (b)), shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration, it being the intention of the parties that this is a broad form arbitration agreement designed to encompass all possible disputes among the parties relating to the transactions that are the subject of the Agreement.

(b) Arbitration Notice.  If a dispute has not been resolved within thirty (30) days after the Operating Committee dispute resolution procedure has been ongoing, then either party may initiate arbitration proceedings by giving written notice (an “Arbitration Notice”) to the other party referencing the dispute and requesting that the dispute be submitted for arbitration in accordance with this Section 10.19.

 
46

 


(c)  Administration of Arbitration. The arbitration is to be administered by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) and is to be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA.  Such arbitration shall be conducted in either Columbus, Ohio or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or such other location as the parties shall mutually agree.

(d)  Arbitration Expenses.  Each party shall pay for one-half of the arbitration expenses, including arbitrator fees and expenses, except that the party initiating a claim for arbitration shall be responsible for paying the filing fees associated with initiating such claim.  Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorney and expert fees and costs; provided however that if the arbitrators determine that one party is the prevailing party in such arbitration, the arbitrators may, as a part of its award, require the non-prevailing party to pay the costs and fees (including, without limitation, the arbitration filing fees and reasonable attorneys fees and expert fees) incurred by the prevailing party.

(e)  Appointment of Arbitrators. The arbitration is to be held before a panel of three (3) arbitrators, and the parties will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that each of the arbitrators have at least ten (10) years of experience in the credit card industry (if such dispute relates to the credit card aspects of this Agreement) or in the applicable industry if the dispute is not specific to the credit card industry.  No later than fifteen (15) Business Days after the notice of arbitration is received, each party shall select an arbitrator and request the two selected arbitrators to select a third neutral arbitrator within five (5) Business Days, who shall serve as the presiding arbitrator.  Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the two arbitrators selected by the parties must have no direct or indirect financial interest in the dispute or any direct or indirect financial interest in or dependence upon either of the parties (other than his or her fees and expenses for serving on the panel), and the third, presiding arbitrator selected by the two party-selected arbitrators must qualify as a neutral arbitrator as defined in the Commercial Arbitration Rules and/or Code of Ethics of the AAA.  Before beginning the hearings, the three arbitrators must each take an oath of impartiality.

(f)  Enforcement; Authority of Arbitrators.  Judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction in either Ohio or Pennsylvania, however, the arbitrators have no authority to award punitive damages unless otherwise allowable pursuant to this Agreement or any other damages not measured by the prevailing party’s actual damages (unless liquidated damages are specified in this Agreement), and may not, in any event, make any ruling, finding or award that does not conform to the provisions of this Agreement.

10.20.  Consent not to be Unreasonably Withheld.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, where a party’s consent is required under this Agreement, such party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition their consent.


[Signature block on following page.]

 
47

 



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in manner and form sufficient to bind Bank, Company, and all subsidiaries of Company through which Sales Channels are being operated, as of the date first above written.


LANE BRYANT, INC.


By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER


Eric M. Specter
Printed Name

Vice President
Title






























 
48

 




WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK
NATIONAL BANK


By:  /S/ DANIEL T. GROOMES


Daniel T. Groomes
Printed Name

President
Title
































 
49

 




OUTLET DIVISION MANAGEMENT CO., INC.

By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER


Eric M. Specter
Printed Name

Vice President
Title



































 
50

 




PETITE SOPHISTICATE, INC.

By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER


Eric M. Specter
Printed Name

Vice President
Title


































 
51

 


SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC.

By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER


Eric M. Specter
Printed Name

Vice President
Title















































 
52

 

EX-10.3 4 exh103aug122009.htm FASHION BUG AGREEMENT AUGUST 12, 2009 exh103aug122009.htm
 
 

 

EXHIBIT 10.3






PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT FOR FASHION BUG

BETWEEN

WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK NATIONAL BANK

AND

FASHION BUG RETAIL COMPANIES, INC. (a Delaware corporation)

AND

SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC. (a Nevada corporation)


DATED AS OF AUGUST 12, 2009





 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS
1.1
Certain Definitions
1.2
Other Definitions
   
SECTION 2.  THE PLAN
2.1
Establishment and Operation of the Plan
2.2
Application for Credit Under the Plan; Internet Features
2.3
Operating Procedures
2.4
Plan Documents (Forms and Collateral)
2.5
Marketing and Promotion of Plan
2.6
Administration of Accounts and Plan and Operating Committee
2.7
Credit Decision
2.8
Ownership of Accounts and Information
2.9
Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services
2.10
Ownership and Licensing of the Party’s Marks
2.11
Cardholder Loyalty Program
   
SECTION 3.  OPERATION OF THE PLAN
3.1
Honoring Credit Cards
3.2
Cardholder Disputes Regarding Accounts, and Goods and/or Services
3.3
No Special Agreements
3.4
Cardholder Disputes Regarding Violations of Applicable Law
3.5
Payment to Company; Ownership of Accounts; Fees; Accounting
3.6
Bank Mailings; Insertion of Company’s Promotional Materials
3.7
Payments
3.8
Chargebacks
3.9
Exercise of Chargebacks
3.10
Non-Competition
3.11
Reports
3.12
Addition of New Businesses
   
SECTION 4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY
4.1
Organization, Power and Qualification
4.2
Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention
4.3
Accuracy of Information
4.4
Validity of Charge Slips
4.5
Compliance with Law
4.6
Company Marks
4.7
Intellectual Property Rights
4.8
Legal Proceedings
   


 
(i)

 


SECTION 5.  COVENANT OF COMPANY
5.1
Notices of Changes
5.2
Financial Statements
5.3
Access Rights
5.4
Company’s Business
5.5
Insurance
5.6
Sales Information
5.7
Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan
5.8
Compliance with Agreement and Operating Procedures
   
SECTION 6.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BANK
6.1
Organization, Power and Qualification
6.2
Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention
6.3
Accuracy of Information
6.4
Compliance with Law
6.5
Intellectual Property Rights
6.6
Legal Proceedings
   
SECTION 7.  COVENANTS OF BANK
7.1
Notices of Changes
7.2
Financial Statement
7.3
Access Rights
7.4
Bank’s Business
7.5
Insurance
7.6
Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan
   
SECTION 8.  INDEMNIFICATION
8.1
Indemnification Obligations
8.2
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY
8.3
NO WARRANTIES
8.4
Notification of Indemnification; Conduct of Defense
   
SECTION 9.  TERM, EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION
9.1
Term and Expiration
9.2
Termination with Cause by Bank; Bank Termination Events
9.3
Termination with Cause by Company; Company Termination Events
9.4
Termination in a Particular State
9.5
Purchase of Accounts
9.6
Effect of Termination
9.7
Termination Assistance Services
   
SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS
10.1
Entire Agreement
10.2
Coordination of Public Statements
10.3
Amendment
10.4
Successors and Assigns
10.5
Waiver
10.6
Severability


 
(ii)

 


10.7
Notices
10.8
Captions and Cross-References
10.9
Governing Law
10.10
Counterparts
10.11
Force Majeure
10.12
Relationship of Parties
10.13
Survival
10.14
Mutual Drafting
10.15
Independent Contractor
10.16
No Third Party Beneficiaries
10.17
Confidentiality and Security Control
10.18
Taxes
10.19
Arbitration
10.20
Consent Not to be Unreasonably Withheld
   
SCHEDULES
1.1
Other Definitions
2.1 (b)
Service Standards
2.1 (c)
Co-Brand Conversion
2.2 (b)
New Account Portal Specifications
2.4 (d)
Initial Reissue
2.5 (a)
Marketing Promotions
2.5 (b)
Restricted Marketing Funds
2.6 (a)
Administration of Accounts and Plan
2.6 (b)
Operating Committee
2.7
Credit Decision
2.8
Monthly Master File Information
2.9 (c)
Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services
2.9 (d)
Company Third Party Vendor Products
2.11
Existing Loyalty Program And Bank Loyalty Program Description
3.1
Cross-Shopping
3.5 (a)
Payment to Company
3.5 (d)
Summary of Rates and Fees
3.11
Bank Reports
3.12
Addition of New Businesses
9.2
Termination with Cause by Bank
9.3
Termination with Cause by Company
9.5
Purchase of Accounts
   
APPENDIX  A  Initial Operating Procedures
 

 

 
(iii)

 

PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT


THIS PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT is made as of this 12th day of August, 2009 (the “Effective Date”) by and between FASHION BUG RETAIL COMPANIES, INC. and SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC. (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Company”), and WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK NATIONAL BANK (hereinafter referred to as “Bank”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Company has requested Bank to extend credit, to qualifying individuals in the form of private label open-ended credit card accounts for the purchase of Goods and/or Services from Company through its Sales Channels and to issue Credit Cards to such individuals (as such capitalized terms are defined below); and

WHEREAS, Bank shall own all the Accounts, and Cardholder payments will be sent to such location as Bank shall from time to time direct (as such capitalized terms are defined below); and

WHEREAS, Bank will operate the Plan subject to the terms and conditions as more fully set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Bank also intends to purchase from CHRS’ subsidiary, Spirit of America National Bank, the existing private label and co-brand credit card accounts for Company subject to a Purchase Agreement dated as of the date of this Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and convert such existing accounts to the Plan; and

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereof, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby mutually acknowledged by the parties, Company and Bank agree as follows.

SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS

1.1           Certain Definitions.  As used herein and unless otherwise required by the context, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings.

“Account” shall mean (a) Private Label Account: an individual open-end revolving line of credit which is (i) established by Bank for a Customer pursuant to the terms of a Credit Card Agreement, and (ii) marketed with a Company Mark; and (b) Co-Brand Account (but only until completion of the Co-Brand Conversion): (i) a general purpose open end line and revolving line of credit, (ii) established under the Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program.  The term “Account” includes, without limitation, the Purchased Accounts upon acquisition of such accounts by Bank.

“Accounts Receivable” shall mean, as to any Account at the time of reference, any and all amounts owing on such Account, including, without limitation, principal balances from Purchases, fees related to Protection Programs, Enhancement Marketing Services and Company Third Party Vendor Products, accrued finance charges (whether or not posted or billed to an Account), late fees, and all other fees and charges assessed on the Accounts, less any payments and credits received by Bank with respect to the Accounts. This definition specifically excludes any amounts which have been written-off by Bank with respect to such Accounts.

 
1

 
“Address Verification Service” shall mean an adjunct process to the credit authorization process where the Cardholder’s reported billing address is verified against the Bank’s address on file for such Cardholder.

“Affiliate” shall mean with respect to a party any entity that is owned by, owns, or is under common control with such party.

“Agreement” shall mean this Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement, including any schedules, exhibits, addenda, and future amendments and supplements hereto.

“Applicable Law” shall mean any applicable federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation including, without limitation, requirements of satisfying regulatory agencies.

“Applicant” shall mean an individual who is a Customer and applies for an Account under the Plan.

“Bank” shall mean the party to this Agreement identified in the first paragraph on Page 1 of this Agreement.

“Bank Clients” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.6 (a).

“Bank Mark” shall mean a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) to Bank and designated by Bank to Company for use in connection with the Plan.

“Batch Prescreen” shall mean a process where Bank’s offer of credit is made to certain Customers prequalified by Bank (per its criteria), in a batch mode (often but not exclusively within a direct to consumer environment).

“Billing Statement” shall mean Bank’s periodic statement listing the amounts of Purchases made, credits received, and other information, as required by Applicable Law and/or deemed desirable by Bank.

“Business Day” shall mean any day, except Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks in Ohio are required to be closed.

“Cardholder” shall mean any natural person to whom an Account has been issued by Bank and/or any authorized user of the Account.


 
2

 

“Cardholder List” means the Cardholders’ names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and physical addresses in the Bank’s Plan records as of the date of termination or expiration of this Agreement, such records do not include any similar or same consumer information maintained by Bank with respect to any other credit programs owned by Bank.

“Charge Slip” shall mean a sales receipt, register receipt tape, invoice or other documentation, whether in hard copy or electronic form, in each case evidencing a Purchase that is to be charged to a Cardholder’s Account.

“CHRS” shall mean Charming Shoppes, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and the parent of Company.

“CHRS Businesses” shall mean (collectively) the retail women’s apparel business operated by Company’s affiliate Lane Bryant, Inc., the retail women’s apparel business operated by Company’s affiliate Catherines Stores Corporation (“Catherines”), the retail women’s apparel business operated by Company’s affiliate Petite Sophisticate, Inc., and the Lane Bryant, Catherines and Petite Sophisticate retail women’s apparel outlet business operated by Outlet Division Management Co., Inc., as long as (i) such companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of CHRS, and any successors of such companies (as long as such successors are wholly owned subsidiaries of CHRS) and (ii) the assets comprising such companies’ retail women’s apparel businesses are directly or indirectly owned by CHRS.

“CHRS Business Card” shall mean a credit card and/or account established by Bank for a customer of a CHRS Business and bearing a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) of such CHRS Business and designated by such CHRS Business for use by Bank in connection with the credit card and/or account.

“Co-Brand Conversion” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.1 (c).
 
“Co-Branded Fashion Bug Visa Program” means a program to originate charges on a general purpose credit card, under the Visa® system, which credit card may be co-branded with the Fashion Bug or Fashion Bug Plus brand names, which accounts shall be either closed or replaced by a private label Credit Card by CHRS or Bank, as applicable, in accordance with Schedule 2.1 (c) hereof.
 
“Company Deposit Account” shall mean the one (1) deposit account maintained by Company and designated by it in writing to Bank as to which Bank should direct its payments. See also Section 3.5 (a).

“Company Mark” shall mean a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) to Company and designated by Company to Bank for use in connection with the Plan.


 
3

 

“Company Third Party Vendor Products” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.

“Consumer Personal Information” shall mean that non-public personal information regarding Applicants, Customers, and Cardholders, including but not limited to Account information consumer reports, and information derived from consumer reports, that is subject to protection from publication under Applicable Law.

“Credit Card” shall mean the credit card issued by Bank to Cardholders bearing the Company Mark (and with respect to Purchased Accounts shall mean the credit card issued by Spirit America National Bank), corresponding to a related Account for the purpose of purchasing Goods and/or Services pursuant to this Agreement.

“Credit Card Agreement” shall mean the open-end revolving credit agreement between a Cardholder and Bank governing the Account and Cardholder’s use of the Credit Card, together with any modifications or amendments which may be made to such agreement.

“Credit Sales Day” shall mean any day, whether or not a Business Day, on which Goods and/or Services are sold by Company through its Sales Channels.

“Credit Slip” shall mean a sales credit receipt or other documentation, whether in hard copy or electronic form, evidencing (i) a return or exchange of Goods, or (ii) a credit on an Account as an adjustment by Company for goodwill or for Services rendered or not rendered by Company to a Cardholder.

“Cross Shopping” shall mean the accepting for payment by CHRS Businesses of the Accounts and the reciprocal accepting for payment by Company of Bank’s accounts corresponding to the CHRS Businesses.  See also Schedule 3.1.

“Customer” shall mean any individual consumer who is a customer or potential customer of Company.

“Discount Fees” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1.

“Effective Date” shall mean the date set forth in the first paragraph on page one (1) of this Agreement.

“Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (or EBPP)” shall mean a procedure whereby Cardholders can elect to receive their Billing Statements electronically and that also allows them an opportunity to remit their Account payments to Bank electronically.

“Electronic Customer Service (or eCS)” shall mean a web-based customer service system Bank makes available on a Bank website.


 
4

 

“Enhancement Marketing Services” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.

“Financial Products” shall mean credit card, credit issuance or payment processing arrangements, or other programs (including but not limited to ones involving a credit card) similar in purpose to those components of the Plan dealing with the extension of credit and repayment of debt extended to Customers as contemplated under this Agreement, including cardless, Internet-based or Internet-only payment vehicles and contactless payment vehicles to be used as devices and/or methods by Customers to purchase Goods and/or Services on credit.

“Forms” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

“Goods and/or Services” shall mean those goods and/or services sold at retail by Company through its Sales Channels to the general public for individual, personal, family or household use.

“Initial Reissue” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.4 (d).

“Initial Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.

“Instant Credit” shall mean an Account application procedure designed to open Accounts whereby the application information is communicated to Bank either (i) verbally at Point of Sale; or (ii) systemically during the order entry process.

“Losses” shall mean any liability, damage, costs, fees, losses, judgments, penalties, fines, and expenses, including without limitation, any reasonable attorneys’ fees, disbursements, settlements (which require the other party’s consent), and court costs, reasonably incurred by Bank, Company, or a third-party, as the case may be, without regard to whether or not such Losses would be deemed material under this Agreement; provided however, that Losses shall not include any overhead costs that either party would normally incur in conducting its everyday business.

“IVR” shall mean an interactive voice response system and/or procedure.

“Loyalty Program” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11.

“Net CHRS Sales” shall mean the aggregate of all CHRS Business Card purchases, less credits or refunds for goods and/or services for all CHRS Businesses.

“Net Proceeds” shall be calculated by Bank on each Business Day (to include all transactions submitted by Company for such Business Day and the prior consecutive calendar days which were not Business Days) and shall mean the sum of all Purchases adjusted as follows:  (i) minus credits to Accounts for the return or exchange of Goods, or a credit on an Account as an adjustment by

 
5

 

Company for goodwill or for Services rendered or not rendered by Company to a Cardholder, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error); (ii) minus payments received by Company from Cardholders on Bank’s behalf; (iii) plus any applicable Royalty Payments payable to Company as in effect on the date of calculation; (iv) minus any applicable Discount Fees and/or Promotional Program Fees payable to Bank as in effect on the date of calculation; and (v) adjusted by any other undisputed amounts then due to or by Bank pursuant to Section 3.5 (g) of this Agreement.

“Net Sales” shall mean Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“Net Sales on Regular Revolving Purchases” shall mean Regular Revolving Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“Net Sales on Promotional Program Purchases” shall mean Promotional Program Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“New Account Portal” shall mean an on-line new accounts reporting and access system having the functionality described in Schedule 2.2(b).

 
“On-Line Prescreen (or OLPS)” shall mean a process where Bank’s offer of credit is made to certain Customers pre-qualified by Bank (per its criteria), in a real-time pre-approved manner, at the POS at the time of a transaction.  

“Operating Procedures” shall mean Bank’s instructions and procedures regarding the Plan as written by Bank.  The initial Operating Procedures are set forth in Appendix A and may be amended from time to time pursuant to Section 2.3.  Prior to the TSYS Transition, the Operating Procedures with respect to services provided by TSYS shall be the operating procedures under the TSYS Agreements.

“Performance Thresholds” shall mean certain thresholds set by Bank in the exercise of Bank’s reasonable discretion and after discussion with the Operating Committee with respect to the following: (a) for Web On-Line Prescreen, the Customer pass-rate and Customer acceptance rate; and (b) for in-store On-Line Prescreen, the Customer pass-rate, Company's offers made rate, and Customer acceptance rate.

“Plan” shall mean the private label credit card plan established and administered by Bank for Customers by virtue of this Agreement.


 
6

 

“Plan Commencement Date” shall mean the date on which Bank acquires the Purchased Accounts.

“Plan Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

“Plan Manager” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.6(a).

“Plan Year” shall mean each consecutive twelve (12) month period commencing on the Plan Commencement Date.

“Point of Sale (or POS)” shall mean the physical or electronic location at which transactions (sales, credits, and returns) take place.  This includes but is not limited to a cash register, point of order entry, or website (as applicable).

“Prescreen Acceptance” shall mean a POS process designed to recognize and activate Bank’s pre-approved batch offers for Accounts for Customers.

“Prime Rate (or Prime)” shall mean the “Prime Rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of the Wall Street Journal on the date of reference.

“Promotional Program” shall mean any special Cardholder payment terms approved by Bank and Company for certain Purchases, including without limitation deferred programs.  The initial Promotional Programs approved by Bank and Company, if any, are set forth in Schedule 1.1.  Additional Promotional Programs shall be made a part of this Agreement only by written amendment.

“Promotional Program Purchase” shall mean a Purchase made under the terms of a Promotional Program.

“Protection Programs” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.

“Purchase” shall mean (i) a purchase of Goods and/or Services including without limitation all applicable taxes and shipping costs, with a specific extension of credit by Bank to a Cardholder using an Account as provided for under this Agreement, and/or (ii) a purchase of Goods and/or Services including without limitation all applicable taxes and shipping costs, with a specific extension of credit by Bank to an accountholder using a CHRS Business Card through Cross Shopping as provided for under this Agreement.  The term shall be interpreted to include Regular Revolving Purchases as well as Promotional Program Purchases unless the context of the reference clearly indicates otherwise.  Bank reserves the right to deny (or reverse) an extension of credit for particular transactions in order to comply with Applicable Law, which might include but not be limited to prohibitions against transactions related to gambling.

“Purchase Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the fourth recital.

“Purchased Accounts” shall mean those certain private label and co-branded credit card accounts related to Company which Bank and Company’s existing

 
7

 

private label and co-branded credit card program provider, Spirit of America National Bank, have agreed upon in their Purchase Agreement as eligible accounts.

“Purchase Date” shall mean the date on which Bank buys the Purchased Accounts from Spirit of America National Bank.

“Quick Credit” shall mean an in-store application procedure designed to open Accounts as expeditiously as possible at the Point of Sale, whereby an application for an Account might be processed without a paper application being completed by an Applicant.  An Applicant’s credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or other Bank approved private label card) is electronically read by a terminal to identify certain information to facilitate a credit analysis. Other data shall be entered into that same terminal by the Company associate as specified in the Operating Procedures.

“Rates and Fees” shall mean those Cardholder terms and conditions regarding rates and fees as are initially set forth in Schedule 3.5 (d), as amended from time to time pursuant to Section 3.5 (d).

“Regular Revolving Purchases” shall mean Purchases which are not subject to any Promotional Program.

“Renewal Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.

“Restricted Marketing Fund” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b).

“Royalty Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1.

“Sales Channels” shall mean those certain sales channels through which Company sells its Goods and/or Services during the Term, including (as applicable) but not limited to: (i) retail locations which are owned and operated by Company or Company’s licensees or franchisees and using the Company Mark and / or the same trademarks, service marks or names as used by Company in its business, (ii) Company’s website; and (iii) Company’s catalog, if any.  As a point of clarification, this definition includes different or additional sales channels that are part of Company’s expansion of its business as then constituted, if such expansion includes sales channels operated under the same trade name(s) as Company.  For example: the opening of a new store or development of a website through either (i) “organic growth” or (ii) acquisition of the assets of a competitor.  In addition, Sales Channels may be removed through the closing of a store, discontinuation of a license, or discontinuation of website or catalog.

“Service Standards” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).

“Statemented Account” shall mean each Account for which a Billing Statement is generated (whether or not actually sent to the Cardholder) within a particular billing cycle.

 
8

 


“Take-One Application” shall mean a paper application made available at or through Sales Channels (or otherwise).  An Applicant can complete and submit the Take-One Application directly to Bank, or he or she may submit it to a Company associate for submission to Bank (such as through the Instant Credit Application procedure).

“Term” shall mean the Initial Term plus any Renewal Terms, as defined in Section 9.1.

“Transaction Record” shall mean the following, with respect to each Purchase or with respect to a credit or return related to a Purchase (as applicable), and each payment received by Company from a Cardholder on Bank’s behalf:  (a) the Charge Slip or Credit Slip corresponding to the Purchase, credit or return; or (b) a computer readable tape/cartridge or electronic transmission containing the following information: the Account number of the Cardholder, identification of the Company’s Sales Channel (location) where the Purchase, credit or return was made (if applicable), the total of (i) the Purchase price of Goods or Services purchased or amount of the credit, as applicable, plus (ii) the date of the transaction, a description of the Goods or Services purchased, credited or returned and the authorization code, if any, obtained by Company prior to completing the transaction; or (c) electronic record whereby Company or one of its Sales Channels electronically transmits the information described in subsection (b) hereof to a network provider (selected by Company at its expense), which in turn transmits such information to Bank by a computer tape/cartridge or electronic tape or transmission.

“Transfer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5 (a).

“TSYS” means Total System Services, Inc., a Georgia corporation.

“TSYS Agreements” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2.1 (b).

“TSYS Transition” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2.1 (b).

“Web (or Internet)” shall mean the world-wide web internet network as generally understood in the greater business community and any replacement technology system.

“Web Application” shall mean a web based new Account application procedure made available by Bank.  See also Section 2.2 (d).

1.2           Other Definitions.  As used herein, terms defined in the introductory paragraph hereof and in other sections of this Agreement shall have such respective defined meanings.  Defined terms stated in the singular shall include reference to the plural and vice versa.  The terms “shall” and “will” have the identical meaning (i.e., that

 
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something is compulsory and certain), and the use of one versus the other is not to be interpreted as implying less certainty or a sense of possibility or choice.

SECTION 2.  THE PLAN

2.1           Establishment and Operation of the Plan.  (a) The Plan is established for the primary purposes of providing Customer financing for purchasing Goods and/or Services, providing a means to promote increased Company sales, and providing Bank a commercially reasonable financial return.  Qualified Applicants desiring to use the Plan shall be granted an Account by Bank with a credit line in an amount to be determined by Bank in its discretion for each individual Applicant.  Subject to Section 3.5 (d) and Applicable Law, Bank shall determine the terms and conditions of the Account to be contained in a Credit Card Agreement.

(b)           Subject to the provisions of Schedule 2.1 (b) regarding the TSYS Transition, Bank shall perform in accordance with the Service Standards and shall otherwise perform all operations of the Plan using reasonable care consistent with not less than industry standards and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Bank will provide Company with a monthly summary of Bank’s performance regarding the Service Standards, as set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).  In addition, Bank’s performance of the services hereunder shall be reviewed by the Operating Committee.  Bank shall provide eCS services to Cardholders at Bank’s expense, and Company shall provide a weblink to the eCS at Company’s expense.   Bank shall not display any trade names or advertisements on the eCS advertising services or products to sell to Cardholders other than those of Company and those permitted by this Agreement (such as Enhancement Marketing Services pursuant to Section 2.9(b)). Company shall perform its obligations in accordance with the Company Service Standards, as set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).  See Schedule 2.1(b) relating to TSYS Transition and Service Standards.

(c)           See Schedule 2.1 (c).

2.2           Applications for Credit Under the Plan; Internet Features.  (a) Company shall not promote or participate in any application by a Customer for financing the purchase of Goods and/or Services other than for participation in the Plan as provided in Section 3.10 or signage promoting Company’s acceptance of general purpose credit cards (non-Company branded Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express general purpose credit cards).  Applicants who wish to apply for an Account under the Plan must submit a completed application on a form or in an electronic format provided by or approved by Bank, and Bank shall grant or deny the request for credit based solely upon Bank’s credit criteria.  In the case of in-store applications, Company shall (i) provide a copy of the Credit Card Agreement to the Applicant, and (ii) follow any applicable Operating Procedures.  When facilitating any other method of application, Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its Sales Channels follow all applicable Operating Procedures. The application shall be submitted to Bank by the Applicant or submitted by Company on behalf of the Applicant, as required in the Operating Procedures.  If Bank grants the request for an Account, Bank will issue a Credit Card to the Applicant to accesses an individual line of credit in an amount determined by Bank.  For Quick Credit and Instant Credit, Bank will issue an account

 
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number which may be utilized by the Cardholder for Purchases at the time of approval and prior to the issuance of the Credit Card.

 
(b)           Throughout the Term, Bank shall make available, and Company shall utilize, as applicable, the following application procedure: Quick Credit.  Bank agrees that, upon Company’s request, Bank shall make available, and Company may also use the following Bank application procedures: Instant Credit, Take-One, Web Application, Batch Prescreen and On-Line Prescreen procedures (for clarification, Batch Prescreen consists of prescreening Customers selected by Company for credit approval but it does not include the cost of mailing of the offers to the customers (which mailing costs may be subject to reimbursement via the Restricted Marketing Fund as determined by the Operating Committee). With respect to On-Line Prescreen Bank will have the right to set certain Performance Thresholds and Bank will have the right to discontinue making such procedures available on not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Company in the event such Performance Thresholds are not maintained. See also subsection (d) below regarding the Web Application procedure.  Commencing on the Plan Commencement Date Bank shall make available the New Account Portal through the TSYS’ services.  Upon the completion of the TSYS Transition Bank shall provide a New Account Portal with features and functionality as set forth in Schedule 2.2(b).  Company shall not be liable to Bank for the loss of Take-One applications unless such loss is the result of actions or omissions by Company.

(c)           Regarding applications submitted in whole or in part by Company, Company agrees that it will (i) protect and keep confidential any and all Applicant information (which information shall be Bank Consumer Personal Information) acquired as a result of participating in the submission of any such applications, and (ii) not disclose the information to anyone other than authorized representatives of Bank, and (iii) follow all Operating Procedures applicable to such Bank Consumer Personal Information.  Subject to Applicable Law, the foregoing shall not limit Company’s right to receive from Bank (and use for marketing purposes) Cardholder information consisting of name, address, telephone number(s) and (as applicable) e-mail address(es).

(d)           Bank shall make available the Web Application procedure by establishing a website for such purpose, at Bank’s sole cost and expense, which shall be accessible from Company’s website and which shall comply with all Applicable Law.  Bank shall be responsible for maintaining the security of the Web Application.  Bank shall not display any trade names or advertisements on the Web Application advertising services or products other than those of Bank, Company and those permitted by this Agreement (such as Enhancement Marketing Services pursuant to Section 2.9(b)).

Bank represents and warrants that, to integrate and maintain the Web Application, to ensure access to the Bank’s designated website, and to reduce technical errors, Bank will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that Bank’s software providing the Web Application will function, and continue to function, in a sound technical manner. Bank shall appropriately monitor the Web Application and its website to ensure proper functioning. Company shall be responsible for Company’s side of integrating and maintaining on its website, at its sole expense, access to Bank’s Web Application.  Company represents and warrants that, to integrate and maintain the Web Application,

 
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to ensure access to the Bank’s designated website, and to reduce technical errors, Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that Company’s software providing the access will function, and continue to function, in a sound technical manner.  Company shall appropriately monitor its website to ensure proper functioning.  In the event Bank changes or otherwise modifies the website address for its designated website, Bank will provide at least thirty (30) days prior written notice and Company will, at Bank’s reasonable expense, either update or modify its website thereto, as directed by Bank.  In providing Web Application on the Company website, if appropriate, Company shall make it clear and conspicuous that the Customer is leaving Company’s website and is being directed to Bank’s website for the exclusive purpose of accessing Bank’s website.  Company agrees that, in connection with the Web Application, it will use Bank’s name, or any logo, statements, or any other information that is related to Bank, only as directed by Bank, or as previously approved by Bank in writing.  Without limiting the generality of the scope of required approvals, but by way of example, Company shall seek Bank’s approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, not only with respect to content, but also with respect to any typestyle, color, or abbreviations used in connection with the Web Application.

Company will reasonably promote the EBPP to Customers but is not responsible for ensuring and does not guaranty any minimum participation by Customers in the EBPP.   Bank shall bear all costs for providing the EBPP, Customer’s access to the EBPP and Bank’s processing of Cardholder payments through the EBPP.

2.3           Operating Procedures.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to observe and comply in all material respects and to cause its Sales Channels to observe and comply in all material respects with the Operating Procedures and such other reasonable procedures as may be agreed upon by the Operating Committee from time to time.  Bank is solely responsible for ensuring that its Operating Procedures and other procedures comply with Applicable Law.  The Operating Procedures may be amended or modified by the Operating Committee from time to time; provided, however, that Bank shall have the right to amend the Operating Procedures without approval by the Operating Committee to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law with notice to Company as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances and subject to review by the Operating Committee at the next meeting of the Operating Committee.  In the event Bank requested changes to the Operating Procedures would increase Company’s costs of complying with the Plan (including, without limitation, increased costs of training employees) or otherwise adversely affect Company’s operations, the parties shall negotiate in good faith the implementation of such changes and the responsibility for the costs thereof; provided, however, that (i) if such changes are  being made by Bank solely to comply with Applicable Law, and are being implemented by Bank with respect to Bank’s Clients, then Bank shall be permitted to make such changes as are necessary to enable such compliance (and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effectuate such changes in the most cost-effective manner) and Company shall bear all costs related to Company’s compliance thereof (to the extent all such Bank Clients are so required) and/or (ii) if such changes are being implemented by Bank with respect to Bank’s other Bank Clients, and if after implementation of such changes Bank will continue to utilize industry standard methods of communications with Company, then Bank shall be permitted to make such changes (and shall use its commercially

 
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reasonable efforts to effectuate such changes in the most cost-effective manner) and Company shall bear all reasonable costs related to Company’s compliance thereof (to the extent all such Bank Clients are so required).

2.4           Plan Documents (Forms and Collateral).  (a)  Forms - General. Subject to (b) below, Bank shall design, determine the terms and conditions of, and generate the form of the Credit Card Agreement, applications, Credit Card, card mailers, privacy notices, Billing Statements (including backers), Cardholder letters, templates, and other documents and forms  to be used under the Plan which (i) relate to the Plan, (ii) relate to Bank’s and/or the Cardholder’s obligations, (iii) are used by Bank in maintaining and servicing the Accounts; or (iv) are required by Applicable Law (collectively, “Forms”).  Bank shall be solely responsible for ensuring that all Forms comply with Applicable Law. By way of clarification, Bank’s responsibilities do not include any obligations Company may have as a retailer, such as creating the form of Charge Slips and Credit Slips.  All Forms shall be in the English language only unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing or otherwise required by Applicable Law, and there shall be only one design for each Form.

(b)           Forms - Conditions.  The provisions of (a) above are subject to the following conditions.  First, Bank’s actions are subject to Section 3.5 (d), Applicable Law, and Section 2.10.  Second, Bank and Company shall jointly design any Customer marketing aspects of Billing Statements, Cardholder letters, Credit Cards, and card mailers, all of which must be approved by the Operating Committee. 

 
(c)           Collateral. Company may design and produce promotional material, direct mail pieces, catalog, newspaper, radio and Internet advertisements, and other collateral documents (collectively, “Collateral”) which reference the Plan. Company shall submit all Collateral to Bank for its review and approval of the Plan disclosures, as well as references to the Plan and use of Bank Marks, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Pursuant to this review and approval process, Company will make (or have made) all changes that Bank requests to satisfy Applicable Law and/or in exercising its rights under this Agreement.

(d)           Bank’s Costs.  Subject to subsection (e) below, Bank, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, will determine which and how many of the following to provide, which shall be at Bank’s expense.  First, Bank will provide to Company at one central location, for distribution to Customers and Cardholders, marketing purposes, and mass mailings, as applicable: (i) adequate copies of Credit Card Agreements and applications; and (ii) adequate copies of any appropriate Forms. Second, Bank shall provide an appropriate number of (or copies of, as applicable) Credit Card Agreements, applications, Credit Cards, Billing Statements, and card mailers.  Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the supply of Forms so as to minimize creation of obsolete Forms.  See also Schedule 2.4(d).

 
(e)           Company’s Costs.  (i) Company Re-issuances. Except for the Initial Reissue for the Purchased Accounts as set forth in Section 2.4 (d) and Schedule 2.4 (d), Company shall pay all actual costs related to any re-issuance of Credit Cards to
 

 
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Cardholders that Company requests or that is required by Applicable Law solely as a result of Company’s decisions and/or actions, including, but not limited to, expired Credit Cards (in the event Credit Cards have expiration dates as a result of Company’s request) and upgrades for any Plan premier cards (collectively “Company Re-issuances”).  The costs associated with a Company Re-issuance are limited to the actual costs of the card itself (including all embossing and encoding), card mailers, envelopes, postage and any Collateral requested by Company and, if required as a result of the Company Re-issuance, Credit Card Agreements and other Forms.  As a point of clarification, none of the following constitutes a Company Re-issuance (and Bank shall be responsible for the costs of such issuances): Bank’s initial issuance of a Credit Card to a Customer (even if part of a pre-qualified or other program), Bank’s replacement (on an Account-by-Account basis) of lost or stolen Credit Cards, or expired Credit Cards (unless the Cards have expiration dates as a result of Company’s request), in response to some other Cardholder request, or Bank’s one-time issuance of Credit Cards to Customers of the Purchased Accounts in connection with the Initial Reissue.
 
(ii)           Variations from Bank’s Standards.  If a request or requirement (as applicable) of Company with regard to any Plan Forms requires a variation from Bank’s standard specifications or the specifications otherwise set forth in this Agreement, and such variation causes a net increase in any cost of Bank, the following shall apply.  First, Bank will advise Company in writing of the variance and provide a written estimate of the related actual net cost increase (including the cost of any obsolete forms as set forth below).  Second, Company shall notify Bank in writing of its decision to forego the request, to modify the request such that no cost increase is generated, or agree to bear the additional expense. In the event any otherwise applicable and usable Forms become obsolete solely as a result of changes requested by Company or necessitated by its decisions and/or actions as set forth above, Company shall reimburse Bank for the actual costs associated with any such unused obsolete Forms.  Company shall not be liable for lost Forms, unless such loss is due solely to the negligent or willful actions or inactions of Company.  Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize obsolete forms.

(iii)           Mass Mailings.   As to any mass mailings requested by Company (including but not limited to catalog mailings, pre-approved mailings, and zero balance mailings), Company shall pay all actual costs related thereto unless otherwise agreed by the parties (which if marketing related, the costs of which shall be eligible costs for the Restricted Marketing Fund if agreed by the Operating Committee).

(f)           Timing of Reissuance.  Company and Bank agree that the volume of any Credit Card reissuance (including but not limited to the Initial Reissue) may be spread out over seven (7) consecutive days, provided that each such reissuance is limited to Two Million (2,000,000) Credit Cards.  In the event that any such reissuance includes more than Two Million (2,000,000) Credit Cards, Bank shall not be required to complete the reissuance within seven (7) days, but Bank and Company shall mutually agree upon another reissue time period.


 
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2.5           Marketing and Promotion of Plan.  (a) Throughout the Term of this Agreement, Company shall in a commercially reasonable manner actively and consistently market, promote, participate in and support the Plan, including without limitation those marketing promotions set forth in Schedule 2.5 (a) and such other methods mutually agreed upon by Company and Bank.  Bank has had the opportunity to review the historical marketing plans of Company’s private label credit card program operated with respect to the Purchased Accounts including, without limitation, the historical practices and procedures utilized by Company to promote such program.  During the first twelve (12) months of the Term, it is Company’s intent to market the Plan in a manner consistent with Company’s historical marketing of the proprietary credit card plan associated with the Purchased Accounts. As one example, Company agrees to advertise and actively promote the Plan through all Sales Channels (e.g., as applicable, signage and spiffs at retail locations and promotions on Company’s website).  Company and Bank will jointly agree upon programs to market the Plan, both initially and on a continuing basis and in accordance with Applicable Law.  The parties agree that such agreed upon programs will include some form of statement messaging, the details of which will be agreed upon in the Operating Committee (which shall include Company’s ability to transmit an electronic file (in a secure format in accordance with Bank’s security policies) by Cardholder Account number to Bank setting forth targeted credit marketing to be performed by Bank in the statement messages to targeted groups of Cardholders, up to Bank’s maximum group limit.

(b)           Bank shall pay to Company as an expense reimbursement the amounts set forth in (and in accordance with the provisions of) Schedule 2.5 (b) to reimburse Company for its marketing and promotion expenses associated with the Plan (to the extent such marketing and promotion expenses were approved by the Operating Committee).  All of such funds shall be referred to herein as the “Restricted Marketing Fund.”

2.6           Administration of Accounts and Plan and Operating Committee.  (a) Bank shall, at Bank’s sole cost and expense (unless such costs and expenses are otherwise expressly provided for in the Agreement) perform, in compliance with Applicable Law, all functions necessary to originate, administer, fund and service the Accounts, including but not limited to: providing receivables funding, application processing, credit authorizations, making all necessary credit and fraud investigations; notifying Applicants in writing of acceptance or rejection of credit under the Plan; preparing and mailing Billing Statements; making collections; handling Cardholder inquiries; providing legal compliance functions related to Bank’s operation of the Plan; and processing Cardholder payments and payments to Company hereunder.  See also Schedule 2.6 (a).

(b)           The parties hereby establish an Operating Committee (the "Operating Committee"), which shall act and be governed by the provisions of Schedule 2.6 (b).

2.7           Credit Decision.  The decision to extend credit to any Applicant under the Plan shall be Bank’s decision.  Bank shall determine all credit underwriting policies and procedures, as subject to Applicable Law and safety and soundness considerations.  Bank will work in good faith with Company in good faith to develop business strategies with respect to the issuance of Credit Cards which are intended to maximize the potential

 
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of the Plan, and which are mutually beneficial to Company and Bank.  See also Schedule 2.7.

2.8                 Ownership of Accounts and Information. (a) The parties recognize that Cardholders are Customers, and that each of Bank and Company has certain ownership rights in information relating to such individuals in their respective roles as Cardholders and Customers.  The parties acknowledge that the same or similar information may be contained in the Bank Cardholder Information (defined below) and the Company Customer Information (defined below); such common information being referred to herein as “Common Information”.  Each such pool of data shall therefore be considered separate information subject to the specific provisions applicable to that data hereunder.  For example, in subsection (b) below Bank is authorized to use Company Customer Information only for certain limited purposes.  Presume such information included names of both Customers who were Cardholders and non-Cardholder Customers. The names of those who were both Customers and Cardholders would be Common Information. So, Bank would not be limited by the terms of subsection (b) as to such names. However, the names of non-Cardholder Customers would not be Common Information, and thus would be subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (b). Likewise, though subsection (c) below limits what Company can do with Bank Cardholder Information, such limitations do not apply to that portion of Bank Cardholder Information that is comprised of Common Information.

(b)           The Customer’s names, phone numbers, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses, if applicable, and other Customer information collected by Company independent of Bank and set forth in Company’s records, including Company’s Transaction Record information, shall be the exclusive property of Company; such information and Company’s Common Information shall be referred to collectively as “Company Customer Information”.  Company Customer Information might or might not be comprised exclusively of Company’s Consumer Personal Information. As reasonably requested by Bank, Company shall provide the names, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses of Customers for whom Company has such information to Bank, to be used by Bank only for purposes of (i) evaluating such Customer’s creditworthiness, (ii) soliciting such Customers for Credit Cards, and (iii) administering the Plan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and Applicable Law. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, Company’s privacy and security policies shall authorize Company to disclose such information to Bank.  Additionally, all Transaction Record information originated by Company shall be sent to Bank for daily processing.  Bank shall protect the confidentiality of such information as set forth in Section 10.17 and shall not use or disclose such Company Customer Information without prior written consent from Company except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement.

(c)            (i) The Accounts and all information related thereto set forth in Bank’s records, including without limitation the information listed in Schedule 2.8, the information obtained through applications, the receivables, names, addresses, and credit Account information of Cardholders shall be the exclusive property of Bank during the Term, and thereafter (unless the Accounts are purchased by Company or its designee pursuant to Section 9.5). Such information and Bank’s Common Information shall be referred to collectively as “Bank Cardholder Information”. Bank Cardholder Information might or

 
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might not be comprised exclusively of Bank’s Consumer Personal Information.  Bank agrees that during the Term and in the event Company purchases the Portfolio pursuant to Schedule 9.5, Bank shall not (i) sell or disclose to third parties the Cardholder List, nor (ii) use such Cardholder List for the purpose of marketing or soliciting to the Cardholders, except as expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement and/or in connection with Bank’s administration and servicing of the Plan.

 
(ii)           To the extent permitted by Applicable Law and Bank’s privacy and security policies, Bank shall provide to Company (A) one (1) monthly master file extract, initially containing the information set forth on Schedule 2.8 with such changes as the parties may mutually agree from time to time, and (B) any other Bank Cardholder Information as agreed to by Company and Bank.  Company may use such information in connection with maintaining and servicing the Accounts; furthermore, Company may use it to market to the Cardholders its Goods and/or Services, its business in general or any CHRS Business engaged in Cross Shopping, but in any event only as permitted by Applicable Law. Company may share the same with CHRS to the extent permitted by Applicable Law. The parties recognize that Company’s efforts related to such approved purposes might necessitate disclosure of Bank Cardholder Information to Company’s vendors and contractors.  Such disclosure shall be permitted, provided the third-parties agree in writing to use the information only for the aforementioned approved purposes and to protect the confidentiality of such information as set forth in Section 10.17.  Except as so provided, unless Bank consents otherwise in advance and in writing, Company shall keep such Bank Cardholder Information which is not Common Information confidential as set forth in Section 10.17, and shall not disclose such information to any third-party nor sell, lease, or otherwise transfer such information to any third-party.

2.9           Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services.  (a) Company and Bank agree that Bank will have the exclusive right but, except as set forth herein, not the obligation to make available to Cardholders various types of debt cancellation and credit related protection programs (collectively referred to herein as “Protection Programs”) offered by Bank.  Bank may but is not obligated to offer such Protection Programs through direct marketing channels including but not limited to telemarketing, call transfer, inbound customer service call offers, call to confirm programs, IVR, eCS, and EBPP.  Bank also has the right but not the obligation to make written offers for Protection Programs through Billing Statement bangtails and inserts Billing Statement messaging, and direct mail.  The fees for Protection Programs will be charged to the applicable Cardholder’s Account.  Company will assist Bank’s effort to offer Protection Programs in accordance with the mutually agreed promotional efforts so long as such assistance will not require Company to incur any direct expense or cost. Company will continue to support Protection Programs consistent with the support provided by Company prior to the Effective Date.  In the event Company purchases the Portfolio in connection with a termination of this Agreement, to the extent lawfully permitted, Bank shall, at Company’s request, transfer the Protection Programs (and all Cardholder contracts associated therewith) to Company (or its designee) as part of the acquisition and at no additional cost to Company (provided that Bank shall not transfer rights to use its trade names for such Protection Programs in connection therewith and Company shall rebrand such Protection Programs upon acquisition thereof).  In the event

 
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Company does not request the transfer of such Protection Programs, Bank shall have the right but not the obligation to immediately terminate any Protection Programs if and when either party:  (i) terminates this Agreement, (ii) notifies the other party of an intent to terminate or that the notifying party has already terminated this Agreement, or (iii) notifies the other of an intent to allow this Agreement to expire.

(b)           Company and Bank agree that, subject to Section 2.9(c), and except for Company’s Third Party Vendor Products as set forth in Section 2.9(d), Bank will have the exclusive right but not the obligation to make available to Cardholders, through solicitations made in connection with their Accounts, various types of products and services other than Protection Programs subject to Company’s prior written consent.  Such other products and services shall be referred to collectively herein as “Enhancement Marketing Services”. Such Enhancement Marketing Services include, but are not limited to, travel clubs, legal services, and merchandise products.  Bank may but is not obligated to offer Enhancement Marketing Services through direct marketing channels including but not limited to telemarketing, call transfer, inbound customer service call offers, call to confirm programs, IVR, ECS, and EBPP.  Subject to Company’s written consent, Bank also has the right, but not the obligation, to make written offers through Billing Statement bangtails and inserts, Billing Statement messaging, and direct mail. Bank will notify Company of proposed offers and obtain Company’s prior written consent prior to execution.  The charges for Enhancement Marketing Services will be billed to the applicable Cardholder’s Account.  Bank shall have the right but not the obligation to immediately terminate any Enhancement Marketing Services if and when either party:  (i) terminates this Agreement, (ii) notifies the other party of an intent to terminate or that the notifying party has already terminated this Agreement, or (iii) notifies the other of an intent to allow this Agreement to expire.

(c)           See Schedule 2.9 (c).

(d)           Subject to the provisions of this Subsection 2.9 (d) and its corresponding Schedule, and notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.9 (b), Company may make available to Cardholders through Billing Statement inserts, EBPP direct mail programs and telemarketing non-financial products and services and, with the consent of Bank, other products and services, from Company’s or its Affiliates’ third party vendors (“Company Third Party Vendor Products”).  By way of clarification, the parties agree that no product or service that is a competing debt cancellation or other credit related protection program competitive with a Protection Program can be a Company Third Party Vendor Product without the consent of Bank.  The fees for Company Third Party Vendor Products will be charged to the applicable Cardholder’s Account.  “Company Third-Party Vendor” shall mean a vendor with whom Company or its Affiliate has from time to time contracted to sell products and services that are not Goods and/or Services.  With regard to any Company Third Party Vendor Product for which Company desires an Account to be an accepted form of tender, Company and the applicable Company Third-Party Vendor shall enter into separate written agreement with Bank, as described in greater detail in Schedule 2.9 (d).


 
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2.10           Ownership and Licensing of the Parties Marks.  (a)  Bank recognizes that Company is the sole owner of the Company Marks, that Bank has no rights of ownership or license therein (except as provided herein), and that Bank is not entitled to (and shall not) use the Company Marks other than as explicitly and specifically provided in this Agreement or as required by Applicable Law.  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants to Bank a non-exclusive (except as to branded credit account and card plans per Section 3.10), non-transferable revocable license to use the Company Marks solely in satisfaction of its duties, rights and obligations described in and pursuant to this Agreement, including using same in any and all promotional materials, Account documentation, advertising, websites, marketing, and solicitations related to the Plan, during the Term.  Bank shall use the trademark designations “®” or “TM” or such other designation as Company may specify or approve in connection with the Company Marks on the Credit Cards, Account documentation and promotional materials.  Bank shall comply with all branding guidelines established by Company with respect to the Company Marks from time to time including, without limitation, as to typestyle, fonts and colors.  Bank agrees that it will not bid for the names “Charming Shoppes”, or any Company Mark, or any common misspelling or confusingly similar name, word or phrase, of any of the foregoing, or on any other intellectual property held by Company, CHRS or an affiliate of Company or CHRS, on any pay-for-placement search engine, or shopping engine, without the prior consent of Company.

(b)           Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) Company shall retain all rights (including without limitation, all intellectual property rights) in and to the Company Marks, and all goodwill and intangibles associated with the use of Company Marks (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) shall inure to the benefit of Company; (ii) Company shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to prohibit the use of any Company Marks in any Forms (except with respect to Bank’s right to use Company Marks solely in connection with the administration and collection of the balance due on the Accounts), advertisements or other materials or references proposed to be used by Bank which Company deems objectionable or improper; (iii) Bank shall cease all use of Company Marks upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason unless Bank retains the Accounts after termination of the Agreement, in which case, Bank may use Company Marks solely in connection with the administration and collection of the balance due on the Accounts.

(c)           Company recognizes that Bank is the sole owner of the Bank Marks, that Company has no rights of ownership or license therein, and that Company is not entitled to (and shall not) use the Bank Marks other than as explicitly and specifically provided in this Agreement. As a point of clarification, Bank has and retains all rights in and to Bank Marks and the use thereof, and all goodwill associated with the use of Bank Marks (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) shall inure to the benefit of Bank.  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, Bank hereby grants to Company a non-exclusive, non-transferable revocable license to use the Bank Marks solely in satisfaction of its duties, rights and obligations described in and pursuant to this Agreement, including using same in any and all promotional materials, Account documentation, advertising, websites, marketing, and solicitations related to the Plan, during the Term.  Bank shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to prohibit the use of any Bank Marks in any Plan Documents, advertisements, or other materials or references

 
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proposed to be used by Company which Bank in its reasonable business judgment deems objectionable or improper.  Company shall cease all use of Bank Marks upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason unless Company purchases the Accounts upon termination in which event Company shall have the right to utilize the Bank Marks solely as necessary to administer and collect the Accounts during a reasonable transition period as mutually agreed to by the parties in writing

2.11           Cardholder Loyalty Program. (a) If Company chooses to own and operate a loyalty program for Cardholders (a “Loyalty Program”), Company will be responsible for determining its rules, funding the rewards related to it (unless otherwise agreed by Bank), and ensuring compliance with all Applicable Laws as related solely to such Loyalty Program as distinguished from the operation of the Credit Cards in general). Bank shall support such Loyalty Program on terms mutually agreed by the parties.   Company will be entitled to all revenue from the Loyalty Program. Company will provide Bank with reasonable notice of any changes to the Loyalty Program. Commencing on the Plan Commencement Date Bank shall make available through the TSYS’ services the loyalty program services supported by TSYS for the Purchased Accounts prior to the Plan Commencement Date. Bank acknowledges and agrees that as of the TSYS Transition, Bank shall support the Loyalty Program set forth on Schedule 2.11 (b) hereto.

(b)           Upon request by Company, and to the extent available, Bank will provide Company with certain system functionality tied to the Accounts to support the Loyalty Program, for matters such as recording the accumulation of loyalty points, tracking, lookup/reporting, and redemption where a coupon is part of the Billing Statement.  Any such system functionality provided by Bank shall be at no additional charge to Company, to the extent the Loyalty Program: (i) is compatible with Bank’s existing or future functionality offered to other Bank clients; (ii) is facilitated using monthly Billing Statements to active Accounts; (iii) does not require Bank to incur additional internal or external expense; and (iv) does not include stand-alone mailings.  Otherwise, such functionality if available shall be provided pursuant to terms (including fees to Bank) mutually agreed to by the parties. For example, Bank will at Company’s expense (which expense shall be Bank’s then current actual costs), support stand-alone Cardholder mailings and zero-balance Billing Statements associated with the Loyalty Program.  Bank acknowledges that the system functionality and information included or required to support the existing Loyalty Program described on Schedule 2.11 (b) shall be provided by Bank at no charge to Company.

SECTION 3.  OPERATION OF THE PLAN

3.1           Honoring Credit Cards.  Company agrees that Company will honor any Credit Card and/or Account properly issued and currently authorized by Bank under the Plan.  In addition, as of the Effective Date, and subject to Schedule 3.1, there will be Cross Shopping between and among the CHRS Businesses, meaning Company will accept for payment all CHRS Business Cards properly issued and currently authorized by Bank. Furthermore, Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Operating Procedures, deliver to Bank all Transaction Records evidencing transactions made under the Plan.  Nothing herein shall require or permit

 
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Company to accept or honor any credit card of Bank other than a Credit Card issued hereunder or a CHRS Business Card.

3.2           Cardholder Disputes Regarding Accounts, and Goods and/or Services.  (a) Company shall promptly notify Bank regarding any Cardholder dispute regarding an Account upon Company being made aware of such dispute.  This includes but is not limited to claims related to outstanding balances, Bank reports to credit bureaus, finance charges, fees, and collection efforts (e.g., notification to the Company that the Cardholder has filed bankruptcy or wants collection communications directed to legal counsel, etc.).

(b) Company shall act in a commercially reasonable manner to investigate and work to resolve disputes with Cardholders regarding Goods and/or Services obtained through Company pursuant to the Plan.  Company shall timely process credits or refunds for Cardholders utilizing the Plan as determined by Company in its reasonable discretion and in accordance with Applicable Law.

3.3           No Special Agreements.  Company will not extract any special agreement, condition, fee, or security from Cardholders in connection with their use of a Credit Card, unless approved in advance by Bank in writing.

3.4           Cardholder Disputes Regarding Violations of Applicable Law.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Bank in further investigating and using its reasonable efforts to help resolve any Applicant or Cardholder claim, dispute, or defense which may be asserted under Applicable Law.

3.5           Payment to Company; Ownership of Accounts; Fees; Accounting.  (a) Company shall electronically transmit all Transaction Records (from its main offices and/or its Sales Channels) to Bank within a reasonable period of time and in a format reasonably acceptable to Bank. Upon receipt, Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly verify and process such Transaction Records and, in the time frames specified herein, Bank will remit to Company an amount equal to the Net Proceeds indicated by such Transaction Records for the Credit Sales Day(s) for which such remittance is made.  Bank will transfer funds electronically via immediately available funds (the “Transfer”) to an account designated in writing by Company to Bank (the “Company Deposit Account”) as follows. If Transaction Records are received by Bank’s processing center before 10 a.m. Eastern time on a Business Day, Bank will initiate the Transfer on the next Business Day thereafter.  In the event that the Transaction Records are received on a non-Business Day or after 10 a.m. Eastern time on a Business Day, then Bank will initiate the Transfer no later than the second Business Day thereafter.  The term “initiate” shall mean that Bank shall transmit the Transfer file to Bank’s financial institution for settlement on the same Business Day. See also the provisions of Schedule 3.5 (a).

 
(b)           Bank shall own all the Accounts under the Plan from the time of establishment (or time of purchase as to the Purchased Accounts), and except as otherwise provided herein, Company shall not have any right to any indebtedness on an Account or to any Account payment from a Cardholder arising out of or in connection

 
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with any Purchases under the Plan and shall not have any obligations to Cardholders for Account credit balances.  Effective upon the delivery of each Charge Slip by Company to Bank and payment to Company by Bank pursuant to Section 3.5 (a), Company shall be deemed to have transferred, conveyed, assigned and surrendered to Bank all right, title or interest in all such Charge Slips and in all other rights and writings evidencing such Purchases, if any.

(c)           All Transaction Records are subject to review and acceptance by Bank (it being agreed that Transaction Records obtained and submitted in accordance with this Agreement and the Operating Procedures shall be accepted by Bank).  In the event of a computational or similar error of an accounting or record keeping nature with respect to such Transaction Records, Bank may credit to the Company’s Deposit Account or net against the Net Proceeds (as the case may be) the proper amount as corrected. If the Net Proceeds are insufficient, Company shall remit the proper amount to Bank promptly following written demand.  Upon any such correction, Bank shall give Company prompt notice of same, including details of the discrepancy and correction and reasonable supporting documentation and Company shall have the right to dispute such correction.

(d)           The Credit Card Agreement shall include the Rates and Fees as are set forth in Schedule 3.5(d).  In connection with its servicing of the Accounts, Bank may make changes to the Credit Card Agreement on an individual Account by Account basis and without notice to Company provided the same are consistent with Applicable Law and Bank’s Operating Procedures.  On other than an Account by Account basis, Bank may make non-Rates and Fees changes at any time as required by Applicable Law, but must provide written notice of same to Company as is reasonable under the circumstances and the same must be in accordance with Applicable Law.  Bank may make changes to the Rates and Fees as specified in Schedule 3.5(d).  See Schedule 3.5(d).

(e)           Company shall obtain and maintain at its own expense such Point of Sale terminals, cash registers, network (electronic communication interchange system), telephone or other communication lines, software, hardware and other items of equipment (collectively, “Systems”) as are necessary for it to request and receive authorizations, transmit Charge Slip and Credit Slip information, process applications and perform its obligations under this Agreement.  The computer programs and telecommunications protocols necessary to facilitate communications between Bank and Company (and/or Bank and specific Sales Channels, if applicable) shall be determined by Bank from time to time, subject to reasonable prior notice of any change in such programs, equipment or protocols and discussion of such changes in the Operating Committee; provided, however, that Company shall not be required to make such changes unless (i) the same are in compliance with industry-standard communications systems protocols (the standards as of the Effective Date being ISO and XML for Web services); or (ii) substantially all other Bank Clients using the same type of protocols are required to comply with such changes.

(f)           Company shall be responsible for ensuring that all Promotional Program Purchases are properly designated as such on the Transaction Record in accordance with the Operating Procedures.

 
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(g)           Bank may, if Company fails to pay Bank any amounts due to Bank pursuant to this Agreement for more than thirty (30) days after the due date, offset such amounts in the Net Proceeds calculation or any other amounts owed by Bank to Company under this Agreement. In addition to its other remedies set forth herein for failure to pay, Company may, if Bank fails to pay Company any amounts due to Company pursuant to this Agreement for more than thirty (30) days after the due date, offset such amounts against the any other amounts owed by Company to Bank under this Agreement.

3.6           Bank Mailings; Insertion of Company’s Promotional Materials.  Envelope space (including bangtail) for Billing Statements and Credit Card mailers shall be allocated as follows:

(a)           “Priority Materials”, defined as: legally required material (including privacy notices, legal disclosures and Cardholder notices), Billing Statements, new Credit Card mailers, Credit Card Agreement and any other non-marketing notices sent by Bank (such as buck slips encouraging Cardholders to register for eCS or paperless services); then

(b)           During each Plan month, Bank shall have the right to use one (1) bangtail (weighing up to .14 ounces, including the return mail envelope the bangtail is attached to, for mail delivery) for Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services.  However, if Bank does not use such space in any given Plan month Company shall have the right to use such space; and

 
(c)           Company’s promotional materials (including materials promoting Goods and Services and Company Third Party Vendor Products, however, if Company does not use such space in any given Plan month Bank shall have the right to use such space for approved Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services), subject to the following terms:

At Company’s request, Bank will include with the Billing Statements and new Credit Card mailers Company promotional materials provided by Company (and at Company’s expense), so long as the materials:  (i) are provided to Bank at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled mailing date of such statements or notices (provided that Company may three (3) times per Plan Year deliver such inserts only twenty (20) days in advance (provided Company provides notice of such shortened delivery period at least thirty (30) days in advance of the scheduled mailing date); and Bank further agrees that it shall use commercially reasonable efforts to meet Company’s other reasonable requests from time to time during the Plan Year for twenty (20) day insertion times) and pursuant to an insert schedule that Company provided to Bank at least sixty (60) days in advance; (ii) have been approved as to content by Bank (in its reasonable discretion) with respect to any manner of reference to Bank or the Plan; (iii) meet all size, weight, or other specifications for such inserts as shall be reasonably set by Bank from time to time (which are subject to change by Bank on not less than ninety (90) days’ prior written notice unless such change is required by Applicable Law); (iv) would not require the removal (in Bank’s standard envelope) of Priority Materials and/or Bank’s other inserts pursuant to section 3.6(b); and (v) are paid for by Company, along with all additional

 
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actual postage costs, if any, caused by Bank’s insertion of such materials. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, Bank must provide Company reasonable advance notice of any such additional postage charge.  Furthermore, Bank shall only insert Company materials (and charge such additional expense to Company) if Company approves such additional postage costs.

Bank reserves the right to disallow any inserts which are in violation of Applicable Law, conflict with any other provision of this Agreement, or whose subject matter is reasonably deemed by Bank to be salacious in nature (it being agreed that Company’s promotion of any of its Goods and Services as sold in its Sales Channels as of the Effective Date (such as lingerie) shall not be deemed salacious).

3.7           Payments.  Company hereby authorizes Bank, or any of its employees or agents, to endorse “World Financial Network National Bank” upon all or any checks, drafts, money orders or other evidence of payment, made payable to Company and intended as payment on an Account, that may come into Bank’s possession from Cardholders and to credit said payment against the appropriate Cardholder’s Account.  Company further agrees that if Company is permitted by Bank to receive any payments made with respect to the Plan, such payments will be accepted only at Company locations approved by Bank in advance and in writing, it being agreed that as of the date of this Agreement, all existing store locations of Company are approved locations. Furthermore, Company will receive such payment in trust on Bank’s behalf and will within one (1) Business Day after receipt include the amount of such payment in the Transaction Records sent to Bank pursuant to this Agreement.  Bank will charge the amount of such payment against the Company Deposit Account, or, if the Company Deposit Account contains insufficient funds, Company shall remit the amount of such payment, or any unpaid portion thereof, to Bank immediately upon written demand. Payments made by Cardholders at such Bank pre-approved Company locations shall not be deemed received by Bank until Bank receives and accepts the Transaction Records.  Bank has the sole right to receive and retain all payments made with respect to all Accounts and to pursue collection of all amounts outstanding, unless a Purchase is charged back to Company pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.8 and 3.9 hereof (in which event Company and not Bank shall have the right to pursue such collection).  Company shall promptly comply with any written instruction by Bank or any successor to Bank to cease accepting Account payments and thereafter inform Cardholders who wish to make payments that payments should be made to Bank.

3.8           Chargebacks.  Bank shall have the right to charge back Company the amount of any Purchase, including the unpaid principal balance, applicable sales tax, and any Royalty Payment paid by Bank to Company relating to any such Purchase:

(a)           If and to the extent any Applicant or Cardholder claim, defense, dispute, or basis for non-payment is based on wrongful action or inaction by Company, including but not limited to a: (i) charge for something other than an actual Purchase; or (ii) the Charge Slip related to the Purchase is a duplicate of one already paid and/or the price on it differs from the price on the Cardholder’s unadulterated copy of same; or


 
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(b)           If and to the extent Bank reasonably determines that, with respect to such Purchase or the Account that:  (i) there is a breach of any warranty or representation made by or with respect to Company under this Agreement; (ii) there is a failure by Company to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement, which failure shall not have been cured within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof from Bank, in either such event which breach or failure materially adversely affects Bank’s ability to pursue the Cardholder on account of the Purchase or Account; or

(c)           For any chargeback reason as set forth in the Operating Procedures; or

(d)           For any fraudulent Web Purchases related to Web Applications where approved applicants were provided the option to receive their Account number and available credit line either via e-mail or immediately on-screen.   Company shall have the right to remove the option of approved applicants receiving their Account number and available credit line either via e-mail or immediately on-screen on reasonable prior notice to Bank.

3.9           Exercise of Chargebacks.  With respect to any amounts to be charged back pursuant to Section 3.8, Bank will offset such amount as part of the Net Proceeds to be paid to Company, to the extent the balance thereof is sufficient or, if such balance is not sufficient, Bank may demand payment from Company in immediately available funds for the full or any partial amount of such chargeback.  Upon payment in full of the related amount by Company to Bank, or off-setting, as the case may be, Bank shall transfer to Company, without any representation, warranty or recourse, all of Bank’s right to payments of such amounts charged back in connection with such Purchase.  Bank will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with Company in any efforts by Company to collect the chargeback amount. Bank will provide Company reasonable supporting documentation relating to such chargeback. Bank may reduce the amount owed by a Cardholder on any Purchase subject to chargeback, but the related chargeback shall then be equal to the reduced (or net) amount owed by the Cardholder.  Company shall not resubmit or re-transmit any charged back Purchase to Bank, without Bank’s prior written consent.

3.10           Non-Competition.  (a) Company shall actively and consistently market, promote, participate in and support the Plan as set forth in this Agreement. Furthermore, except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c) below, Company agrees that, in consideration of and as an inducement for Bank to make the Plan available to Company as provided in this Agreement, during the Term, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement (including, without limitation, with respect to the Plan and Cross-Selling and as provided in subsection (b) below), Company (including its Affiliates) shall not, either on its own or under contract or in concert with any third-party, establish, provide, own, accept or process any (i) “private label” or “co-brand” revolving credit card, (ii) debit card that is  “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; or (iii) other Financial Product.


 
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(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (a) above or elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed to prohibit or prevent Company from accepting (i) any general purpose credit card (including, without limitation, American Express Card, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover) that  is not “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; (ii) any form of general purpose debit card that is not “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; (iii) any fixed payment (installment) credit programs for Applicants declined by Bank; (iv) any gift card, gift check, voucher, coupon or marketing gift card promotion, or (v) in cases where Company is exercising its rights under Schedule 3.12 of this Agreement, solely with respect to the New Business (as defined therein).

(c)           The prohibitions set forth in subsection (a) will not apply: (i) as to a particular state after Bank has terminated the operation of the Plan in such state pursuant to Section 9.4 and Bank shall permit Company to accept in its Sales Channels credit cards issued by the new provider selected by Company for those state(s) where Bank has terminated operation of the Plan; (ii) after termination or expiration of this Agreement; or (iii) with respect to an employee credit card program whereby private label and / or co-brand credit cards are issued by Company’s Affiliate, Spirit of America National Bank, to current Company and / or other CHRS Businesses’ employees (“Employee Program”), provided, however, that if such Employee Program is not implemented by Company prior to the end of the first Plan Year, Company shall be prohibited from operating an Employee Program through the Term.  Additionally, once either party has provided notice to the other that it intends to allow the Agreement to expire, Company may enter into a credit card program agreement with another provider prior to such expiration of the Agreement, provided that program does not commence and Company shall not accept credit related to such agreement until after this Agreement has terminated or expired.

3.11           Reports.  Bank will deliver to Company the reports set forth in Schedule 3.11, as specified therein.  Bank may provide any additional reports requested by Company upon such terms and conditions (including cost) as are mutually agreed to by the parties, it being agreed that there shall be no charge for additional reports unless and to the extent Bank actually incurs costs associated with such reports beyond the costs associated with the reports set forth on Schedule 3.11.

3.12           See Schedule 3.12.                                           

SECTION 4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY

Company hereby represents and warrants to Bank as follows:

4.1           Organization, Power and Qualification.  Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing and has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.  Company is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in all jurisdictions where located and/or conducting business, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a material adverse

 
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effect on Company’s business or Company’s or Bank’s ability to perform as required under this Agreement or operate the Plan.

4.2           Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention.  (a) This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate proceedings (or analogous governing proceedings) of Company. Further, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Company, and is a valid and legally binding agreement of Company and duly enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equity principles).

(b)           No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over Company is required for (nor would the absence of such adversely affect) the legal and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c)           The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Company and the compliance by Company with all provisions of this Agreement:  (i) will not conflict with or violate any Applicable Law; and (ii) provided Bank executes a merchant agreement with Wachovia related to Company’s rights to Net Proceeds on terms mutually agreed between Bank and Wachovia, will not conflict with or result in a breach of or default under any of the terms or provisions of any indenture, loan agreement, or other contract or agreement to which Company is a party (including but not limited to any under which Company is an obligor or by which its property is bound) where such conflict, breach or default would have a material adverse effect on Company or the Plan, nor will such execution, delivery or compliance violate or result in the violation of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws (or analogous rules of governance) of Company.

4.3           Accuracy of Information.  All factual information furnished by Company to Bank in writing at any time pursuant to any requirement of, or furnished in response to any written request of Bank under this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby has been, and all such factual information hereafter furnished by Company to Bank will be, to Company’s knowledge and belief, true and accurate in every respect material to the transactions contemplated hereby on the date as of which such information was or will be stated or certified.

4.4           Validity of Charge Slips.  (a)  As of the date any Transaction Records are presented to Bank in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, each Charge Slip relating to such Transaction Records shall represent the obligation of a Cardholder in the respective amount set forth therein for Goods sold or Services rendered, together with applicable taxes, if any, and shall not involve any element of credit for any other purpose.


 
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(b)           As of the date any Transaction Records are presented to Bank in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, Company has no knowledge or notice of any fact or matter which would immediately or ultimately impair the validity of any Charge Slip relating to such Transaction Records, the transaction evidenced thereby, or its collectibility.

4.5           Compliance with Law.  Any action taken by Company or inaction (where Company has a duty to act) in connection with the Plan, the Loyalty Program, Bank, and/or the sales of Goods and/or Services shall be in compliance with all Applicable Law, except where the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, does not or will not have a material adverse effect on Company, Bank, or the Plan.  Company’s compliance with Applicable Law includes, but is not limited to, not engaging in: the sale of any illegal goods and/or services, the illegal sale of otherwise legal goods and/or services, and sales in violation of federal and state laws designed to prevent unlawful gambling.

4.6           Company Marks.  Company has the legal right to use and to permit the Bank to use, to the extent set forth herein, Company Marks.

4.7           Intellectual Property Rights.  In the event Company provides any software, hardware, technology or specifications for development to Bank, Company has the legal right to such software, hardware, technology or specifications for development and the right to permit Bank to use such software, hardware, technology or specifications for development, and such use shall not violate any intellectual property rights of any third party.  Any software or other technology developed by Company or its Affiliates (and not developed by Bank), to facilitate the Plan, including but not limited to, software and software modifications developed in response to Bank’s request or to accommodate Bank’s special requirements and all derivative works, will remain the exclusive property of Company and/or its Affiliates.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to convey a proprietary interest to Bank or any third party in any of the software, hardware, technology or any of the derivative works thereof which are owned or licensed by Company and/or its Affiliates, and Bank shall return to Company all materials containing such intellectual property upon termination of this Agreement.

4.8           Legal Proceedings. There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings which are pending or, to the knowledge of Company, threatened, against Company which would prevent, prohibit or otherwise materially affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 5.  COVENANTS OF COMPANY

Company hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

5.1           Notices of Changes.  Company will promptly notify Bank of any:  (a) change in the name or form of business organization of Company, change in the location of its chief executive office or the location of the office where its records concerning the Plan are kept; (b) merger or consolidation of Company, the sale of a majority of its stock (or other form of ownership) or the sale of a majority of its assets not in the ordinary

 
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course of business, or any change in control of Company; (c) material adverse change in its financial condition or operations; (d) the planned opening or closing of any Sales Channels (including individual locations); (e) any change in business practices of Company that would have a material adverse effect on this Agreement or the Plan; or (f) any adverse event which is likely to materially impact Company’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, in each case to the extent Company and CHRS are not prohibited from disclosing such event under Applicable Law.  Company will furnish such additional information with respect to any of the foregoing as Bank may reasonably request, for the purpose of Bank’s evaluating the effect of such change on the financial condition and operations of Company and on the Plan.

5.2           Financial Statements.  Company shall furnish to Bank promptly upon request the following information pertaining to Company (on a consolidated basis if applicable):  (a) a balance sheet as of the close of each fiscal year; (b) a statement of income, retained earnings, and paid-in capital to the close of each fiscal year; (c) a statement of cash flow to the close of each such period; and (d) a copy of the opinion submitted by Company’s independent certified public accountants in connection with such of the financial statements as have been audited; provided, however that as long as Company is a subsidiary of CHRS, and CHRS is publicly traded, Company may satisfy the foregoing requirements by delivering to Bank: (a) copies of CHRS’ quarterly 10-Q filings; (b) copies of CHRS’ annual 10-K filing; and (c) a quarterly statement of operating income (based on CHRS’ fiscal quarter).

5.3           Access Rights.  (a) Subject to (b) below, Company will permit, once per Plan Year unless Bank has reasonable cause to do so more than once, authorized representatives designated by Bank, at Bank’s expense, to visit its facilities and inspect, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, any of the books and records of Company and/or its Sales Channels pertaining to Applicants, Accounts, Transaction Records and any category of payments owed by one party to the other, and to make copies and take extracts there from, and to discuss the same with its officers and independent public accountants, all at reasonable times during normal business hours.  Company shall provide Bank from time to time such reasonable documentation as Bank may reasonably request to verify Company’s compliance with any other material provision of this Agreement.

(b)           Company’s obligations under (a) shall not be required to the extent that (i) such access is prohibited by Applicable Law, (ii) such records are legally privileged, or (iii) such records are Company planning documents or those of any of its Affiliates, operating budgets, management reviews or employee records.

5.4           Company’s Business.  Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence (or analogous business form) and to comply with all Applicable Laws in connection with its business and the sale of Goods and/or Services, including, but not limited to: (i) compliance with all applicable license requirements related to its business, and (ii) fulfilling its obligations under the Plan.  Company shall provide to Bank, annually, a

 
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forecast of the next year in terms of Company’s total sales, number of stores or other locations (including number and location of openings and/or closings), and expansion or contraction of any Sales Channels.

5.5            Insurance.  Company shall maintain, at a minimum, at Company’s own expense, insurance policies with insurers, in such amounts, and against such types of loss and damage, as follows:

(a)           Comprehensive General Liability Insurance or Commercial General Liability Insurance with a Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate with coverage noted for Products and Completed Operations;

(b)           Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance shall be provided as required by law or regulation (statutory requirements). Employer’s Liability insurance shall be provided in amounts not less than $500,000 per accident for bodily injury by accident, $500,000 per employee for bodily injury by disease, and $500,000 policy limit by disease.

5.6           Sales Information.  Company shall furnish to Bank on a quarterly basis (CHRS’ fiscal quarter) a report showing Company’s total sales of Goods and/or Services, categorized by tender type, once Company’s sales information has been made public.

5.7           Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan.  Company shall maintain a commercially reasonable plan designed to mitigate damages resulting from Force Majeure or other causes that would threaten operation of Company’s business and/or loss or exposure of information requiring protection as described in Sections 2.8 and 10.17.  Company agrees to provide a summary of such plan and a summary of its annual test results to Bank upon written request from Bank and to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any material deficiencies set forth in such test results as deemed warranted by Company.

5.8 Compliance with Agreement and Operating Procedures.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its Affiliates, licensees, franchises, officers, directors, associates and agents comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Operating Procedures.

SECTION 6.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BANK

Bank hereby represents and warrants to CHRS and Company as follows:

6.1           Organization, Power and Qualification. Bank is a national banking association duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America and has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.  Bank is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in all jurisdictions where such qualification is necessary for Bank to carry out its obligations under this Agreement.

 
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6.2           Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention.  (a) This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings, has been duly executed and delivered by Bank and is a valid and legally binding agreement of Bank and duly enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equity principles).

(b)           No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over Bank is required for (nor would the absence of such materially adversely affect) the legal and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c)           The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Bank hereunder and the compliance by Bank with all provisions of this Agreement:  (i) will not conflict with or violate any Applicable Law; (ii) will not conflict with or result in a breach of the terms or provisions of any indenture, loan agreement or other contract or agreement to which Bank is a party (including but not limited to any under by which Bank’s property is bound) where such conflict, breach or default would have a material adverse effect on Bank, nor will such execution, delivery or compliance violate or result in the violation of the Charter or By-Laws of Bank.

6.3           Accuracy of Information.  All factual information furnished by Bank to CHRS or Company in writing at any time pursuant to any requirement of, or furnished in response to any written request of CHRS or Company under this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby has been, and all such factual information hereafter furnished by Bank to CHRS or Company will be, to Bank’s best knowledge and belief, true and accurate in every respect material to the transactions contemplated hereby on the date as of which such information has or will be stated or certified.

6.4           Compliance with Law.  Any action or inaction taken by Bank (where Bank has a duty to act) in connection with the Plan shall be in compliance with all Applicable Law except where the failure to so comply does not or will not have an adverse effect on the Bank, CHRS, Company or the Plan.

6.5           Intellectual Property Rights.  In the event Bank provides any software or hardware to Company, Bank has the legal right to such software or hardware and the right to permit Company to use such software or hardware, and such use shall not violate any intellectual property rights of any third party.  Any software or other technology developed by Bank or its Affiliates or developed for Bank or its Affiliates at Bank’s expense, to facilitate the Plan, including but not limited to, software and software modifications developed in response to Company’s request or to accommodate Company’s special requirements and all derivative works, regardless of the developer thereof, will remain the exclusive property of Bank and/or its Affiliates.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to convey a proprietary interest to Company or any third party in any of the software, hardware, technology or any of the derivative works thereof which are owned or licensed by Bank and/or its Affiliates, and Company shall return to

 
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Bank all materials containing such intellectual property upon termination of this Agreement.

6.6           Legal Proceedings. There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings which are pending or, to the knowledge of Bank, threatened, against Bank which would prevent, prohibit or otherwise materially affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 7.  COVENANTS OF BANK

Bank hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

7.1           Notices of Changes.  Bank will as soon as reasonably possible notify Company of any:  (a) change in the name or form of business organization of Bank, change in the location of its chief executive office or the location of the office where its records concerning the Plan are kept; (b) merger or consolidation of Bank or the sale of a significant portion of its stock or of any substantial amount of its assets not in the ordinary course of business or any change in control of Bank; (c) material adverse change in its financial condition or operations; or (d) any adverse event which is likely to materially impact Bank’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement to the extent Bank and its parent company are not prohibited from disclosing such event under Applicable Law.  Bank will furnish such additional information with respect to any of the foregoing as Company may request for the purpose of evaluating the effect of such transaction on the financial condition and operations of Bank and on the Plan.

7.2           Financial Statement.  Bank shall furnish to Company upon request by Company, and as soon as available, the following information pertaining to Bank (on a consolidated basis with Bank’s parent company, if applicable): (a) a balance sheet as of the close of each fiscal year; (b) a statement of income, retained earnings, and paid-in capital to the close of each fiscal year; (c) a statement of cash flow to the close of each such period and a copy of the opinion submitted by Bank’s parent company or its independent certified public accountants in connection with such of the financial statements as have been audited;  provided, however that as long as Bank is a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“ADSC”), and ADSC is publicly traded, Bank may satisfy the foregoing requirements by delivering to Company: (a) copies of ADSC’s quarterly 10-Q filings; (b) copies of ADSC’s annual 10-K filing; and (c) a quarterly statement of operating income (based on ADSC’s fiscal quarter).

7.3           Access Rights.  Subject to (b) below, Bank will permit, once per Plan Year unless Company has reasonable cause to do so more than one time, authorized representatives designated by Company, at Company’s expense, to visit its facilities and inspect, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, any of Bank’s books and records pertaining to Purchases, Charge Backs, Royalty Fees, and any other category of payments owed by one party to the other, and to make copies and take extracts there from, and to discuss the same with its officers and independent public accountants, all at reasonable times during normal business hours.  Bank shall also permit Company (including without limitation Company’s collections and customer service auditing teams), a total of four times per Plan Year (in the aggregate for all CHRS Businesses for so long

 
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as Company remains a CHRS Business), unless Company has reasonable cause to do so more than four times, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, and in a manner which does not disrupt the operations, to visit the offices at which services relating to the Plan are provided, to review the activities of Bank and its subcontractors, to monitor a random sample of Cardholder customer service calls for quality and  to review compliance with the Service Standards.  Bank shall provide Company from time to time such reasonable documentation as Company may reasonably request to verify Bank’s compliance with any other material provision of this Agreement.

(b)           Bank’s obligations under (a) shall not be required to the extent that (i) such access is prohibited by Applicable Law, (ii) such records are legally privileged, (iii) such records are Bank planning documents or those of any of its Affiliates, operating budgets, management reviews or employee records, or (iv) such records relate to other clients of, or credit programs operated by, Bank.

7.4           Bank’s Business.  Bank shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and to comply with all Applicable Laws in connection with its business and the issuance of credit by Bank.

7.5           Insurance.  Bank shall maintain, at a minimum, at Bank’s own expense, insurance policies with insurers, in such amounts, and against such types of loss and damage, as follows: Errors & Omissions/Professional Liability Insurance, in an amount not less than $10,000,000 per claim and annual aggregate, covering all acts, errors, omissions, negligence, and network risks in the performance of services for Company or on behalf of Company hereunder.

7.6           Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan.  Bank shall maintain a commercially reasonable plan designed to mitigate damages resulting from Force Majeure or other causes that would threaten operation of the Plan and Bank’s business and/or loss or exposure of information requiring protection as described in Sections 2.8 and 10.17 and Bank shall annually test such plan.  Bank agrees to provide a summary of such plan and a summary of its annual test results to Company upon written request from Company and to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any material deficiencies set forth in such test results as deemed warranted by Bank.

SECTION 8.  INDEMNIFICATION

8.1           Indemnification Obligations.  (a) Company shall be liable to and shall indemnify and hold harmless Bank and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, subcontractors and their successors and assigns (collectively “Bank Indemnified Parties”) from any and all Losses incurred by them by reason of:  (i) Company’s breach of any representation, warranty or covenant hereunder; (ii) Company’s failure to perform its obligations hereunder; (iii) any damage caused by or related to Goods or Services charged to an Account; (iv) any action or failure to act (where there was a duty to act) by Company related to the Plan and/or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement; (v) Company having caused Losses to third parties, where such third parties have sought recovery from Bank Indemnified Parties; and (vi)

 
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Bank’s defending against claims described in (v).  In any case, Company’s liability does not extend to Losses proximately arising from an act or failure to act by Bank Indemnified Parties.

(b)           Bank shall be liable to and shall indemnify and hold harmless Company and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, sub-contractors and their successors and assigns (collectively, “Company Indemnified Parties”) from any and all Losses incurred by reason of:  (i) Bank’s breach of any representation, warranty or covenant hereunder; (ii) Bank’s failure to perform its obligations hereunder; and (iii) any action or failure to act (where there was a duty to act) by Bank and its officers, directors, and employees relating to the Plan and/or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement; (iv)  Bank having caused Losses to third-parties, where such third-parties have sought recovery from Company Indemnified Parties; and (v) Company’s defending against claims described in (iv).  In any case, Bank’s liability does not extend to Losses proximately arising from an act or failure to act by Company Indemnified Parties.

8.2           LIMITATION ON LIABILITY.  (a)  IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THE OTHER PARTY INCURS OR CLAIMS TO HAVE INCURRED ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS LIMITATION SHALL NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO A PARTY’S WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR INTENTIONAL BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT.

(b)           EXCEPT FOR (i) BANK’S OBLIGATION TO PAY NET PROCEEDS, ROYALTY PAYMENTS AND OTHER PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS TO COMPANY; AND (ii) DAMAGES ARISING FROM: (x) THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF BANK; (y) BANK’S BREACH OF SECTIONS 6.4, 6.5 AND / OR 10.17 OF THIS AGREEMENT; ALL OF WHICH SHALL HAVE NO CAP ON LIABILITY, BANK’S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO COMPANY FOR ALL DAMAGES INCURRED BY IT, FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($100,000,000.00).

(c)           EXCEPT FOR (i) COMPANY’S PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS TO BANK UNDER THIS AGREEMENT; AND (ii) DAMAGES ARISING FROM: (x) THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF COMPANY; (y) COMPANY’S BREACH OF SECTIONS 4.5, 4.7 AND / OR 10.17 OF THIS AGREEMENT; ALL OF WHICH SHALL HAVE NO CAP ON LIABILITY, COMPANY’S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO BANK FOR ALL DAMAGES IT INCURS, FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($100,000,000.00).

8.3           NO WARRANTIES.  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING IN ALL SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS ATTACHED HERETO), THERE ARE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, RESPECTING THE SERVICES AND/OR OTHER PRODUCTS SOLD OR PROVIDED BY BANK PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT.


 
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8.4           Notification of Indemnification; Conduct of Defense.  (a) The indemnified party shall notify the indemnifying party in writing of the nature of any claim for indemnification within a reasonable time after the assertion thereof, however, failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have under this Agreement, except to the extent that the indemnifying party’s right to defend the matter is materially and irrevocably prejudiced by such failure to give prompt notice.

(b)           The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of any suit brought against the indemnified party which gives rise to a claim against the indemnifying party.  Alternatively, the indemnified party may elect to assume defense of such claim, but must do so within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the claim.  However, if the indemnifying party so elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the indemnifying party  and approved by the indemnified party (or the person or persons so indemnified, who are the defendant or defendants in any suit so brought), which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Once the indemnifying party has retained counsel approved by the indemnifying party, the indemnified party (or the person or persons so indemnified who are the defendant or defendants in the suit), shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel it chooses to retain.

SECTION 9.  TERM, EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION

9.1           Term and Expiration.  Upon execution by authorized representatives of both parties, and unless  terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Date, remain in effect for ten (10) years from the Plan Commencement Date (the “Initial Term”), and automatically renew for successive eighteen (18) month terms (each a “Renewal Term”) thereafter, unless (i) either party provides the other with at least twelve (12) months’ written notice of its intention not to renew this Agreement beyond the expiration of the Initial or then current Renewal Term.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Plan Commencement Date does not occur on or before January 30, 2010, either party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other on or before March 15, 2010; provided, the party seeking to terminate this Agreement is not in breach of its obligations hereunder.

9.2           Termination with Cause by Bank; Bank Termination Events.  Any of the following conditions or events shall constitute a “Bank Termination Event” hereunder, and Bank may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Company designating the occurrence of such Bank Termination Event and the expiration of the applicable cure period, if any, designated below (provided, however, that Bank agrees upon request of Company to continue to authorize and process Purchases for up to ninety (90) days after such termination and to settle with Company with respect to the Transaction Records submitted by Company pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3.5 except such settlement by Bank shall be within three (3) Business Days after submission of the Transaction Records by Company, and provided further that during such ninety (90) day period Bank shall not be required to perform any activities which would render Bank to be out of compliance with Applicable Law or cause Bank to

 
35

 

operate in an unsafe and/or unsound manner) and, immediately after such termination becomes effective, Company shall have the obligation to purchase the Portfolio (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5):

(a)           If Company shall:  (i) generally not pay its debts as they become due; (ii) file, or consent by answer or otherwise to the filing against it, of a petition for relief, reorganization or arrangement or any other petition in bankruptcy, for liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction; (iii) make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) consent to the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers of itself or of any substantial part of its property; (v) be adjudicated insolvent or be liquidated; or (vi) take corporate action for the purpose of any of the foregoing and such event shall materially adversely affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement or the Plan; or

(b)           If a court or government authority of competent jurisdiction shall enter an order appointing, without consent by Company, a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to it or with respect to any substantial part of its property, or if an order for relief shall be entered in any case or proceeding for liquidation or reorganization or otherwise to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding up or liquidation of Company, or if any petition for any such relief shall be filed against Company and, in any such event such order or petition shall not be dismissed within ninety (90) days; or

(c)           (i) if Company shall have failed to pay Bank any payment due under this Agreement and Company fails to remedy such default within ten (10) calendar days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Company from Bank, or (ii) if Company shall materially default in the performance of or compliance with any material term or violates any of the material covenants, representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement in any material respect and Company shall not have remedied such default (or removed the materiality thereof) within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof shall have been received by Company from Bank; or

(d)           If, at the end of any Plan Year the volume of Goods and/or Services sold by Company has dropped by more than forty percent (40%) (as measured by relative annual sales volume of Goods and/or Services in the prior Plan Year); or

(e)           If at any time Company eliminates or ceases operations of Sales Channels which, at that time, account for more than forty percent (40%) of Company’s sales volume (or announces or notifies Bank of an intent or anticipation of to perform either such action); provided, further that the Company may propose to the Bank any elimination or ceasing of operations of Sales Channels prior to the implementation of such elimination or ceasing operation and submit the same for approval under the procedures of the Operating Committee, and if approved by the Operating Committee the Bank shall not have the right to designate a Bank Termination Event in respect of such change under this Section 9.2 (e); or



 
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(f)           If either the Parent Agreement or the Purchase Agreement have not been executed and delivered by the parties thereto within ten (10) Business Days after the Effective Date; or

(g)           As set forth in Schedule 9.2; or

(h)           If Company shall receive an adverse opinion by its auditors or accountants as to its viability as a going concern and Bank notifies Company and requests to discuss the materiality and effects of such opinion with Company; then (i) if Company does not promptly respond to Bank’s request or (ii) if, after such discussion, Bank, in its reasonable discretion, determines that such opinion shall materially adversely affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement.

9.3           Termination with Cause by Company; Company Termination Events.  Any of the following conditions or events shall constitute a “Company Termination Event” hereunder, and Company may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice by Company to Bank designating the occurrence of such Company Termination Event and the expiration of the applicable cure period, if any, designated below (provided, however, that Bank agrees upon request of Company to continue to authorize and process Purchases for up to ninety (90) days  (or such greater period as is set forth in Schedule 9.5 in the event Company is proceeding to purchase the Portfolio) after such termination and to settle with Company with respect to the Transaction Records submitted by Company pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3.5, provided that during such ninety (90) day period (or longer period as set forth above) Bank shall not be required to perform any activities which would render Bank to be out of compliance with Applicable Law or cause Bank to operate in an unsafe and/or unsound manner) and, immediately after such termination becomes effective, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Company shall have the option, but not the obligation, to purchase the Portfolio (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5):

(a)           If Bank (or Bank’s parent company) shall:  (i) generally not be paying its debts as they become due; (ii) file or consent by answer or otherwise to the filing against it, of a petition for relief, reorganization or arrangement or any other petition in bankruptcy, for liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction; (iii) make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) consent to the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers for itself or of any substantial part of its property; (v) be adjudicated insolvent or be liquidated; or (vi) take corporate action for the purpose of any of the foregoing and such event shall materially adversely affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement or the Plan; or

(b)           If a court or government authority of competent jurisdiction shall enter an order appointing, without consent by Bank, a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to it or with respect to any substantial part of its property, or if an order for relief shall be entered in any case or proceeding for liquidation or reorganization or otherwise to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of

 
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any jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding up or liquidation of Bank, or if any petition for any such relief shall be filed against Bank and, in any such event such order or petition shall not be dismissed within ninety (90) days; or

(c)           (i) if Bank shall have failed to pay Company the Net Proceeds due under this Agreement and Bank fails to remedy such default within three (3) calendar days after the date payment is due to Company pursuant to Section 3.5 (a), or (ii) if Bank shall have failed to pay Company any other payment due under this Agreement and Bank fails to remedy such default within ten (10) calendar days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Bank from Company, or (iii) except with respect to the Service Standards, if Bank shall materially default in the performance of or compliance with any material term or violates any of the material covenants, representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement in any material respect and Bank shall not have remedied such default (or removed the materiality thereof) within thirty (30) days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Bank from Company; or

(d)           If either the Parent Agreement or the Purchase Agreement have not been executed and delivered by the parties thereto within ten (10) Business Days after the Effective Date; or

(e)           The circumstances described in the last sentence of Section 9.4 shall occur; or

(f)  
As set forth in Schedule 9.3; or

(g) If Bank shall receive an adverse opinion by its auditors or accountants as to its viability as a going concern and Company notifies Bank and requests to discuss the materiality and effects of such opinion with Bank; then (i) if Bank does not promptly respond to Company’s request or (ii) if, after such discussion, Company, in its reasonable discretion, determines that such opinion shall materially adversely affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement.

 
 9.4           Termination of Particular State.  If the Applicable Law of a particular state or jurisdiction is amended or interpreted in such a manner so as to render all or any material part of the Plan unenforceable, or all or any part of the Plan illegal, Bank will, if requested, assist Company with finding a new credit provider for such state or jurisdiction.  In addition, if the Plan is rendered illegal or unenforceable as described in the preceding sentence in states which comprise, in the aggregate, more than forty percent (40%) of Company’s annual Net Sales, Company may terminate this Agreement upon not less than ninety (90) days’ written notice to Bank, and immediately after such termination becomes effective, Company shall have the obligation to purchase the Accounts (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5).

9.5           Purchase of Accounts.  See Schedule 9.5.


 
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9.6            Effect of Termination.  All solicitations, marketing and advertising of the Plan, other than acceptance of applications through Sales Channels in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, shall cease upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, except as the parties may otherwise mutually agree, provided that (i) the parties shall continue to operate the Plan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and service the Accounts in good faith and in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, subject to the terms of this Agreement, until the provisions of Schedule 9.5 are satisfied, if applicable and (ii) in the event Company is proceeding to purchase the Portfolio as set forth in Schedule 9.5, Company shall be entitled at its sole cost and expense and subject to Bank’s review of all marketing and advertising (in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.4(c)) to continue to market and advertise the Plan during the period between termination and transfer of the Plan. The parties shall cooperate to ensure the orderly wind-down or transfer of the Plan, as applicable.

9.7           Termination Assistance Services.

If Company or its designee purchases the Portfolio, Bank will:

(a) Upon the request of Company provide commercially reasonable termination assistance services as are consistent with industry practices in order to efficiently transfer the Portfolio and minimize any adverse impact on the Portfolio.  Such services shall be set forth in writing in the Portfolio purchase agreement.

(b)           Upon termination or expiration of the Plan for any reason and until the date that is ninety (90) days after Bank ceases to provide any services under this Agreement, Company shall have the right to offer employment to employees of Bank and any of Bank’s Affiliates that perform all or substantially all of their work for Bank or its Affiliates in connection with the Plan.

SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS

10.1           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including its schedules, exhibits and addenda which are incorporated herein) and the Operating Procedures constitutes the entire Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and merges all prior discussions between them.

10.2           Coordination of Public Statements.  Except as required by Applicable Law, including, without limitation, any SEC filings reasonably deemed by a party to be required (in which case the party making such filing will provide notice thereof to the other, in advance whenever possible), neither party will make any public announcement of the Plan or provide any information concerning the Plan to any representative of any news, trade or other media without the prior consent of the other party.  Neither party will respond to any inquiry from any public or governmental authority, except as required by Applicable Law, concerning the Plan without prior consultation and coordination with the other party.


 
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10.3           Amendment.  Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the provisions herein may be modified only upon the mutual agreement of the parties, however, no such modification shall be effective until reduced to writing and executed by both parties.

10.4           Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement and all obligations and rights arising hereunder shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, transferees and assigns.  Bank may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement solely as follows: (i) with the prior written consent of Company in its sole discretion; or (ii) without Company’s consent, but to an Affiliate; or (iii) without Company’s consent, but as part of an assignment of substantially all of Bank’s credit card programs.  Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without Bank’s consent but with notice thereof to Bank as soon as reasonably possible.  Further, in the event that CHRS sells Company or substantially all of the assets of Company, Company shall be obligated to assign this Agreement to the purchaser thereof.

10.5           Waiver.  No waiver of the provisions hereto shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged with such waiver.  No waiver shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in respect of any subsequent breach or default either of similar or different nature unless expressly so stated in writing.  No failure or delay on the part of either party in exercising any power or right under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver, nor does any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude any other or further exercise, or the exercise of any other power or right.

10.6            Severability.  If any of the provisions or parts of the Agreement are determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable statute or rule of law, such provisions or parts shall be deemed omitted without affecting any other provisions or parts of the Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect, unless the declaration of the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of such provision or provisions substantially frustrates the continued performance by, or entitlement to benefits of, either party, in which case this Agreement may be terminated by the affected party, without penalty.

10.7           Notices.  All communications and notices pursuant hereto to either party shall be in writing and addressed or delivered to it at its address shown below, or at such other address as may be designated by it by notice to the other party, and shall be deemed given when delivered by hand, or two (2) Business Days after being mailed (with postage prepaid) or when received by receipted courier service:

If to Bank:
World Financial Network National Bank
3100 Easton Square Place
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Attn.: President
 
With a Copy to:
Attn.:  General Counsel
If to Company:
c/o Fashion Bug Retail Companies, Inc.
450 Winks Lane,
Bensalem PA, 19020
Attn.:  President
 
With a Copy to:
ATTN:  General Counsel

 
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10.8           Captions and Cross-References.  The table of contents and various captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.  References in this Agreement to any Section are to such Section of this Agreement.

10.9           GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO, REGARDLESS OF THE DICTATES OF OHIO CONFLICTS OF LAW.

10.10           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be taken together as one agreement.

10.11           Force Majeure.   Neither party will be responsible for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, and not due to the fault or negligence of such party (such fault or negligence including, without limitation, (i) the failure of a party to maintain commercially reasonable precautions against such event and (ii) the failure of a party to maintain commercially reasonable procedures to mitigate against the effect of any such event [such as, but not limited to, redundant systems and manual procedures]).  Subject to the foregoing restrictions, force majeure events may include, but are not limited to, acts of God, flood, criminal acts, fire, riot, computer viruses or hackers, in each event where such party has utilized commercially reasonable means to anticipate and prevent the same, accident, strikes or work stoppage, embargo, sabotage, terrorism, inability to obtain material, government action (including any laws, ordinances, regulations or the like which restrict or prohibit the providing of the services contemplated by this Agreement), and other similar causes whether or not of the same class or kind as specifically named above in each event where such party has utilized commercially reasonable means to anticipate and prevent the same.  In the event a party is unable to perform substantially for any of the reasons described in this Section, it will notify the other party promptly of its inability so to perform, and if the inability continues for at least ninety (90) consecutive calendar days (ten (10) calendar days in the cases of credit authorizations, processing of new Accounts and payment obligations and thirty (30) calendar days in the event such failure to timely perform otherwise results in a material adverse effect on the other party), the party so notified may then terminate this Agreement forthwith.  The party unable to perform shall use its best efforts to avoid or remove such circumstance and such party unable to perform shall use its best efforts to mitigate the effects of such event and continue performance hereunder with the utmost dispatch both during the continuance of such event and whenever such causes are removed.  The foregoing shall not limit or excuse a party’s payment obligations under this Agreement, provided that the parties acknowledge that, subject to the foregoing restrictions and obligations and the provisions of Schedule 3.5(a), the timing of such payment obligations may be disrupted due to a force majeure event.

10.12           Relationship of Parties.  This Agreement does not constitute the parties as partners or joint venturers and neither party will so represent itself.


 
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10.13           Survival.  No termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect or impair the powers, obligations, duties, rights, indemnities, liabilities, covenants or warranties and/or representations of the parties with respect to times and/or events occurring prior to such termination.  No powers, obligations, duties, rights, indemnities, liabilities, covenants or warranties and/or representations of the parties with respect to times and/or events occurring after termination shall survive termination except for the following Sections and their corresponding schedules: Section 2.8), Section 2.10, Section 3.2, Section 3.4, Section 3.5 (but not the provisions of Schedule 3.5(a) except for a termination by Company for a Company Termination Event), Section 3.7, Section 3.8, Section 3.9, Section 8, Section 9.5, Section 9.6, Section 9.7, Section 10.7, Section 10.9, Section 10.13, Section 10.17,  Section 10.18, Section 10.19 and Section 10.20.

10.14           Mutual Drafting.  This Agreement is the joint product of Company and Bank and each provision hereof has been subject to mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of Company and Bank; therefore to the extent any language in this Agreement is determined to be ambiguous, it shall not be construed for or against any party based on the fact that either party controlled the drafting of the document.

10.15           Independent Contractor.  The parties hereby declare and agree that Bank is engaged in an independent business, and shall perform its obligations under this Agreement as an independent contractor; that any of Bank’s personnel performing the services hereunder are agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors of Bank and are not agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors of Company; that Bank has and hereby retains the right to exercise full control of and supervision over the performance of Bank’s obligations hereunder and full control over the employment, direction, compensation and discharge of any and all of the Bank’s agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors, including compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability insurance, social security, withholding and all other federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing such matters; that Bank shall be responsible for Bank’s own acts and those of Bank’s agents, employees, Affiliates, and subcontractors; and that except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, Bank does not undertake by this Agreement or otherwise to perform any obligation of Company, whether regulatory or contractual, or to assume any responsibility for Company’s business or operations.

10.16           No Third Party Beneficiaries.  The provisions of this Agreement are for the benefit of the parties hereto and not for any other person or entity.

10.17           Confidentiality and Security Control.

(a)           Confidential Information. Subject to Section 2.8 and except as specifically provided in this Section 10.17, neither party shall disclose any Confidential Information (defined below) which it learns as a result of negotiating or implementing this Agreement. “Confidential Information” shall mean information not of a public nature concerning the business or properties of the other party or their customers including, without limitation: Consumer Personal Information, the terms and conditions of this Agreement (as well as proposed terms and conditions of any amendments, renewals, or extensions of this Agreement) any proposed and/or agreed upon terms and conditions of any other credit card program agreement between the parties and/or their Affiliates, customer lists, sales

 
42

 

volumes, test results, and results of marketing programs, Plan reports and files generated by Bank (in the case of Bank), trade secrets, business and financial information, source codes, business methods, procedures, know-how and other information (including but not limited to intellectual property) of every kind that relates to the business of either party.

However, the definition of “Confidential Information” specifically excludes information which:

(i)           is generally known to the trade or to the public at the time of such disclosure; or

(ii)           becomes generally known to the trade or the public subsequent to the time of such disclosure; provided, however, that such general knowledge is not the result of a disclosure in violation of this Section 10.17; or

(iii)           is obtained by a party from a source other than the other party, without breach of this Agreement or any other obligation of confidentiality or secrecy owed to such other party or any other person or organization; or

(iv)           is independently conceived and developed by the disclosing party and proven by the disclosing party through tangible evidence not to have been developed as a result of a disclosure of information to the disclosing party, or any other person or organization which has entered into a confidential arrangement with the non-disclosing party.

(b)           Other Protected Information. The use and/or disclosure of any Consumer Personal Information, Company Customer Information, and/or Bank Cardholder Information shall be subject to Applicable Law, Section 2.8, and this Section 10.17.

(c)           Permitted Uses and Disclosures. Nothing in this Section 10.17 shall be interpreted to mean that a party is restricted with respect to the use or disclosure of Confidential Information which it owns. The parties may also disclose any Consumer Personal Information or Confidential Information under the following circumstances.  First, to the extent disclosure is required by Applicable Law.  Second, to the extent disclosure is both permitted by Applicable Law and either necessary for the performance of the disclosing party’s obligation under this Agreement and/or agreed to in writing by the other party, provided that:  (i) prior to disclosing any such information to any third party, the party making the disclosure (to the third party) shall give notice to the other party of the nature of such disclosure and of the fact that such disclosure will be made; and (ii) prior to filing a copy of this Agreement (whole or partial) with any governmental authority or agency, the filing party will consult with the other party with respect to such filing and shall redact such portions of this Agreement which the other party requests be redacted, unless, in the filing party’s reasonable judgment based on the advice of its counsel (which advice shall have been discussed with counsel to the other party), the filing party concludes that such request is inconsistent with the filing party’s obligations under Applicable Law.


 
43

 

(d)           Protecting Disclosed Information. When, pursuant to subsection (c) above, one party discloses the other party’s Confidential Information or Consumer Personal Information to the disclosing party’s Affiliate or a third-party, the disclosing party shall be responsible for ensuring that such disclosure complies with Applicable Law.  Furthermore, the disclosing party shall ensure that the Affiliate or third-party executes a confidentiality agreement provided by or approved in writing by the non-disclosing party, and that it keeps all such information in confidence.  Each party covenants that at all times it shall have in place procedures designed to assure that each of its employees who is given access to the other party’s Consumer Personal Information or Confidential Information shall protect the privacy of such information.  Each party acknowledges that any breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement by it will result in irreparable damage to the other party and therefore in addition to any other remedy that may be afforded by law any breach or threatened breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement may be prohibited by restraining order, injunction or other equitable remedies of any court.  The provisions of this Section 10.17 will survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

(e)           Protecting Stored Information.  Each party shall establish commercially reasonable controls to ensure the confidentiality of any Consumer Personal Information and the other’s Confidential Information.  Each party shall also ensure that such information is not disclosed contrary to the provisions of this Agreement, or any applicable privacy, security or other laws, rules, and regulations.  Without limiting the foregoing, each party shall implement such physical and other security measures as are necessary to (i) ensure the security and confidentiality of any Consumer Personal Information and the other’s Confidential Information, (ii) protect against any threats or hazards to the security and integrity of such information, (iii) protect against any unauthorized access to or use of such information, and (iv) properly dispose of any Consumer Personal Information as required under Applicable Law.  A party shall promptly notify the other in the event it believes, or has reason to believe, that a confidentiality or security breach, or any other unauthorized intrusion, has occurred with respect to Consumer Personal Information.  Such party shall estimate the intrusion’s affect and shall specify the corrective action taken and to be taken by such party.  Additionally, the party incurring the breach or intrusion shall be responsible for the Losses related to such breach and shall indemnify the other party for any Losses such other party suffers as a result of such data breach/intrusion which in the case of unauthorized disclosure of Consumer Personal Information shall include, without limitation any Losses related to claims brought against the non-breaching party by such consumers related to such unauthorized disclosure, costs of any and all required notifications of such breach to the affected consumers and the costs of any credit or identify theft monitoring products.

 (f)           If, upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Company or its designee does not purchase the Accounts from Bank pursuant to Section and Schedule 9.5, Company shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove from its systems Bank’s Cardholder, Confidential, and Consumer Personal Information.  This includes but is not limited to any and all records regarding Cardholders, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, that is maintained or otherwise possessed by or on behalf of Company, including a compilation of such records.  Upon expiration or termination of this

 
44

 

Agreement Bank shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove (according to Company’s direction) from its systems Company’s Confidential Information.

If Company or its designee does purchase the Accounts at such time, Company’s obligation to remove or destroy information shall apply only to any Bank Confidential Information that is not comprised of Bank Cardholder Information or Consumer Personal Information.

10.18           Taxes.  Company will be responsible for, and agrees to pay, all sales, use, excise, and value-added taxes, or taxes of a similar nature (excluding personal property taxes and taxes based on Bank’s income which shall be borne by Bank), imposed by the United States, any state or local government, or other taxing authority, on all services provided by Bank under this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate with each other to minimize any applicable sales, use, or similar tax and, in connection therewith, the parties shall provide each other with any relevant tax information as reasonably requested (including without limitation, resale or exemption certificates, multi-state exemption certificates, information concerning the use of assets, materials and notices of assessments).  All amounts set forth in this Agreement are expressed and shall be paid in lawful U.S. dollars.  Company shall be entitled at its sole cost to file claims and recover refunds and credits of sales and use tax by any taxing authority in connection with a Purchase that has been charged back to Company or written off by Bank (including without limitation Purchases related to the Purchased Accounts), and all allowable interest relating thereto (a “Sales Tax Refund”).  Bank agrees to provide to Company on a monthly basis a list of such losses by state, together with an aggregate list of the subject Accounts, balances, unpaid charges and fees for Accounts that have been charged off or written off during the prior month by ZIP code, as well as an overall recovery rate, which may be used by Company in connection with the Plan solely to enable Company to obtain said refunds and credits from a taxing jurisdiction, subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in Section 10.17.  In addition, in the event that Company is required to provide additional information to a governmental agency, Bank agrees to provide first and last name, city, state, ZIP code, unpaid charges and fees, write off date and write off amount. The parties agree that Company may retain one hundred percent (100%) of any amount obtained from a taxing authority for such a Sales Tax Refund and Bank shall not apply for any such Sales Tax Refunds.

10.19  Arbitration.

(a)  Scope of Arbitration.  Any dispute, controversy or claim of any and every kind or type, whether based on contract, tort, statute, regulations or otherwise, arising out of, in connection with or relating in any way to this Agreement, the relationship of the parties, the obligations of the parties or the operations carried out under this Agreement, including without limitation any dispute as to the existence, validity, construction, interpretation, negotiation, performance, non-performance, breach, termination or enforceability of this Agreement, that cannot be resolved through the Operating Committee dispute resolution procedure (as detailed in Paragraph E of Schedule 2.6 (b)), shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration, it being the intention of the

 
45

 

parties that this is a broad form arbitration agreement designed to encompass all possible disputes among the parties relating to the transactions that are the subject of the Agreement.

(b) Arbitration Notice.  If a dispute has not been resolved within thirty (30) days after the Operating Committee dispute resolution procedure has been ongoing, then either party may initiate arbitration proceedings by giving written notice (an “Arbitration Notice”) to the other party referencing the dispute and requesting that the dispute be submitted for arbitration in accordance with this Section 10.19.

(c)           Administration of Arbitration. The arbitration is to be administered by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) and is to be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA.  Such arbitration shall be conducted in either Columbus, Ohio or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or such other location as the parties shall mutually agree.

(d)           Arbitration Expenses.  Each party shall pay for one-half of the arbitration expenses, including arbitrator fees and expenses, except that the party initiating a claim for arbitration shall be responsible for paying the filing fees associated with initiating such claim.  Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorney and expert fees and costs; provided however that if the arbitrators determine that one party is the prevailing party in such arbitration, the arbitrators may, as a part of its award, require the non-prevailing party to pay the costs and fees (including, without limitation, the arbitration filing fees and reasonable attorneys fees and expert fees) incurred by the prevailing party.

(e)  Appointment of Arbitrators. The arbitration is to be held before a panel of three (3) arbitrators, and the parties will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that each of the arbitrators have at least ten (10) years of experience in the credit card industry (if such dispute relates to the credit card aspects of this Agreement) or in the applicable industry if the dispute is not specific to the credit card industry.  No later than fifteen (15) Business Days after the notice of arbitration is received, each party shall select an arbitrator and request the two selected arbitrators to select a third neutral arbitrator within five (5) Business Days, who shall serve as the presiding arbitrator.  Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the two arbitrators selected by the parties must have no direct or indirect financial interest in the dispute or any direct or indirect financial interest in or dependence upon either of the parties (other than his or her fees and expenses for serving on the panel), and the third, presiding arbitrator selected by the two party-selected arbitrators must qualify as a neutral arbitrator as defined in the Commercial Arbitration Rules and/or Code of Ethics of the AAA.  Before beginning the hearings, the three arbitrators must each take an oath of impartiality.

(f)  Enforcement; Authority of Arbitrators.  Judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction in either Ohio or Pennsylvania, however, the arbitrators have no authority to award punitive damages unless otherwise allowable pursuant to this Agreement or any other damages not measured by the prevailing party’s actual damages (unless liquidated damages are

 
46

 

specified in this Agreement), and may not, in any event, make any ruling, finding or award that does not conform to the provisions of this Agreement.

10.20.  Consent not to be Unreasonably Withheld.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, where a party’s consent is required under this Agreement, such party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition their consent.


[Signature block on following page.]








































 
47

 



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in manner and form sufficient to bind Bank, Company, and all subsidiaries of Company through which Sales Channels are being operated, as of the date first above written.


FASHION BUG RETAIL COMPANIES, INC.


By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER


Eric M. Specter
Printed Name

Vice President
Title































 
48

 




WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK
NATIONAL BANK


By:  /S/ DANIEL T. GROOMES


Daniel T. Groomes
Printed Name

President
Title

































 
49

 






SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC.

By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER


Eric M. Specter
Printed Name

Vice President
Title


































 
50

 

EX-10.4 5 exh104aug122009.htm CATHERINES AGREEMENT AUGUST 12, 2009 exh104aug122009.htm
 
 

 

EXHIBIT 10.4






PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT FOR CATHERINES

BETWEEN

WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK NATIONAL BANK

AND

CATHERINES STORES CORPORATION (a Tennessee corporation)

AND

SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC. (a Nevada corporation)


DATED AS OF AUGUST 12, 2009



























 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS
1.1
Certain Definitions
1.2
Other Definitions
   
SECTION 2.  THE PLAN
2.1
Establishment and Operation of the Plan
2.2
Application for Credit Under the Plan; Internet Features
2.3
Operating Procedures
2.4
Plan Documents (Forms and Collateral)
2.5
Marketing and Promotion of Plan
2.6
Administration of Accounts and Plan and Operating Committee
2.7
Credit Decision
2.8
Ownership of Accounts and Information
2.9
Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services
2.10
Ownership and Licensing of the Party’s Marks
2.11
Cardholder Loyalty Program
   
SECTION 3.  OPERATION OF THE PLAN
3.1
Honoring Credit Cards
3.2
Cardholder Disputes Regarding Accounts, and Goods and/or Services
3.3
No Special Agreements
3.4
Cardholder Disputes Regarding Violations of Applicable Law
3.5
Payment to Company; Ownership of Accounts; Fees; Accounting
3.6
Bank Mailings; Insertion of Company’s Promotional Materials
3.7
Payments
3.8
Chargebacks
3.9
Exercise of Chargebacks
3.10
Non-Competition
3.11
Reports
3.12
Addition of New Businesses
   
SECTION 4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY
4.1
Organization, Power and Qualification
4.2
Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention
4.3
Accuracy of Information
4.4
Validity of Charge Slips
4.5
Compliance with Law
4.6
Company Marks
4.7
Intellectual Property Rights
4.8
Legal Proceedings
   


 
(i)

 


SECTION 5.  COVENANT OF COMPANY
5.1
Notices of Changes
5.2
Financial Statements
5.3
Access Rights
5.4
Company’s Business
5.5
Insurance
5.6
Sales Information
5.7
Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan
5.8
Compliance with Agreement and Operating Procedures
   
SECTION 6.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BANK
6.1
Organization, Power and Qualification
6.2
Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention
6.3
Accuracy of Information
6.4
Compliance with Law
6.5
Intellectual Property Rights
6.6
Legal Proceedings
   
SECTION 7.  COVENANTS OF BANK
7.1
Notices of Changes
7.2
Financial Statement
7.3
Access Rights
7.4
Bank’s Business
7.5
Insurance
7.6
Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan
   
SECTION 8.  INDEMNIFICATION
8.1
Indemnification Obligations
8.2
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY
8.3
NO WARRANTIES
8.4
Notification of Indemnification; Conduct of Defense
   
SECTION 9.  TERM, EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION
9.1
Term and Expiration
9.2
Termination with Cause by Bank; Bank Termination Events
9.3
Termination with Cause by Company; Company Termination Events
9.4
Termination in a Particular State
9.5
Purchase of Accounts
9.6
Effect of Termination
9.7
Termination Assistance Services
   
SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS
10.1
Entire Agreement
10.2
Coordination of Public Statements
10.3
Amendment
10.4
Successors and Assigns
10.5
Waiver
10.6
Severability


 
(ii)

 


10.7
Notices
10.8
Captions and Cross-References
10.9
Governing Law
10.10
Counterparts
10.11
Force Majeure
10.12
Relationship of Parties
10.13
Survival
10.14
Mutual Drafting
10.15
Independent Contractor
10.16
No Third Party Beneficiaries
10.17
Confidentiality and Security Control
10.18
Taxes
10.19
Arbitration
10.20
Consent Not to be Unreasonably Withheld
   
SCHEDULES
1.1
Other Definitions
2.1 (b)
Service Standards
2.2 (b)
New Account Portal Specifications
2.4 (d)
Initial Reissue
2.5 (a)
Marketing Promotions
2.5 (b)
Restricted Marketing Funds
2.6 (a)
Administration of Accounts and Plan
2.6 (b)
Operating Committee
2.7
Credit Decision
2.8
Monthly Master File Information
2.9 (c)
Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services
2.9 (d)
Company Third Party Vendor Products
2.11
Existing Loyalty Program And Bank Loyalty Program Description
3.1
Cross-Shopping
3.5 (a)
Payment to Company
3.5 (d)
Summary of Rates and Fees
3.11
Bank Reports
3.12
Addition of New Businesses
9.2
Termination with Cause by Bank
9.3
Termination with Cause by Company
9.5
Purchase of Accounts
   
APPENDIX  A  Initial Operating Procedures
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
(iii)

 

PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT


THIS PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PLAN AGREEMENT is made as of this 12th day of August, 2009 (the “Effective Date”) by and between CATHERINES STORES CORPORATION and SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC. (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Company”), and WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK NATIONAL BANK (hereinafter referred to as “Bank”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Company has requested Bank to extend credit, to qualifying individuals in the form of private label open-ended credit card accounts for the purchase of Goods and/or Services from Company through its Sales Channels and to issue Credit Cards to such individuals (as such capitalized terms are defined below); and

WHEREAS, Bank shall own all the Accounts, and Cardholder payments will be sent to such location as Bank shall from time to time direct (as such capitalized terms are defined below); and

WHEREAS, Bank will operate the Plan subject to the terms and conditions as more fully set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Bank also intends to purchase from CHRS’ subsidiary, Spirit of America National Bank, the existing private label and co-brand credit card accounts for Company subject to a Purchase Agreement dated as of the date of this Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and convert such existing accounts to the Plan; and

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereof, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby mutually acknowledged by the parties, Company and Bank agree as follows.

SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS

1.1           Certain Definitions.  As used herein and unless otherwise required by the context, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings.

“Account” shall mean an individual open-end revolving line of credit which is (i) established by Bank for a Customer pursuant to the terms of a Credit Card Agreement, and (ii) branded with a Company Mark.  The term “Account” includes, without limitation, the Purchased Accounts upon acquisition of such accounts by Bank.


 
1

 

“Accounts Receivable” shall mean, as to any Account at the time of reference, any and all amounts owing on such Account, including, without limitation, principal balances from Purchases, fees related to Protection Programs, Enhancement Marketing Services and Company Third Party Vendor Products, accrued finance charges (whether or not posted or billed to an Account), late fees, and all other fees and charges assessed on the Accounts, less any payments and credits received by Bank with respect to the Accounts. This definition specifically excludes any amounts which have been written-off by Bank with respect to such Accounts.

“Address Verification Service” shall mean an adjunct process to the credit authorization process where the Cardholder’s reported billing address is verified against the Bank’s address on file for such Cardholder.

“Affiliate” shall mean with respect to a party any entity that is owned by, owns, or is under common control with such party.

“Agreement” shall mean this Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement, including any schedules, exhibits, addenda, and future amendments and supplements hereto.

“Applicable Law” shall mean any applicable federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation including, without limitation, requirements of satisfying regulatory agencies.

“Applicant” shall mean an individual who is a Customer and applies for an Account under the Plan.

“Bank” shall mean the party to this Agreement identified in the first paragraph on Page 1 of this Agreement.

“Bank Clients” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.6 (a).

“Bank Mark” shall mean a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) to Bank and designated by Bank to Company for use in connection with the Plan.

“Batch Prescreen” shall mean a process where Bank’s offer of credit is made to certain Customers prequalified by Bank (per its criteria), in a batch mode (often but not exclusively within a direct to consumer environment).

“Billing Statement” shall mean Bank’s periodic statement listing the amounts of Purchases made, credits received, and other information, as required by Applicable Law and/or deemed desirable by Bank.

“Business Day” shall mean any day, except Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks in Ohio are required to be closed.


 
2

 

“Cardholder” shall mean any natural person to whom an Account has been issued by Bank and/or any authorized user of the Account.

“Cardholder List” means the Cardholders’ names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and physical addresses in the Bank’s Plan records as of the date of termination or expiration of this Agreement, such records do not include any similar or same consumer information maintained by Bank with respect to any other credit programs owned by Bank.

“Charge Slip” shall mean a sales receipt, register receipt tape, invoice or other documentation, whether in hard copy or electronic form, in each case evidencing a Purchase that is to be charged to a Cardholder’s Account.

“CHRS” shall mean Charming Shoppes, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and the parent of Company.

“CHRS Businesses” shall mean (collectively) the retail women’s apparel business operated by Company’s affiliate Lane Bryant, Inc., the retail women’s apparel business operated by Company’s affiliate Fashion Bug Retail Companies, Inc. (“Fashion Bug”), the retail women’s apparel business operated by Company’s affiliate Petite Sophisticate, Inc., and the Lane Bryant, Catherines, and Petite Sophisticate retail women’s apparel outlet business operated by Outlet Division Management Co., Inc., and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc., as long as (i) such companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of CHRS, and any successors of such companies (as long as such successors are wholly owned subsidiaries of CHRS) and (ii) the assets comprising such companies’ retail women’s apparel businesses are directly or indirectly owned by CHRS.

“CHRS Business Card” shall mean a credit card and/or account established by Bank for a customer of a CHRS Business and bearing a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) of such CHRS Business and designated by such CHRS Business for use by Bank in connection with the credit card and/or account.

“Company Deposit Account” shall mean the one (1) deposit account maintained by Company and designated by it in writing to Bank as to which Bank should direct its payments. See also Section 3.5 (a).

“Company Mark” shall mean a trademark, service mark, or name owned by or licensed (and capable of being sublicensed) to Company and designated by Company to Bank for use in connection with the Plan.

“Company Third Party Vendor Products” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.


 
3

 

“Consumer Personal Information” shall mean that non-public personal information regarding Applicants, Customers, and Cardholders, including but not limited to Account information consumer reports, and information derived from consumer reports, that is subject to protection from publication under Applicable Law.

“Credit Card” shall mean the credit card issued by Bank to Cardholders bearing the Company Mark (and with respect to Purchased Accounts shall mean the credit card issued by Spirit America National Bank), corresponding to a related Account for the purpose of purchasing Goods and/or Services pursuant to this Agreement.

“Credit Card Agreement” shall mean the open-end revolving credit agreement between a Cardholder and Bank governing the Account and Cardholder’s use of the Credit Card, together with any modifications or amendments which may be made to such agreement.

“Credit Sales Day” shall mean any day, whether or not a Business Day, on which Goods and/or Services are sold by Company through its Sales Channels.

“Credit Slip” shall mean a sales credit receipt or other documentation, whether in hard copy or electronic form, evidencing (i) a return or exchange of Goods, or (ii) a credit on an Account as an adjustment by Company for goodwill or for Services rendered or not rendered by Company to a Cardholder.

“Cross Shopping” shall mean the accepting for payment by CHRS Businesses of the Accounts and the reciprocal accepting for payment by Company of Bank’s accounts corresponding to the CHRS Businesses.  See also Schedule 3.1.

“Customer” shall mean any individual consumer who is a customer or potential customer of Company.

“Discount Fees” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1.

“Effective Date” shall mean the date set forth in the first paragraph on page one (1) of this Agreement.

“Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (or EBPP)” shall mean a procedure whereby Cardholders can elect to receive their Billing Statements electronically and that also allows them an opportunity to remit their Account payments to Bank electronically.

“Electronic Customer Service (or eCS)” shall mean a web-based customer service system Bank makes available on a Bank website.

“Enhancement Marketing Services” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.


 
4

 

“Financial Products” shall mean credit card, credit issuance or payment processing arrangements, or other programs (including but not limited to ones involving a credit card) similar in purpose to those components of the Plan dealing with the extension of credit and repayment of debt extended to Customers as contemplated under this Agreement, including cardless, Internet-based or Internet-only payment vehicles and contactless payment vehicles to be used as devices and/or methods by Customers to purchase Goods and/or Services on credit.

“Forms” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

“Goods and/or Services” shall mean those goods and/or services sold at retail by Company through its Sales Channels to the general public for individual, personal, family or household use.

“Initial Reissue” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.4 (d).

“Initial Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.

“Instant Credit” shall mean an Account application procedure designed to open Accounts whereby the application information is communicated to Bank either (i) verbally at Point of Sale; or (ii) systemically during the order entry process.

“Losses” shall mean any liability, damage, costs, fees, losses, judgments, penalties, fines, and expenses, including without limitation, any reasonable attorneys’ fees, disbursements, settlements (which require the other party’s consent), and court costs, reasonably incurred by Bank, Company, or a third-party, as the case may be, without regard to whether or not such Losses would be deemed material under this Agreement; provided however, that Losses shall not include any overhead costs that either party would normally incur in conducting its everyday business.

“IVR” shall mean an interactive voice response system and/or procedure.

“Loyalty Program” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11.

“Net CHRS Sales” shall mean the aggregate of all CHRS Business Card purchases, less credits or refunds for goods and/or services for all CHRS Businesses.

“Net Proceeds” shall be calculated by Bank on each Business Day (to include all transactions submitted by Company for such Business Day and the prior consecutive calendar days which were not Business Days) and shall mean the sum of all Purchases adjusted as follows:  (i) minus credits to Accounts for the return or exchange of Goods, or a credit on an Account as an adjustment by Company for goodwill or for Services rendered or not rendered by Company to a Cardholder, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error); (ii) minus payments received by Company from

 
5

 

Cardholders on Bank’s behalf; (iii) plus any applicable Royalty Payments payable to Company as in effect on the date of calculation; (iv) minus any applicable Discount Fees and/or Promotional Program Fees payable to Bank as in effect on the date of calculation; and (v) adjusted by any other undisputed amounts then due to or by Bank pursuant to Section 3.5 (g) of this Agreement.

“Net Sales” shall mean Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“Net Sales on Regular Revolving Purchases” shall mean Regular Revolving Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“Net Sales on Promotional Program Purchases” shall mean Promotional Program Purchases, less credits or refunds for Goods and/or Services, all as shown in the Transaction Records (as corrected in the event of any computational error), calculated each Business Day.

“New Account Portal” shall mean an on-line new accounts reporting and access system having the functionality described in Schedule 2.2(b).

 
“On-Line Prescreen (or OLPS)” shall mean a process where Bank’s offer of credit is made to certain Customers pre-qualified by Bank (per its criteria), in a real-time pre-approved manner, at the POS at the time of a transaction.  

“Operating Procedures” shall mean Bank’s instructions and procedures regarding the Plan as written by Bank.  The initial Operating Procedures are set forth in Appendix A and may be amended from time to time pursuant to Section 2.3.  Prior to the TSYS Transition, the Operating Procedures with respect to services provided by TSYS shall be the operating procedures under the TSYS Agreements.

“Performance Thresholds” shall mean certain thresholds set by Bank in the exercise of Bank’s reasonable discretion and after discussion with the Operating Committee with respect to the following: (a) for Web On-Line Prescreen, the Customer pass-rate and Customer acceptance rate; and (b) for in-store On-Line Prescreen, the Customer pass-rate, Company's offers made rate, and Customer acceptance rate.

“Plan” shall mean the private label credit card plan established and administered by Bank for Customers by virtue of this Agreement.

“Plan Commencement Date” shall mean the date on which Bank acquires the Purchased Accounts.

“Plan Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

 
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“Plan Manager” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.6(a).

“Plan Year” shall mean each consecutive twelve (12) month period commencing on the Plan Commencement Date.

“Point of Sale (or POS)” shall mean the physical or electronic location at which transactions (sales, credits, and returns) take place.  This includes but is not limited to a cash register, point of order entry, or website (as applicable).

“Prescreen Acceptance” shall mean a POS process designed to recognize and activate Bank’s pre-approved batch offers for Accounts for Customers.

“Prime Rate (or Prime)” shall mean the “Prime Rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of the Wall Street Journal on the date of reference.

“Promotional Program” shall mean any special Cardholder payment terms approved by Bank and Company for certain Purchases, including without limitation deferred programs.  The initial Promotional Programs approved by Bank and Company, if any, are set forth in Schedule 1.1.  Additional Promotional Programs shall be made a part of this Agreement only by written amendment.

“Promotional Program Purchase” shall mean a Purchase made under the terms of a Promotional Program.

“Protection Programs” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.

“Purchase” shall mean (i) a purchase of Goods and/or Services including without limitation all applicable taxes and shipping costs, with a specific extension of credit by Bank to a Cardholder using an Account as provided for under this Agreement, and/or (ii) a purchase of Goods and/or Services including without limitation all applicable taxes and shipping costs, with a specific extension of credit by Bank to an accountholder using a CHRS Business Card through Cross Shopping as provided for under this Agreement.  The term shall be interpreted to include Regular Revolving Purchases as well as Promotional Program Purchases unless the context of the reference clearly indicates otherwise.  Bank reserves the right to deny (or reverse) an extension of credit for particular transactions in order to comply with Applicable Law, which might include but not be limited to prohibitions against transactions related to gambling.

“Purchase Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the fourth recital.

“Purchased Accounts” shall mean those certain private label credit card accounts related to Company which Bank and Company’s existing private label credit card program provider, Spirit of America National Bank, have agreed upon in their Purchase Agreement as eligible accounts.


 
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“Purchase Date” shall mean the date on which Bank buys the Purchased Accounts from Spirit of America National Bank.

“Quick Credit” shall mean an in-store application procedure designed to open Accounts as expeditiously as possible at the Point of Sale, whereby an application for an Account might be processed without a paper application being completed by an Applicant.  An Applicant’s credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or other Bank approved private label card) is electronically read by a terminal to identify certain information to facilitate a credit analysis. Other data shall be entered into that same terminal by the Company associate as specified in the Operating Procedures.

“Rates and Fees” shall mean those Cardholder terms and conditions regarding rates and fees as are initially set forth in Schedule 3.5 (d), as amended from time to time pursuant to Section 3.5 (d).

“Regular Revolving Purchases” shall mean Purchases which are not subject to any Promotional Program.

“Renewal Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.

“Restricted Marketing Fund” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b).

“Royalty Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1.

“Sales Channels” shall mean those certain sales channels through which Company sells its Goods and/or Services during the Term, including (as applicable) but not limited to: (i) retail locations which are owned and operated by Company or Company’s licensees or franchisees and using the Company Mark and / or the same trademarks, service marks or names as used by Company in its business, (ii) Company’s website; and (iii) Company’s catalog, if any.  As a point of clarification, this definition includes different or additional sales channels that are part of Company’s expansion of its business as then constituted, if such expansion includes sales channels operated under the same trade name(s) as Company.  For example: the opening of a new store or development of a website through either (i) “organic growth” or (ii) acquisition of the assets of a competitor.  In addition, Sales Channels may be removed through the closing of a store, discontinuation of a license, or discontinuation of website or catalog.

“Service Standards” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).

“Statemented Account” shall mean each Account for which a Billing Statement is generated (whether or not actually sent to the Cardholder) within a particular billing cycle.


 
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“Take-One Application” shall mean a paper application made available at or through Sales Channels (or otherwise).  An Applicant can complete and submit the Take-One Application directly to Bank, or he or she may submit it to a Company associate for submission to Bank (such as through the Instant Credit Application procedure).

“Term” shall mean the Initial Term plus any Renewal Terms, as defined in Section 9.1.

“Transaction Record” shall mean the following, with respect to each Purchase or with respect to a credit or return related to a Purchase (as applicable), and each payment received by Company from a Cardholder on Bank’s behalf:  (a) the Charge Slip or Credit Slip corresponding to the Purchase, credit or return; or (b) a computer readable tape/cartridge or electronic transmission containing the following information: the Account number of the Cardholder, identification of the Company’s Sales Channel (location) where the Purchase, credit or return was made (if applicable), the total of (i) the Purchase price of Goods or Services purchased or amount of the credit, as applicable, plus (ii) the date of the transaction, a description of the Goods or Services purchased, credited or returned and the authorization code, if any, obtained by Company prior to completing the transaction; or (c) electronic record whereby Company or one of its Sales Channels electronically transmits the information described in subsection (b) hereof to a network provider (selected by Company at its expense), which in turn transmits such information to Bank by a computer tape/cartridge or electronic tape or transmission.

“Transfer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5 (a).

“TSYS” means Total System Services, Inc., a Georgia corporation.

“TSYS Agreements” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2.1 (b).

“TSYS Transition” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2.1 (b).

“Web (or Internet)” shall mean the world-wide web internet network as generally understood in the greater business community and any replacement technology system.

“Web Application” shall mean a web based new Account application procedure made available by Bank.  See also Section 2.2 (d).


 
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1.2           Other Definitions.  As used herein, terms defined in the introductory paragraph hereof and in other sections of this Agreement shall have such respective defined meanings.  Defined terms stated in the singular shall include reference to the plural and vice versa.  The terms “shall” and “will” have the identical meaning (i.e., that something is compulsory and certain), and the use of one versus the other is not to be interpreted as implying less certainty or a sense of possibility or choice.

SECTION 2.  THE PLAN

2.1           Establishment and Operation of the Plan.  (a) The Plan is established for the primary purposes of providing Customer financing for purchasing Goods and/or Services, providing a means to promote increased Company sales, and providing Bank a commercially reasonable financial return.  Qualified Applicants desiring to use the Plan shall be granted an Account by Bank with a credit line in an amount to be determined by Bank in its discretion for each individual Applicant.  Subject to Section 3.5 (d) and Applicable Law, Bank shall determine the terms and conditions of the Account to be contained in a Credit Card Agreement.

(b)           Subject to the provisions of Schedule 2.1 (b) regarding the TSYS Transition, Bank shall perform in accordance with the Service Standards and shall otherwise perform all operations of the Plan using reasonable care consistent with not less than industry standards and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Bank will provide Company with a monthly summary of Bank’s performance regarding the Service Standards, as set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).  In addition, Bank’s performance of the services hereunder shall be reviewed by the Operating Committee.  Bank shall provide eCS services to Cardholders at Bank’s expense, and Company shall provide a weblink to the eCS at Company’s expense.   Bank shall not display any trade names or advertisements on the eCS advertising services or products to sell to Cardholders other than those of Company and those permitted by this Agreement (such as Enhancement Marketing Services pursuant to Section 2.9(b)). Company shall perform its obligations in accordance with the Company Service Standards, as set forth in Schedule 2.1 (b).  See Schedule 2.1(b) relating to TSYS Transition and Service Standards.

2.2           Applications for Credit Under the Plan; Internet Features.  (a) Company shall not promote or participate in any application by a Customer for financing the purchase of Goods and/or Services other than for participation in the Plan as provided in Section 3.10 or signage promoting Company’s acceptance of general purpose credit cards (non-Company branded Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express general purpose credit cards).  Applicants who wish to apply for an Account under the Plan must submit a completed application on a form or in an electronic format provided by or approved by Bank, and Bank shall grant or deny the request for credit based solely upon Bank’s credit criteria.  In the case of in-store applications, Company shall (i) provide a copy of the Credit Card Agreement to the Applicant, and (ii) follow any applicable Operating Procedures.  When facilitating any other method of application, Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its Sales Channels follow all applicable Operating Procedures. The application shall be submitted to Bank by the Applicant or submitted by Company on behalf of the Applicant, as required in the Operating Procedures.  If Bank grants the request for an Account, Bank will issue a

 
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Credit Card to the Applicant to accesses an individual line of credit in an amount determined by Bank.  For Quick Credit and Instant Credit, Bank will issue an account number which may be utilized by the Cardholder for Purchases at the time of approval and prior to the issuance of the Credit Card.

 
(b)           Throughout the Term, Bank shall make available, and Company shall utilize, as applicable, the following application procedure: Quick Credit.  Bank agrees that, upon Company’s request, Bank shall make available, and Company may also use the following Bank application procedures: Instant Credit, Take-One, Web Application, Batch Prescreen and On-Line Prescreen procedures (for clarification, Batch Prescreen consists of prescreening Customers selected by Company for credit approval but it does not include the cost of mailing of the offers to the customers (which mailing costs may be subject to reimbursement via the Restricted Marketing Fund as determined by the Operating Committee). With respect to On-Line Prescreen Bank will have the right to set certain Performance Thresholds and Bank will have the right to discontinue making such procedures available on not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Company in the event such Performance Thresholds are not maintained. See also subsection (d) below regarding the Web Application procedure.  Commencing on the Plan Commencement Date Bank shall make available the New Account Portal through the TSYS’ services.  Upon the completion of the TSYS Transition Bank shall provide a New Account Portal with features and functionality as set forth in Schedule 2.2(b).  Company shall not be liable to Bank for the loss of Take-One applications unless such loss is the result of actions or omissions by Company.

(c)           Regarding applications submitted in whole or in part by Company, Company agrees that it will (i) protect and keep confidential any and all Applicant information (which information shall be Bank Consumer Personal Information) acquired as a result of participating in the submission of any such applications, and (ii) not disclose the information to anyone other than authorized representatives of Bank, and (iii) follow all Operating Procedures applicable to such Bank Consumer Personal Information.  Subject to Applicable Law, the foregoing shall not limit Company’s right to receive from Bank (and use for marketing purposes) Cardholder information consisting of name, address, telephone number(s) and (as applicable) e-mail address(es).

(d)           Bank shall make available the Web Application procedure by establishing a website for such purpose, at Bank’s sole cost and expense, which shall be accessible from Company’s website and which shall comply with all Applicable Law.  Bank shall be responsible for maintaining the security of the Web Application.  Bank shall not display any trade names or advertisements on the Web Application advertising services or products other than those of Bank, Company and those permitted by this Agreement (such as Enhancement Marketing Services pursuant to Section 2.9(b)).

Bank represents and warrants that, to integrate and maintain the Web Application, to ensure access to the Bank’s designated website, and to reduce technical errors, Bank will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that Bank’s software providing the Web Application will function, and continue to function, in a sound technical manner. Bank shall appropriately monitor the Web Application and its website to ensure proper functioning. Company shall be responsible for Company’s side of integrating and

 
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maintaining on its website, at its sole expense, access to Bank’s Web Application.  Company represents and warrants that, to integrate and maintain the Web Application, to ensure access to the Bank’s designated website, and to reduce technical errors, Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that Company’s software providing the access will function, and continue to function, in a sound technical manner.  Company shall appropriately monitor its website to ensure proper functioning.  In the event Bank changes or otherwise modifies the website address for its designated website, Bank will provide at least thirty (30) days prior written notice and Company will, at Bank’s reasonable expense, either update or modify its website thereto, as directed by Bank.  In providing Web Application on the Company website, if appropriate, Company shall make it clear and conspicuous that the Customer is leaving Company’s website and is being directed to Bank’s website for the exclusive purpose of accessing Bank’s website.  Company agrees that, in connection with the Web Application, it will use Bank’s name, or any logo, statements, or any other information that is related to Bank, only as directed by Bank, or as previously approved by Bank in writing.  Without limiting the generality of the scope of required approvals, but by way of example, Company shall seek Bank’s approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, not only with respect to content, but also with respect to any typestyle, color, or abbreviations used in connection with the Web Application.

Company will reasonably promote the EBPP to Customers but is not responsible for ensuring and does not guaranty any minimum participation by Customers in the EBPP.   Bank shall bear all costs for providing the EBPP, Customer’s access to the EBPP and Bank’s processing of Cardholder payments through the EBPP.

2.3           Operating Procedures.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to observe and comply in all material respects and to cause its Sales Channels to observe and comply in all material respects with the Operating Procedures and such other reasonable procedures as may be agreed upon by the Operating Committee from time to time.  Bank is solely responsible for ensuring that its Operating Procedures and other procedures comply with Applicable Law.  The Operating Procedures may be amended or modified by the Operating Committee from time to time; provided, however, that Bank shall have the right to amend the Operating Procedures without approval by the Operating Committee to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law with notice to Company as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances and subject to review by the Operating Committee at the next meeting of the Operating Committee.  In the event Bank requested changes to the Operating Procedures would increase Company’s costs of complying with the Plan (including, without limitation, increased costs of training employees) or otherwise adversely affect Company’s operations, the parties shall negotiate in good faith the implementation of such changes and the responsibility for the costs thereof; provided, however, that (i) if such changes are  being made by Bank solely to comply with Applicable Law, and are being implemented by Bank with respect to Bank’s Clients, then Bank shall be permitted to make such changes as are necessary to enable such compliance (and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effectuate such changes in the most cost-effective manner) and Company shall bear all costs related to Company’s compliance thereof (to the extent all such Bank Clients are so required) and/or (ii) if such changes are being implemented by Bank with respect to Bank’s other Bank Clients, and if after implementation of such changes Bank

 
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will continue to utilize industry standard methods of communications with Company, then Bank shall be permitted to make such changes (and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effectuate such changes in the most cost-effective manner) and Company shall bear all reasonable costs related to Company’s compliance thereof (to the extent all such Bank Clients are so required).

2.4           Plan Documents (Forms and Collateral).  (a)  Forms - General. Subject to (b) below, Bank shall design, determine the terms and conditions of, and generate the form of the Credit Card Agreement, applications, Credit Card, card mailers, privacy notices, Billing Statements (including backers), Cardholder letters, templates, and other documents and forms  to be used under the Plan which (i) relate to the Plan, (ii) relate to Bank’s and/or the Cardholder’s obligations, (iii) are used by Bank in maintaining and servicing the Accounts; or (iv) are required by Applicable Law (collectively, “Forms”).  Bank shall be solely responsible for ensuring that all Forms comply with Applicable Law. By way of clarification, Bank’s responsibilities do not include any obligations Company may have as a retailer, such as creating the form of Charge Slips and Credit Slips.  All Forms shall be in the English language only unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing or otherwise required by Applicable Law, and there shall be only one design for each Form.

(b)           Forms - Conditions.  The provisions of (a) above are subject to the following conditions.  First, Bank’s actions are subject to Section 3.5 (d), Applicable Law, and Section 2.10.  Second, Bank and Company shall jointly design any Customer marketing aspects of Billing Statements, Cardholder letters, Credit Cards, and card mailers, all of which must be approved by the Operating Committee. 

 
(c)           Collateral. Company may design and produce promotional material, direct mail pieces, catalog, newspaper, radio and Internet advertisements, and other collateral documents (collectively, “Collateral”) which reference the Plan. Company shall submit all Collateral to Bank for its review and approval of the Plan disclosures, as well as references to the Plan and use of Bank Marks, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Pursuant to this review and approval process, Company will make (or have made) all changes that Bank requests to satisfy Applicable Law and/or in exercising its rights under this Agreement.

(d)           Bank’s Costs.  Subject to subsection (e) below, Bank, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, will determine which and how many of the following to provide, which shall be at Bank’s expense.  First, Bank will provide to Company at one central location, for distribution to Customers and Cardholders, marketing purposes, and mass mailings, as applicable: (i) adequate copies of Credit Card Agreements and applications; and (ii) adequate copies of any appropriate Forms. Second, Bank shall provide an appropriate number of (or copies of, as applicable) Credit Card Agreements, applications, Credit Cards, Billing Statements, and card mailers.  Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the supply of Forms so as to minimize creation of obsolete Forms.  See also Schedule 2.4(d).


 
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(e)           Company’s Costs.  (i) Company Re-issuances. Except for the Initial Reissue for the Purchased Accounts as set forth in Section 2.4 (d) and Schedule 2.4 (d), Company shall pay all actual costs related to any re-issuance of Credit Cards to Cardholders that Company requests or that is required by Applicable Law solely as a result of Company’s decisions and/or actions, including, but not limited to, expired Credit Cards (in the event Credit Cards have expiration dates as a result of Company’s request) and upgrades for any Plan premier cards (collectively “Company Re-issuances”).  The costs associated with a Company Re-issuance are limited to the actual costs of the card itself (including all embossing and encoding), card mailers, envelopes, postage and any Collateral requested by Company and, if required as a result of the Company Re-issuance, Credit Card Agreements and other Forms.  As a point of clarification, none of the following constitutes a Company Re-issuance (and Bank shall be responsible for the costs of such issuances): Bank’s initial issuance of a Credit Card to a Customer (even if part of a pre-qualified or other program), Bank’s replacement (on an Account-by-Account basis) of lost or stolen Credit Cards, or expired Credit Cards (unless the Cards have expiration dates as a result of Company’s request), in response to some other Cardholder request, or Bank’s one-time issuance of Credit Cards to Customers of the Purchased Accounts in connection with the Initial Reissue.
 
(ii)           Variations from Bank’s Standards.  If a request or requirement (as applicable) of Company with regard to any Plan Forms requires a variation from Bank’s standard specifications or the specifications otherwise set forth in this Agreement, and such variation causes a net increase in any cost of Bank, the following shall apply.  First, Bank will advise Company in writing of the variance and provide a written estimate of the related actual net cost increase (including the cost of any obsolete forms as set forth below).  Second, Company shall notify Bank in writing of its decision to forego the request, to modify the request such that no cost increase is generated, or agree to bear the additional expense. In the event any otherwise applicable and usable Forms become obsolete solely as a result of changes requested by Company or necessitated by its decisions and/or actions as set forth above, Company shall reimburse Bank for the actual costs associated with any such unused obsolete Forms.  Company shall not be liable for lost Forms, unless such loss is due solely to the negligent or willful actions or inactions of Company.  Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize obsolete forms.

(iii)           Mass Mailings.   As to any mass mailings requested by Company (including but not limited to catalog mailings, pre-approved mailings, and zero balance mailings), Company shall pay all actual costs related thereto unless otherwise agreed by the parties (which if marketing related, the costs of which shall be eligible costs for the Restricted Marketing Fund if agreed by the Operating Committee).

(f)           Timing of Reissuance.  Company and Bank agree that the volume of any Credit Card reissuance (including but not limited to the Initial Reissue) may be spread out over seven (7) consecutive days, provided that each such reissuance is limited to One Million (1,000,000) Credit Cards.  In the event that any such reissuance includes more than One Million (1,000,000) Credit Cards, Bank shall not be required to complete the reissuance within seven (7) days, but Bank and Company shall mutually agree upon another reissue time period.

 
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2.5           Marketing and Promotion of Plan.  (a) Throughout the Term of this Agreement, Company shall in a commercially reasonable manner actively and consistently market, promote, participate in and support the Plan, including without limitation those marketing promotions set forth in Schedule 2.5 (a) and such other methods mutually agreed upon by Company and Bank.  Bank has had the opportunity to review the historical marketing plans of Company’s private label credit card program operated with respect to the Purchased Accounts including, without limitation, the historical practices and procedures utilized by Company to promote such program.  During the first twelve (12) months of the Term, it is Company’s intent to market the Plan in a manner consistent with Company’s historical marketing of the proprietary credit card plan associated with the Purchased Accounts. As one example, Company agrees to advertise and actively promote the Plan through all Sales Channels (e.g., as applicable, signage and spiffs at retail locations and promotions on Company’s website).  Company and Bank will jointly agree upon programs to market the Plan, both initially and on a continuing basis and in accordance with Applicable Law.  The parties agree that such agreed upon programs will include some form of statement messaging, the details of which will be agreed upon in the Operating Committee (which shall include Company’s ability to transmit an electronic file (in a secure format in accordance with Bank’s security policies) by Cardholder Account number to Bank setting forth targeted credit marketing to be performed by Bank in the statement messages to targeted groups of Cardholders, up to Bank’s maximum group limit.

(b)           Bank shall pay to Company as an expense reimbursement the amounts set forth in (and in accordance with the provisions of) Schedule 2.5 (b) to reimburse Company for its marketing and promotion expenses associated with the Plan (to the extent such marketing and promotion expenses were approved by the Operating Committee).  All of such funds shall be referred to herein as the “Restricted Marketing Fund.”

2.6           Administration of Accounts and Plan and Operating Committee.  (a) Bank shall, at Bank’s sole cost and expense (unless such costs and expenses are otherwise expressly provided for in the Agreement) perform, in compliance with Applicable Law, all functions necessary to originate, administer, fund and service the Accounts, including but not limited to: providing receivables funding, application processing, credit authorizations, making all necessary credit and fraud investigations; notifying Applicants in writing of acceptance or rejection of credit under the Plan; preparing and mailing Billing Statements; making collections; handling Cardholder inquiries; providing legal compliance functions related to Bank’s operation of the Plan; and processing Cardholder payments and payments to Company hereunder.  See also Schedule 2.6 (a).

(b)           The parties hereby establish an Operating Committee (the "Operating Committee"), which shall act and be governed by the provisions of Schedule 2.6 (b).

 
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2.7           Credit Decision.  The decision to extend credit to any Applicant under the Plan shall be Bank’s decision.  Bank shall determine all credit underwriting policies and procedures, as subject to Applicable Law and safety and soundness considerations.  Bank will work in good faith with Company in good faith to develop business strategies with respect to the issuance of Credit Cards which are intended to maximize the potential of the Plan, and which are mutually beneficial to Company and Bank.  See also Schedule 2.7.

2.8                 Ownership of Accounts and Information. (a) The parties recognize that Cardholders are Customers, and that each of Bank and Company has certain ownership rights in information relating to such individuals in their respective roles as Cardholders and Customers.  The parties acknowledge that the same or similar information may be contained in the Bank Cardholder Information (defined below) and the Company Customer Information (defined below); such common information being referred to herein as “Common Information”.  Each such pool of data shall therefore be considered separate information subject to the specific provisions applicable to that data hereunder.  For example, in subsection (b) below Bank is authorized to use Company Customer Information only for certain limited purposes.  Presume such information included names of both Customers who were Cardholders and non-Cardholder Customers. The names of those who were both Customers and Cardholders would be Common Information. So, Bank would not be limited by the terms of subsection (b) as to such names. However, the names of non-Cardholder Customers would not be Common Information, and thus would be subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (b). Likewise, though subsection (c) below limits what Company can do with Bank Cardholder Information, such limitations do not apply to that portion of Bank Cardholder Information that is comprised of Common Information.

(b)           The Customer’s names, phone numbers, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses, if applicable, and other Customer information collected by Company independent of Bank and set forth in Company’s records, including Company’s Transaction Record information, shall be the exclusive property of Company; such information and Company’s Common Information shall be referred to collectively as “Company Customer Information”.  Company Customer Information might or might not be comprised exclusively of Company’s Consumer Personal Information. As reasonably requested by Bank, Company shall provide the names, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses of Customers for whom Company has such information to Bank, to be used by Bank only for purposes of (i) evaluating such Customer’s creditworthiness, (ii) soliciting such Customers for Credit Cards, and (iii) administering the Plan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and Applicable Law. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, Company’s privacy and security policies shall authorize Company to disclose such information to Bank.  Additionally, all Transaction Record information originated by Company shall be sent to Bank for daily processing.  Bank shall protect the confidentiality of such information as set forth in Section 10.17 and shall not use or disclose such Company Customer Information without prior written consent from Company except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement.


 
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(c)            (i) The Accounts and all information related thereto set forth in Bank’s records, including without limitation the information listed in Schedule 2.8, the information obtained through applications, the receivables, names, addresses, and credit Account information of Cardholders shall be the exclusive property of Bank during the Term, and thereafter (unless the Accounts are purchased by Company or its designee pursuant to Section 9.5). Such information and Bank’s Common Information shall be referred to collectively as “Bank Cardholder Information”. Bank Cardholder Information might or might not be comprised exclusively of Bank’s Consumer Personal Information.  Bank agrees that during the Term and in the event Company purchases the Portfolio pursuant to Schedule 9.5, Bank shall not (i) sell or disclose to third parties the Cardholder List, nor (ii) use such Cardholder List for the purpose of marketing or soliciting to the Cardholders, except as expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement and/or in connection with Bank’s administration and servicing of the Plan.

 
(ii)           To the extent permitted by Applicable Law and Bank’s privacy and security policies, Bank shall provide to Company (A) one (1) monthly master file extract, initially containing the information set forth on Schedule 2.8 with such changes as the parties may mutually agree from time to time, and (B) any other Bank Cardholder Information as agreed to by Company and Bank.  Company may use such information in connection with maintaining and servicing the Accounts; furthermore, Company may use it to market to the Cardholders its Goods and/or Services, its business in general or any CHRS Business engaged in Cross Shopping, but in any event only as permitted by Applicable Law. Company may share the same with CHRS to the extent permitted by Applicable Law. The parties recognize that Company’s efforts related to such approved purposes might necessitate disclosure of Bank Cardholder Information to Company’s vendors and contractors.  Such disclosure shall be permitted, provided the third-parties agree in writing to use the information only for the aforementioned approved purposes and to protect the confidentiality of such information as set forth in Section 10.17.  Except as so provided, unless Bank consents otherwise in advance and in writing, Company shall keep such Bank Cardholder Information which is not Common Information confidential as set forth in Section 10.17, and shall not disclose such information to any third-party nor sell, lease, or otherwise transfer such information to any third-party.

2.9           Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services.  (a) Company and Bank agree that Bank will have the exclusive right but, except as set forth herein, not the obligation to make available to Cardholders various types of debt cancellation and credit related protection programs (collectively referred to herein as “Protection Programs”) offered by Bank.  Bank may but is not obligated to offer such Protection Programs through direct marketing channels including but not limited to telemarketing, call transfer, inbound customer service call offers, call to confirm programs, IVR, eCS, and EBPP.  Bank also has the right but not the obligation to make written offers for Protection Programs through Billing Statement bangtails and inserts Billing Statement messaging, and direct mail.  The fees for Protection Programs will be charged to the applicable Cardholder’s Account.  Company will assist Bank’s effort to offer Protection Programs in accordance with the mutually agreed promotional efforts so long as such assistance will not require Company to incur any direct expense or cost. Company will continue to support Protection Programs consistent with the support provided by

 
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Company prior to the Effective Date.  In the event Company purchases the Portfolio in connection with a termination of this Agreement, to the extent lawfully permitted, Bank shall, at Company’s request, transfer the Protection Programs (and all Cardholder contracts associated therewith) to Company (or its designee) as part of the acquisition and at no additional cost to Company (provided that Bank shall not transfer rights to use its trade names for such Protection Programs in connection therewith and Company shall rebrand such Protection Programs upon acquisition thereof).  In the event Company does not request the transfer of such Protection Programs, Bank shall have the right but not the obligation to immediately terminate any Protection Programs if and when either party:  (i) terminates this Agreement, (ii) notifies the other party of an intent to terminate or that the notifying party has already terminated this Agreement, or (iii) notifies the other of an intent to allow this Agreement to expire.

(b)           Company and Bank agree that, subject to Section 2.9(c), and except for Company’s Third Party Vendor Products as set forth in Section 2.9(d), Bank will have the exclusive right but not the obligation to make available to Cardholders, through solicitations made in connection with their Accounts, various types of products and services other than Protection Programs subject to Company’s prior written consent.  Such other products and services shall be referred to collectively herein as “Enhancement Marketing Services”. Such Enhancement Marketing Services include, but are not limited to, travel clubs, legal services, and merchandise products.  Bank may but is not obligated to offer Enhancement Marketing Services through direct marketing channels including but not limited to telemarketing, call transfer, inbound customer service call offers, call to confirm programs, IVR, ECS, and EBPP.  Subject to Company’s written consent, Bank also has the right, but not the obligation, to make written offers through Billing Statement bangtails and inserts, Billing Statement messaging, and direct mail. Bank will notify Company of proposed offers and obtain Company’s prior written consent prior to execution.  The charges for Enhancement Marketing Services will be billed to the applicable Cardholder’s Account.  Bank shall have the right but not the obligation to immediately terminate any Enhancement Marketing Services if and when either party:  (i) terminates this Agreement, (ii) notifies the other party of an intent to terminate or that the notifying party has already terminated this Agreement, or (iii) notifies the other of an intent to allow this Agreement to expire.

(c)           See Schedule 2.9 (c).

(d)           Subject to the provisions of this Subsection 2.9 (d) and its corresponding Schedule, and notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.9 (b), Company may make available to Cardholders through Billing Statement inserts, EBPP direct mail programs and telemarketing non-financial products and services and, with the consent of Bank, other products and services, from Company’s or its Affiliates’ third party vendors (“Company Third Party Vendor Products”).  By way of clarification, the parties agree that no product or service that is a competing debt cancellation or other credit related protection program competitive with a Protection Program can be a Company Third Party Vendor Product without the consent of Bank.  The fees for Company Third Party Vendor Products will be charged to the applicable Cardholder’s Account.  “Company Third-Party Vendor” shall mean a vendor with whom Company or its Affiliate has from time to time contracted to sell products and services that are not Goods and/or Services.  With regard

 
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to any Company Third Party Vendor Product for which Company desires an Account to be an accepted form of tender, Company and the applicable Company Third-Party Vendor shall enter into separate written agreement with Bank, as described in greater detail in Schedule 2.9 (d).

2.10           Ownership and Licensing of the Parties Marks.  (a)  Bank recognizes that Company is the sole owner of the Company Marks, that Bank has no rights of ownership or license therein (except as provided herein), and that Bank is not entitled to (and shall not) use the Company Marks other than as explicitly and specifically provided in this Agreement or as required by Applicable Law.  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants to Bank a non-exclusive (except as to branded credit account and card plans per Section 3.10), non-transferable revocable license to use the Company Marks solely in satisfaction of its duties, rights and obligations described in and pursuant to this Agreement, including using same in any and all promotional materials, Account documentation, advertising, websites, marketing, and solicitations related to the Plan, during the Term.  Bank shall use the trademark designations “®” or “TM” or such other designation as Company may specify or approve in connection with the Company Marks on the Credit Cards, Account documentation and promotional materials.  Bank shall comply with all branding guidelines established by Company with respect to the Company Marks from time to time including, without limitation, as to typestyle, fonts and colors.  Bank agrees that it will not bid for the names “Charming Shoppes”, or any Company Mark, or any common misspelling or confusingly similar name, word or phrase, of any of the foregoing, or on any other intellectual property held by Company, CHRS or an affiliate of Company or CHRS, on any pay-for-placement search engine, or shopping engine, without the prior consent of Company.

(b)           Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) Company shall retain all rights (including without limitation, all intellectual property rights) in and to the Company Marks, and all goodwill and intangibles associated with the use of Company Marks (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) shall inure to the benefit of Company; (ii) Company shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to prohibit the use of any Company Marks in any Forms (except with respect to Bank’s right to use Company Marks solely in connection with the administration and collection of the balance due on the Accounts), advertisements or other materials or references proposed to be used by Bank which Company deems objectionable or improper; (iii) Bank shall cease all use of Company Marks upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason unless Bank retains the Accounts after termination of the Agreement, in which case, Bank may use Company Marks solely in connection with the administration and collection of the balance due on the Accounts.

(c)           Company recognizes that Bank is the sole owner of the Bank Marks, that Company has no rights of ownership or license therein, and that Company is not entitled to (and shall not) use the Bank Marks other than as explicitly and specifically provided in this Agreement. As a point of clarification, Bank has and retains all rights in and to Bank Marks and the use thereof, and all goodwill associated with the use of Bank Marks (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) shall inure to the benefit of Bank.  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, Bank hereby grants to Company a non-exclusive, non-transferable revocable license to use the Bank Marks solely in satisfaction

 
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of its duties, rights and obligations described in and pursuant to this Agreement, including using same in any and all promotional materials, Account documentation, advertising, websites, marketing, and solicitations related to the Plan, during the Term.  Bank shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to prohibit the use of any Bank Marks in any Plan Documents, advertisements, or other materials or references proposed to be used by Company which Bank in its reasonable business judgment deems objectionable or improper.  Company shall cease all use of Bank Marks upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason unless Company purchases the Accounts upon termination in which event Company shall have the right to utilize the Bank Marks solely as necessary to administer and collect the Accounts during a reasonable transition period as mutually agreed to by the parties in writing

2.11           Cardholder Loyalty Program. (a) If Company chooses to own and operate a loyalty program for Cardholders (a “Loyalty Program”), Company will be responsible for determining its rules, funding the rewards related to it (unless otherwise agreed by Bank), and ensuring compliance with all Applicable Laws as related solely to such Loyalty Program as distinguished from the operation of the Credit Cards in general). Bank shall support such Loyalty Program on terms mutually agreed by the parties.   Company will be entitled to all revenue from the Loyalty Program. Company will provide Bank with reasonable notice of any changes to the Loyalty Program. Commencing on the Plan Commencement Date Bank shall make available through the TSYS’ services the loyalty program services supported by TSYS for the Purchased Accounts prior to the Plan Commencement Date. Bank acknowledges and agrees that as of the TSYS Transition, Bank shall support the Loyalty Program set forth on Schedule 2.11 (b) hereto.

(b)           Upon request by Company, and to the extent available, Bank will provide Company with certain system functionality tied to the Accounts to support the Loyalty Program, for matters such as recording the accumulation of loyalty points, tracking, lookup/reporting, and redemption where a coupon is part of the Billing Statement.  Any such system functionality provided by Bank shall be at no additional charge to Company, to the extent the Loyalty Program: (i) is compatible with Bank’s existing or future functionality offered to other Bank clients; (ii) is facilitated using monthly Billing Statements to active Accounts; (iii) does not require Bank to incur additional internal or external expense; and (iv) does not include stand-alone mailings.  Otherwise, such functionality if available shall be provided pursuant to terms (including fees to Bank) mutually agreed to by the parties. For example, Bank will at Company’s expense (which expense shall be Bank’s then current actual costs), support stand-alone Cardholder mailings and zero-balance Billing Statements associated with the Loyalty Program.  Bank acknowledges that the system functionality and information included or required to support the existing Loyalty Program described on Schedule 2.11 (b) shall be provided by Bank at no charge to Company.

SECTION 3.  OPERATION OF THE PLAN

3.1           Honoring Credit Cards.  Company agrees that Company will honor any Credit Card and/or Account properly issued and currently authorized by Bank under the Plan.  In addition, as of the Effective Date, and subject to Schedule 3.1, there will be Cross Shopping between and among the CHRS Businesses, meaning Company will

 
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accept for payment all CHRS Business Cards properly issued and currently authorized by Bank. Furthermore, Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Operating Procedures, deliver to Bank all Transaction Records evidencing transactions made under the Plan.  Nothing herein shall require or permit Company to accept or honor any credit card of Bank other than a Credit Card issued hereunder or a CHRS Business Card.

3.2           Cardholder Disputes Regarding Accounts, and Goods and/or Services.  (a) Company shall promptly notify Bank regarding any Cardholder dispute regarding an Account upon Company being made aware of such dispute.  This includes but is not limited to claims related to outstanding balances, Bank reports to credit bureaus, finance charges, fees, and collection efforts (e.g., notification to the Company that the Cardholder has filed bankruptcy or wants collection communications directed to legal counsel, etc.).

(b) Company shall act in a commercially reasonable manner to investigate and work to resolve disputes with Cardholders regarding Goods and/or Services obtained through Company pursuant to the Plan.  Company shall timely process credits or refunds for Cardholders utilizing the Plan as determined by Company in its reasonable discretion and in accordance with Applicable Law.

3.3           No Special Agreements.  Company will not extract any special agreement, condition, fee, or security from Cardholders in connection with their use of a Credit Card, unless approved in advance by Bank in writing.

3.4           Cardholder Disputes Regarding Violations of Applicable Law.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Bank in further investigating and using its reasonable efforts to help resolve any Applicant or Cardholder claim, dispute, or defense which may be asserted under Applicable Law.

3.5           Payment to Company; Ownership of Accounts; Fees; Accounting.  (a) Company shall electronically transmit all Transaction Records (from its main offices and/or its Sales Channels) to Bank within a reasonable period of time and in a format reasonably acceptable to Bank. Upon receipt, Bank shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly verify and process such Transaction Records and, in the time frames specified herein, Bank will remit to Company an amount equal to the Net Proceeds indicated by such Transaction Records for the Credit Sales Day(s) for which such remittance is made.  Bank will transfer funds electronically via immediately available funds (the “Transfer”) to an account designated in writing by Company to Bank (the “Company Deposit Account”) as follows. If Transaction Records are received by Bank’s processing center before 10 a.m. Eastern time on a Business Day, Bank will initiate the Transfer on the next Business Day thereafter.  In the event that the Transaction Records are received on a non-Business Day or after 10 a.m. Eastern time on a Business Day, then Bank will initiate the Transfer no later than the second Business Day thereafter.  The term “initiate” shall mean that Bank shall transmit the Transfer file to Bank’s financial institution for settlement on the same Business Day. See also the provisions of Schedule 3.5 (a).

 

 
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(b)           Bank shall own all the Accounts under the Plan from the time of establishment (or time of purchase as to the Purchased Accounts), and except as otherwise provided herein, Company shall not have any right to any indebtedness on an Account or to any Account payment from a Cardholder arising out of or in connection with any Purchases under the Plan and shall not have any obligations to Cardholders for Account credit balances.  Effective upon the delivery of each Charge Slip by Company to Bank and payment to Company by Bank pursuant to Section 3.5 (a), Company shall be deemed to have transferred, conveyed, assigned and surrendered to Bank all right, title or interest in all such Charge Slips and in all other rights and writings evidencing such Purchases, if any.

(c)           All Transaction Records are subject to review and acceptance by Bank (it being agreed that Transaction Records obtained and submitted in accordance with this Agreement and the Operating Procedures shall be accepted by Bank).  In the event of a computational or similar error of an accounting or record keeping nature with respect to such Transaction Records, Bank may credit to the Company’s Deposit Account or net against the Net Proceeds (as the case may be) the proper amount as corrected. If the Net Proceeds are insufficient, Company shall remit the proper amount to Bank promptly following written demand.  Upon any such correction, Bank shall give Company prompt notice of same, including details of the discrepancy and correction and reasonable supporting documentation and Company shall have the right to dispute such correction.

(d)           The Credit Card Agreement shall include the Rates and Fees as are set forth in Schedule 3.5(d).  In connection with its servicing of the Accounts, Bank may make changes to the Credit Card Agreement on an individual Account by Account basis and without notice to Company provided the same are consistent with Applicable Law and Bank’s Operating Procedures.  On other than an Account by Account basis, Bank may make non-Rates and Fees changes at any time as required by Applicable Law, but must provide written notice of same to Company as is reasonable under the circumstances and the same must be in accordance with Applicable Law.  Bank may make changes to the Rates and Fees as specified in Schedule 3.5(d).  See Schedule 3.5(d).

(e)           Company shall obtain and maintain at its own expense such Point of Sale terminals, cash registers, network (electronic communication interchange system), telephone or other communication lines, software, hardware and other items of equipment (collectively, “Systems”) as are necessary for it to request and receive authorizations, transmit Charge Slip and Credit Slip information, process applications and perform its obligations under this Agreement.  The computer programs and telecommunications protocols necessary to facilitate communications between Bank and Company (and/or Bank and specific Sales Channels, if applicable) shall be determined by Bank from time to time, subject to reasonable prior notice of any change in such programs, equipment or protocols and discussion of such changes in the Operating Committee; provided, however, that Company shall not be required to make such changes unless (i) the same are in compliance with industry-standard communications systems protocols (the standards as of the Effective Date being ISO and XML for Web services); or (ii) substantially all other Bank Clients using the same type of protocols are required to comply with such changes.

 
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(f)           Company shall be responsible for ensuring that all Promotional Program Purchases are properly designated as such on the Transaction Record in accordance with the Operating Procedures.

(g)           Bank may, if Company fails to pay Bank any amounts due to Bank pursuant to this Agreement for more than thirty (30) days after the due date, offset such amounts in the Net Proceeds calculation or any other amounts owed by Bank to Company under this Agreement. In addition to its other remedies set forth herein for failure to pay, Company may, if Bank fails to pay Company any amounts due to Company pursuant to this Agreement for more than thirty (30) days after the due date, offset such amounts against the any other amounts owed by Company to Bank under this Agreement.

3.6           Bank Mailings; Insertion of Company’s Promotional Materials.  Envelope space (including bangtail) for Billing Statements and Credit Card mailers shall be allocated as follows:

(a)           “Priority Materials”, defined as: legally required material (including privacy notices, legal disclosures and Cardholder notices), Billing Statements, new Credit Card mailers, Credit Card Agreement and any other non-marketing notices sent by Bank (such as buck slips encouraging Cardholders to register for eCS or paperless services); then

(b)           During each Plan month, Bank shall have the right to use one (1) bangtail (weighing up to .14 ounces, including the return mail envelope the bangtail is attached to, for mail delivery) for Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services.  However, if Bank does not use such space in any given Plan month Company shall have the right to use such space; and

 
(c)           Company’s promotional materials (including materials promoting Goods and Services and Company Third Party Vendor Products, however, if Company does not use such space in any given Plan month Bank shall have the right to use such space for approved Protection Programs and Enhancement Marketing Services), subject to the following terms:

           At Company’s request, Bank will include with the Billing Statements and new Credit Card mailers Company promotional materials provided by Company (and at Company’s expense), so long as the materials:  (i) are provided to Bank at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled mailing date of such statements or notices (provided that Company may three (3) times per Plan Year deliver such inserts only twenty (20) days in advance (provided Company provides notice of such shortened delivery period at least thirty (30) days in advance of the scheduled mailing date); and Bank further agrees that it shall use commercially reasonable efforts to meet Company’s other reasonable requests from time to time during the Plan Year for twenty (20) day insertion times) and pursuant to an insert schedule that Company provided to Bank at least sixty (60) days in advance; (ii) have been approved as to content by Bank (in its reasonable discretion) with respect to any manner of reference to Bank or the Plan; (iii) meet all size, weight, or other specifications for such inserts as shall be reasonably set by Bank from time to time

 
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(which are subject to change by Bank on not less than ninety (90) days’ prior written notice unless such change is required by Applicable Law); (iv) would not require the removal (in Bank’s standard envelope) of Priority Materials and/or Bank’s other inserts pursuant to section 3.6(b); and (v) are paid for by Company, along with all additional actual postage costs, if any, caused by Bank’s insertion of such materials. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, Bank must provide Company reasonable advance notice of any such additional postage charge.  Furthermore, Bank shall only insert Company materials (and charge such additional expense to Company) if Company approves such additional postage costs.

Bank reserves the right to disallow any inserts which are in violation of Applicable Law, conflict with any other provision of this Agreement, or whose subject matter is reasonably deemed by Bank to be salacious in nature (it being agreed that Company’s promotion of any of its Goods and Services as sold in its Sales Channels as of the Effective Date (such as lingerie) shall not be deemed salacious).

3.7           Payments.  Company hereby authorizes Bank, or any of its employees or agents, to endorse “World Financial Network National Bank” upon all or any checks, drafts, money orders or other evidence of payment, made payable to Company and intended as payment on an Account, that may come into Bank’s possession from Cardholders and to credit said payment against the appropriate Cardholder’s Account.  Company further agrees that if Company is permitted by Bank to receive any payments made with respect to the Plan, such payments will be accepted only at Company locations approved by Bank in advance and in writing, it being agreed that as of the date of this Agreement, all existing store locations of Company are approved locations. Furthermore, Company will receive such payment in trust on Bank’s behalf and will within one (1) Business Day after receipt include the amount of such payment in the Transaction Records sent to Bank pursuant to this Agreement.  Bank will charge the amount of such payment against the Company Deposit Account, or, if the Company Deposit Account contains insufficient funds, Company shall remit the amount of such payment, or any unpaid portion thereof, to Bank immediately upon written demand. Payments made by Cardholders at such Bank pre-approved Company locations shall not be deemed received by Bank until Bank receives and accepts the Transaction Records.  Bank has the sole right to receive and retain all payments made with respect to all Accounts and to pursue collection of all amounts outstanding, unless a Purchase is charged back to Company pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.8 and 3.9 hereof (in which event Company and not Bank shall have the right to pursue such collection).  Company shall promptly comply with any written instruction by Bank or any successor to Bank to cease accepting Account payments and thereafter inform Cardholders who wish to make payments that payments should be made to Bank.

3.8           Chargebacks.  Bank shall have the right to charge back Company the amount of any Purchase, including the unpaid principal balance, applicable sales tax, and any Royalty Payment paid by Bank to Company relating to any such Purchase:

(a)           If and to the extent any Applicant or Cardholder claim, defense, dispute, or basis for non-payment is based on wrongful action or inaction by Company, including but not limited to a: (i) charge for something other than an actual Purchase; or (ii) the Charge

 
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Slip related to the Purchase is a duplicate of one already paid and/or the price on it differs from the price on the Cardholder’s unadulterated copy of same; or

(b)           If and to the extent Bank reasonably determines that, with respect to such Purchase or the Account that:  (i) there is a breach of any warranty or representation made by or with respect to Company under this Agreement; (ii) there is a failure by Company to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement, which failure shall not have been cured within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof from Bank, in either such event which breach or failure materially adversely affects Bank’s ability to pursue the Cardholder on account of the Purchase or Account; or

(c)           For any chargeback reason as set forth in the Operating Procedures; or

(d)           For any fraudulent Web Purchases related to Web Applications where approved applicants were provided the option to receive their Account number and available credit line either via e-mail or immediately on-screen.   Company shall have the right to remove the option of approved applicants receiving their Account number and available credit line either via e-mail or immediately on-screen on reasonable prior notice to Bank.

3.9           Exercise of Chargebacks.  With respect to any amounts to be charged back pursuant to Section 3.8, Bank will offset such amount as part of the Net Proceeds to be paid to Company, to the extent the balance thereof is sufficient or, if such balance is not sufficient, Bank may demand payment from Company in immediately available funds for the full or any partial amount of such chargeback.  Upon payment in full of the related amount by Company to Bank, or off-setting, as the case may be, Bank shall transfer to Company, without any representation, warranty or recourse, all of Bank’s right to payments of such amounts charged back in connection with such Purchase.  Bank will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with Company in any efforts by Company to collect the chargeback amount. Bank will provide Company reasonable supporting documentation relating to such chargeback. Bank may reduce the amount owed by a Cardholder on any Purchase subject to chargeback, but the related chargeback shall then be equal to the reduced (or net) amount owed by the Cardholder.  Company shall not resubmit or re-transmit any charged back Purchase to Bank, without Bank’s prior written consent.

3.10           Non-Competition.  (a) Company shall actively and consistently market, promote, participate in and support the Plan as set forth in this Agreement. Furthermore, except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c) below, Company agrees that, in consideration of and as an inducement for Bank to make the Plan available to Company as provided in this Agreement, during the Term, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement (including, without limitation, with respect to the Plan and Cross-Selling and as provided in subsection (b) below), Company (including its Affiliates) shall not, either on its own or under contract or in concert with any third-party, establish, provide, own, accept or process any (i) “private label” or “co-brand” revolving credit card, (ii) debit card that is  “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; or (iii) other Financial Product.


 
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(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (a) above or elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed to prohibit or prevent Company from accepting (i) any general purpose credit card (including, without limitation, American Express Card, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover) that  is not “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; (ii) any form of general purpose debit card that is not “branded” with a Company Mark or other mark related to or for the promotion of Company and/or its Affiliates; (iii) any fixed payment (installment) credit programs for Applicants declined by Bank; (iv) any gift card, gift check, voucher, coupon or marketing gift card promotion, or (v) in cases where Company is exercising its rights under Schedule 3.12 of this Agreement, solely with respect to the New Business (as defined therein).

(c)           The prohibitions set forth in subsection (a) will not apply: (i) as to a particular state after Bank has terminated the operation of the Plan in such state pursuant to Section 9.4 and Bank shall permit Company to accept in its Sales Channels credit cards issued by the new provider selected by Company for those state(s) where Bank has terminated operation of the Plan; (ii) after termination or expiration of this Agreement; or (iii) with respect to an employee credit card program whereby private label and / or co-brand credit cards are issued by Company’s Affiliate, Spirit of America National Bank, to current Company and / or other CHRS Businesses’ employees (“Employee Program”), provided, however, that if such Employee Program is not implemented by Company prior to the end of the first Plan Year, Company shall be prohibited from operating an Employee Program through the Term.  Additionally, once either party has provided notice to the other that it intends to allow the Agreement to expire, Company may enter into a credit card program agreement with another provider prior to such expiration of the Agreement, provided that program does not commence and Company shall not accept credit related to such agreement until after this Agreement has terminated or expired.

3.11           Reports.  Bank will deliver to Company the reports set forth in Schedule 3.11, as specified therein.  Bank may provide any additional reports requested by Company upon such terms and conditions (including cost) as are mutually agreed to by the parties, it being agreed that there shall be no charge for additional reports unless and to the extent Bank actually incurs costs associated with such reports beyond the costs associated with the reports set forth on Schedule 3.11.

           3.12           See Schedule 3.12.                                           

SECTION 4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY

Company hereby represents and warrants to Bank as follows:

4.1           Organization, Power and Qualification.  Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing and has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.  Company is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in all jurisdictions where located and/or conducting business, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a material adverse

 
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effect on Company’s business or Company’s or Bank’s ability to perform as required under this Agreement or operate the Plan.

4.2           Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention.  (a) This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate proceedings (or analogous governing proceedings) of Company. Further, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Company, and is a valid and legally binding agreement of Company and duly enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equity principles).

(b)           No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over Company is required for (nor would the absence of such adversely affect) the legal and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c)           The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Company and the compliance by Company with all provisions of this Agreement:  (i) will not conflict with or violate any Applicable Law; and (ii) provided Bank executes a merchant agreement with Wachovia related to Company’s rights to Net Proceeds on terms mutually agreed between Bank and Wachovia, will not conflict with or result in a breach of or default under any of the terms or provisions of any indenture, loan agreement, or other contract or agreement to which Company is a party (including but not limited to any under which Company is an obligor or by which its property is bound) where such conflict, breach or default would have a material adverse effect on Company or the Plan, nor will such execution, delivery or compliance violate or result in the violation of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws (or analogous rules of governance) of Company.

4.3           Accuracy of Information.  All factual information furnished by Company to Bank in writing at any time pursuant to any requirement of, or furnished in response to any written request of Bank under this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby has been, and all such factual information hereafter furnished by Company to Bank will be, to Company’s knowledge and belief, true and accurate in every respect material to the transactions contemplated hereby on the date as of which such information was or will be stated or certified.

4.4           Validity of Charge Slips.  (a)  As of the date any Transaction Records are presented to Bank in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, each Charge Slip relating to such Transaction Records shall represent the obligation of a Cardholder in the respective amount set forth therein for Goods sold or Services rendered, together with applicable taxes, if any, and shall not involve any element of credit for any other purpose.

(b)           As of the date any Transaction Records are presented to Bank in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, Company has no knowledge or notice of any fact or matter which would immediately or ultimately impair the validity of any

 
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Charge Slip relating to such Transaction Records, the transaction evidenced thereby, or its collectibility.

4.5           Compliance with Law.  Any action taken by Company or inaction (where Company has a duty to act) in connection with the Plan, the Loyalty Program, Bank, and/or the sales of Goods and/or Services shall be in compliance with all Applicable Law, except where the failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, does not or will not have a material adverse effect on Company, Bank, or the Plan.  Company’s compliance with Applicable Law includes, but is not limited to, not engaging in: the sale of any illegal goods and/or services, the illegal sale of otherwise legal goods and/or services, and sales in violation of federal and state laws designed to prevent unlawful gambling.

4.6           Company Marks.  Company has the legal right to use and to permit the Bank to use, to the extent set forth herein, Company Marks.

4.7           Intellectual Property Rights.  In the event Company provides any software, hardware, technology or specifications for development to Bank, Company has the legal right to such software, hardware, technology or specifications for development and the right to permit Bank to use such software, hardware, technology or specifications for development, and such use shall not violate any intellectual property rights of any third party.  Any software or other technology developed by Company or its Affiliates (and not developed by Bank), to facilitate the Plan, including but not limited to, software and software modifications developed in response to Bank’s request or to accommodate Bank’s special requirements and all derivative works, will remain the exclusive property of Company and/or its Affiliates.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to convey a proprietary interest to Bank or any third party in any of the software, hardware, technology or any of the derivative works thereof which are owned or licensed by Company and/or its Affiliates, and Bank shall return to Company all materials containing such intellectual property upon termination of this Agreement.

4.8           Legal Proceedings. There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings which are pending or, to the knowledge of Company, threatened, against Company which would prevent, prohibit or otherwise materially affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 5. COVENANTS OF COMPANY

Company hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

5.1           Notices of Changes.  Company will promptly notify Bank of any:  (a) change in the name or form of business organization of Company, change in the location of its chief executive office or the location of the office where its records concerning the Plan are kept; (b) merger or consolidation of Company, the sale of a majority of its stock (or other form of ownership) or the sale of a majority of its assets not in the ordinary course of business, or any change in control of Company; (c) material adverse change in its financial condition or operations; (d) the planned opening or closing of any Sales Channels (including individual locations); (e) any change in business practices of

 
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Company that would have a material adverse effect on this Agreement or the Plan; or (f) any adverse event which is likely to materially impact Company’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, in each case to the extent Company and CHRS are not prohibited from disclosing such event under Applicable Law.  Company will furnish such additional information with respect to any of the foregoing as Bank may reasonably request, for the purpose of Bank’s evaluating the effect of such change on the financial condition and operations of Company and on the Plan.

5.2           Financial Statements.  Company shall furnish to Bank promptly upon request the following information pertaining to Company (on a consolidated basis if applicable):  (a) a balance sheet as of the close of each fiscal year; (b) a statement of income, retained earnings, and paid-in capital to the close of each fiscal year; (c) a statement of cash flow to the close of each such period; and (d) a copy of the opinion submitted by Company’s independent certified public accountants in connection with such of the financial statements as have been audited; provided, however that as long as Company is a subsidiary of CHRS, and CHRS is publicly traded, Company may satisfy the foregoing requirements by delivering to Bank: (a) copies of CHRS’ quarterly 10-Q filings; (b) copies of CHRS’ annual 10-K filing; and (c) a quarterly statement of operating income (based on CHRS’ fiscal quarter).

5.3           Access Rights.  (a) Subject to (b) below, Company will permit, once per Plan Year unless Bank has reasonable cause to do so more than once, authorized representatives designated by Bank, at Bank’s expense, to visit its facilities and inspect, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, any of the books and records of Company and/or its Sales Channels pertaining to Applicants, Accounts, Transaction Records and any category of payments owed by one party to the other, and to make copies and take extracts there from, and to discuss the same with its officers and independent public accountants, all at reasonable times during normal business hours.  Company shall provide Bank from time to time such reasonable documentation as Bank may reasonably request to verify Company’s compliance with any other material provision of this Agreement.

(b)           Company’s obligations under (a) shall not be required to the extent that (i) such access is prohibited by Applicable Law, (ii) such records are legally privileged, or (iii) such records are Company planning documents or those of any of its Affiliates, operating budgets, management reviews or employee records.

5.4           Company’s Business.  Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence (or analogous business form) and to comply with all Applicable Laws in connection with its business and the sale of Goods and/or Services, including, but not limited to: (i) compliance with all applicable license requirements related to its business, and (ii) fulfilling its obligations under the Plan.  Company shall provide to Bank, annually, a forecast of the next year in terms of Company’s total sales, number of stores or other locations (including number and location of openings and/or closings), and expansion or contraction of any Sales Channels.


 
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5.5            Insurance.  Company shall maintain, at a minimum, at Company’s own expense, insurance policies with insurers, in such amounts, and against such types of loss and damage, as follows:

(a)           Comprehensive General Liability Insurance or Commercial General Liability Insurance with a Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate with coverage noted for Products and Completed Operations;

(b)           Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance shall be provided as required by law or regulation (statutory requirements). Employer’s Liability insurance shall be provided in amounts not less than $500,000 per accident for bodily injury by accident, $500,000 per employee for bodily injury by disease, and $500,000 policy limit by disease.

5.6           Sales Information.  Company shall furnish to Bank on a quarterly basis (CHRS’ fiscal quarter) a report showing Company’s total sales of Goods and/or Services, categorized by tender type, once Company’s sales information has been made public.

             5.7           Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan.  Company shall maintain a commercially reasonable plan designed to mitigate damages resulting from Force Majeure or other causes that would threaten operation of Company’s business and/or loss or exposure of information requiring protection as described in Sections 2.8 and 10.17.  Company agrees to provide a summary of such plan and a summary of its annual test results to Bank upon written request from Bank and to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any material deficiencies set forth in such test results as deemed warranted by Company.

5.8    Compliance with Agreement and Operating Procedures.  Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its Affiliates, licensees, franchises, officers, directors, associates and agents comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Operating Procedures.

SECTION 6.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BANK

Bank hereby represents and warrants to CHRS and Company as follows:

6.1           Organization, Power and Qualification. Bank is a national banking association duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America and has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.  Bank is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in all jurisdictions where such qualification is necessary for Bank to carry out its obligations under this Agreement.

6.2           Authorization, Validity and Non-Contravention.  (a) This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings, has been duly executed and delivered by Bank and is a valid and legally binding agreement of Bank and duly

 
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enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equity principles).

(b)           No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over Bank is required for (nor would the absence of such materially adversely affect) the legal and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c)           The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Bank hereunder and the compliance by Bank with all provisions of this Agreement:  (i) will not conflict with or violate any Applicable Law; (ii) will not conflict with or result in a breach of the terms or provisions of any indenture, loan agreement or other contract or agreement to which Bank is a party (including but not limited to any under by which Bank’s property is bound) where such conflict, breach or default would have a material adverse effect on Bank, nor will such execution, delivery or compliance violate or result in the violation of the Charter or By-Laws of Bank.

6.3           Accuracy of Information.  All factual information furnished by Bank to CHRS or Company in writing at any time pursuant to any requirement of, or furnished in response to any written request of CHRS or Company under this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby has been, and all such factual information hereafter furnished by Bank to CHRS or Company will be, to Bank’s best knowledge and belief, true and accurate in every respect material to the transactions contemplated hereby on the date as of which such information has or will be stated or certified.

6.4           Compliance with Law.  Any action or inaction taken by Bank (where Bank has a duty to act) in connection with the Plan shall be in compliance with all Applicable Law except where the failure to so comply does not or will not have an adverse effect on the Bank, CHRS, Company or the Plan.

6.5           Intellectual Property Rights.  In the event Bank provides any software or hardware to Company, Bank has the legal right to such software or hardware and the right to permit Company to use such software or hardware, and such use shall not violate any intellectual property rights of any third party.  Any software or other technology developed by Bank or its Affiliates or developed for Bank or its Affiliates at Bank’s expense, to facilitate the Plan, including but not limited to, software and software modifications developed in response to Company’s request or to accommodate Company’s special requirements and all derivative works, regardless of the developer thereof, will remain the exclusive property of Bank and/or its Affiliates.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to convey a proprietary interest to Company or any third party in any of the software, hardware, technology or any of the derivative works thereof which are owned or licensed by Bank and/or its Affiliates, and Company shall return to Bank all materials containing such intellectual property upon termination of this Agreement.


 
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6.6           Legal Proceedings. There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings which are pending or, to the knowledge of Bank, threatened, against Bank which would prevent, prohibit or otherwise materially affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 7. COVENANTS OF BANK

Bank hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

7.1           Notices of Changes.  Bank will as soon as reasonably possible notify Company of any:  (a) change in the name or form of business organization of Bank, change in the location of its chief executive office or the location of the office where its records concerning the Plan are kept; (b) merger or consolidation of Bank or the sale of a significant portion of its stock or of any substantial amount of its assets not in the ordinary course of business or any change in control of Bank; (c) material adverse change in its financial condition or operations; or (d) any adverse event which is likely to materially impact Bank’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement to the extent Bank and its parent company are not prohibited from disclosing such event under Applicable Law.  Bank will furnish such additional information with respect to any of the foregoing as Company may request for the purpose of evaluating the effect of such transaction on the financial condition and operations of Bank and on the Plan.

7.2           Financial Statement.  Bank shall furnish to Company upon request by Company, and as soon as available, the following information pertaining to Bank (on a consolidated basis with Bank’s parent company, if applicable): (a) a balance sheet as of the close of each fiscal year; (b) a statement of income, retained earnings, and paid-in capital to the close of each fiscal year; (c) a statement of cash flow to the close of each such period and a copy of the opinion submitted by Bank’s parent company or its independent certified public accountants in connection with such of the financial statements as have been audited;  provided, however that as long as Bank is a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“ADSC”), and ADSC is publicly traded, Bank may satisfy the foregoing requirements by delivering to Company: (a) copies of ADSC’s quarterly 10-Q filings; (b) copies of ADSC’s annual 10-K filing; and (c) a quarterly statement of operating income (based on ADSC’s fiscal quarter).

7.3           Access Rights.  Subject to (b) below, Bank will permit, once per Plan Year unless Company has reasonable cause to do so more than one time, authorized representatives designated by Company, at Company’s expense, to visit its facilities and inspect, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, any of Bank’s books and records pertaining to Purchases, Charge Backs, Royalty Fees, and any other category of payments owed by one party to the other, and to make copies and take extracts there from, and to discuss the same with its officers and independent public accountants, all at reasonable times during normal business hours.  Bank shall also permit Company (including without limitation Company’s collections and customer service auditing teams), a total of four times per Plan Year (in the aggregate for all CHRS Businesses for so long as Company remains a CHRS Business), unless Company has reasonable cause to do so more than four times, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, and in a manner which does not disrupt the operations, to visit the offices at which services

 
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relating to the Plan are provided, to review the activities of Bank and its subcontractors, to monitor a random sample of Cardholder customer service calls for quality and  to review compliance with the Service Standards.  Bank shall provide Company from time to time such reasonable documentation as Company may reasonably request to verify Bank’s compliance with any other material provision of this Agreement.

(b)           Bank’s obligations under (a) shall not be required to the extent that (i) such access is prohibited by Applicable Law, (ii) such records are legally privileged, (iii) such records are Bank planning documents or those of any of its Affiliates, operating budgets, management reviews or employee records, or (iv) such records relate to other clients of, or credit programs operated by, Bank.

7.4           Bank’s Business.  Bank shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and to comply with all Applicable Laws in connection with its business and the issuance of credit by Bank.

7.5           Insurance.  Bank shall maintain, at a minimum, at Bank’s own expense, insurance policies with insurers, in such amounts, and against such types of loss and damage, as follows: Errors & Omissions/Professional Liability Insurance, in an amount not less than $10,000,000 per claim and annual aggregate, covering all acts, errors, omissions, negligence, and network risks in the performance of services for Company or on behalf of Company hereunder.

7.6           Business Continuation/Disaster Recovery Plan.  Bank shall maintain a commercially reasonable plan designed to mitigate damages resulting from Force Majeure or other causes that would threaten operation of the Plan and Bank’s business and/or loss or exposure of information requiring protection as described in Sections 2.8 and 10.17 and Bank shall annually test such plan.  Bank agrees to provide a summary of such plan and a summary of its annual test results to Company upon written request from Company and to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any material deficiencies set forth in such test results as deemed warranted by Bank.

SECTION 8.  INDEMNIFICATION

8.1           Indemnification Obligations.  (a) Company shall be liable to and shall indemnify and hold harmless Bank and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, subcontractors and their successors and assigns (collectively “Bank Indemnified Parties”) from any and all Losses incurred by them by reason of:  (i) Company’s breach of any representation, warranty or covenant hereunder; (ii) Company’s failure to perform its obligations hereunder; (iii) any damage caused by or related to Goods or Services charged to an Account; (iv) any action or failure to act (where there was a duty to act) by Company related to the Plan and/or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement; (v) Company having caused Losses to third parties, where such third parties have sought recovery from Bank Indemnified Parties; and (vi) Bank’s defending against claims described in (v).  In any case, Company’s liability does not extend to Losses proximately arising from an act or failure to act by Bank Indemnified Parties.


 
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(b)           Bank shall be liable to and shall indemnify and hold harmless Company and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, sub-contractors and their successors and assigns (collectively, “Company Indemnified Parties”) from any and all Losses incurred by reason of:  (i) Bank’s breach of any representation, warranty or covenant hereunder; (ii) Bank’s failure to perform its obligations hereunder; and (iii) any action or failure to act (where there was a duty to act) by Bank and its officers, directors, and employees relating to the Plan and/or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement; (iv)  Bank having caused Losses to third-parties, where such third-parties have sought recovery from Company Indemnified Parties; and (v) Company’s defending against claims described in (iv).  In any case, Bank’s liability does not extend to Losses proximately arising from an act or failure to act by Company Indemnified Parties.

8.2           LIMITATION ON LIABILITY.  (a)  IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THE OTHER PARTY INCURS OR CLAIMS TO HAVE INCURRED ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS LIMITATION SHALL NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO A PARTY’S WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR INTENTIONAL BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT.

(b)           EXCEPT FOR (i) BANK’S OBLIGATION TO PAY NET PROCEEDS, ROYALTY PAYMENTS AND OTHER PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS TO COMPANY; AND (ii) DAMAGES ARISING FROM: (x) THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF BANK; (y) BANK’S BREACH OF SECTIONS 6.4, 6.5 AND / OR 10.17 OF THIS AGREEMENT; ALL OF WHICH SHALL HAVE NO CAP ON LIABILITY, BANK’S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO COMPANY FOR ALL DAMAGES INCURRED BY IT, FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($100,000,000.00).

(c)           EXCEPT FOR (i) COMPANY’S PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS TO BANK UNDER THIS AGREEMENT; AND (ii) DAMAGES ARISING FROM: (x) THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF COMPANY; (y) COMPANY’S BREACH OF SECTIONS 4.5, 4.7 AND / OR 10.17 OF THIS AGREEMENT; ALL OF WHICH SHALL HAVE NO CAP ON LIABILITY, COMPANY’S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO BANK FOR ALL DAMAGES IT INCURS, FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($100,000,000.00).

8.3           NO WARRANTIES.  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING IN ALL SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS ATTACHED HERETO), THERE ARE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, RESPECTING THE SERVICES AND/OR OTHER PRODUCTS SOLD OR PROVIDED BY BANK PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT.

8.4           Notification of Indemnification; Conduct of Defense.  (a) The indemnified party shall notify the indemnifying party in writing of the nature of any claim for indemnification within a reasonable time after the assertion thereof, however, failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have

 
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under this Agreement, except to the extent that the indemnifying party’s right to defend the matter is materially and irrevocably prejudiced by such failure to give prompt notice.

(b)           The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of any suit brought against the indemnified party which gives rise to a claim against the indemnifying party.  Alternatively, the indemnified party may elect to assume defense of such claim, but must do so within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the claim.  However, if the indemnifying party so elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the indemnifying party  and approved by the indemnified party (or the person or persons so indemnified, who are the defendant or defendants in any suit so brought), which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Once the indemnifying party has retained counsel approved by the indemnifying party, the indemnified party (or the person or persons so indemnified who are the defendant or defendants in the suit), shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel it chooses to retain.

SECTION 9.  TERM, EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION

           9.1           Term and Expiration.  Upon execution by authorized representatives of both parties, and unless  terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Date, remain in effect for ten (10) years from the Plan Commencement Date (the “Initial Term”), and automatically renew for successive eighteen (18) month terms (each a “Renewal Term”) thereafter, unless (i) either party provides the other with at least twelve (12) months’ written notice of its intention not to renew this Agreement beyond the expiration of the Initial or then current Renewal Term.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Plan Commencement Date does not occur on or before January 30, 2010, either party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other on or before March 15, 2010; provided, the party seeking to terminate this Agreement is not in breach of its obligations hereunder.

9.2           Termination with Cause by Bank; Bank Termination Events.  Any of the following conditions or events shall constitute a “Bank Termination Event” hereunder, and Bank may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Company designating the occurrence of such Bank Termination Event and the expiration of the applicable cure period, if any, designated below (provided, however, that Bank agrees upon request of Company to continue to authorize and process Purchases for up to ninety (90) days after such termination and to settle with Company with respect to the Transaction Records submitted by Company pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3.5 except such settlement by Bank shall be within three (3) Business Days after submission of the Transaction Records by Company, and provided further that during such ninety (90) day period Bank shall not be required to perform any activities which would render Bank to be out of compliance with Applicable Law or cause Bank to operate in an unsafe and/or unsound manner) and, immediately after such termination becomes effective, Company shall have the obligation to purchase the Portfolio (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5):


 
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(a)           If Company shall:  (i) generally not pay its debts as they become due; (ii) file, or consent by answer or otherwise to the filing against it, of a petition for relief, reorganization or arrangement or any other petition in bankruptcy, for liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction; (iii) make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) consent to the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers of itself or of any substantial part of its property; (v) be adjudicated insolvent or be liquidated; or (vi) take corporate action for the purpose of any of the foregoing and such event shall materially adversely affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement or the Plan; or

(b)           If a court or government authority of competent jurisdiction shall enter an order appointing, without consent by Company, a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to it or with respect to any substantial part of its property, or if an order for relief shall be entered in any case or proceeding for liquidation or reorganization or otherwise to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding up or liquidation of Company, or if any petition for any such relief shall be filed against Company and, in any such event such order or petition shall not be dismissed within ninety (90) days; or

(c)           (i) if Company shall have failed to pay Bank any payment due under this Agreement and Company fails to remedy such default within ten (10) calendar days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Company from Bank, or (ii) if Company shall materially default in the performance of or compliance with any material term or violates any of the material covenants, representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement in any material respect and Company shall not have remedied such default (or removed the materiality thereof) within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof shall have been received by Company from Bank; or

(d)           If, at the end of any Plan Year the volume of Goods and/or Services sold by Company has dropped by more than forty percent (40%) (as measured by relative annual sales volume of Goods and/or Services in the prior Plan Year); or

(e)           If at any time Company eliminates or ceases operations of Sales Channels which, at that time, account for more than forty percent (40%) of Company’s sales volume (or announces or notifies Bank of an intent or anticipation of to perform either such action); provided, further that the Company may propose to the Bank any elimination or ceasing of operations of Sales Channels prior to the implementation of such elimination or ceasing operation and submit the same for approval under the procedures of the Operating Committee, and if approved by the Operating Committee the Bank shall not have the right to designate a Bank Termination Event in respect of such change under this Section 9.2 (e); or

(f)           If either the Parent Agreement or the Purchase Agreement have not been executed and delivered by the parties thereto within ten (10) Business Days after the Effective Date; or

(g)           As set forth in Schedule 9.2; or


 
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(h)           If Company shall receive an adverse opinion by its auditors or accountants as to its viability as a going concern and Bank notifies Company and requests to discuss the materiality and effects of such opinion with Company; then (i) if Company does not promptly respond to Bank’s request or (ii) if, after such discussion, Bank, in its reasonable discretion, determines that such opinion shall materially adversely affect the ability of Company to perform under this Agreement.

9.3           Termination with Cause by Company; Company Termination Events.  Any of the following conditions or events shall constitute a “Company Termination Event” hereunder, and Company may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice by Company to Bank designating the occurrence of such Company Termination Event and the expiration of the applicable cure period, if any, designated below (provided, however, that Bank agrees upon request of Company to continue to authorize and process Purchases for up to ninety (90) days  (or such greater period as is set forth in Schedule 9.5 in the event Company is proceeding to purchase the Portfolio) after such termination and to settle with Company with respect to the Transaction Records submitted by Company pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3.5, provided that during such ninety (90) day period (or longer period as set forth above) Bank shall not be required to perform any activities which would render Bank to be out of compliance with Applicable Law or cause Bank to operate in an unsafe and/or unsound manner) and, immediately after such termination becomes effective, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Company shall have the option, but not the obligation, to purchase the Portfolio (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5):

(a)           If Bank (or Bank’s parent company) shall:  (i) generally not be paying its debts as they become due; (ii) file or consent by answer or otherwise to the filing against it, of a petition for relief, reorganization or arrangement or any other petition in bankruptcy, for liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction; (iii) make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iv) consent to the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers for itself or of any substantial part of its property; (v) be adjudicated insolvent or be liquidated; or (vi) take corporate action for the purpose of any of the foregoing and such event shall materially adversely affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement or the Plan; or

(b)           If a court or government authority of competent jurisdiction shall enter an order appointing, without consent by Bank, a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to it or with respect to any substantial part of its property, or if an order for relief shall be entered in any case or proceeding for liquidation or reorganization or otherwise to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding up or liquidation of Bank, or if any petition for any such relief shall be filed against Bank and, in any such event such order or petition shall not be dismissed within ninety (90) days; or

(c)           (i) if Bank shall have failed to pay Company the Net Proceeds due under this Agreement and Bank fails to remedy such default within three (3) calendar days after the date payment is due to Company pursuant to Section 3.5 (a), or (ii) if Bank shall have

 
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failed to pay Company any other payment due under this Agreement and Bank fails to remedy such default within ten (10) calendar days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Bank from Company, or (iii) except with respect to the Service Standards, if Bank shall materially default in the performance of or compliance with any material term or violates any of the material covenants, representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement in any material respect and Bank shall not have remedied such default (or removed the materiality thereof) within thirty (30) days after written notice of the default thereof shall have been received by Bank from Company; or

(d)           If either the Parent Agreement or the Purchase Agreement have not been executed and delivered by the parties thereto within ten (10) Business Days after the Effective Date; or

(e)           The circumstances described in the last sentence of Section 9.4 shall occur; or
 
 (f)     As set forth in Schedule 9.3; or
 
(g)    If Bank shall receive an adverse opinion by its auditors or accountants as to its viability as a going concern and Company notifies Bank and requests to discuss the materiality and effects of such opinion with Bank; then (i) if Bank does not promptly respond to Company’s request or (ii) if, after such discussion, Company, in its reasonable discretion, determines that such opinion shall materially adversely affect the ability of Bank to perform under this Agreement.

 
           9.4           Termination of Particular State.  If the Applicable Law of a particular state or jurisdiction is amended or interpreted in such a manner so as to render all or any material part of the Plan unenforceable, or all or any part of the Plan illegal, Bank will, if requested, assist Company with finding a new credit provider for such state or jurisdiction.  In addition, if the Plan is rendered illegal or unenforceable as described in the preceding sentence in states which comprise, in the aggregate, more than forty percent (40%) of Company’s annual Net Sales, Company may terminate this Agreement upon not less than ninety (90) days’ written notice to Bank, and immediately after such termination becomes effective, Company shall have the obligation to purchase the Accounts (the price and method of such purchase shall be as set forth in Schedule 9.5).

9.5           Purchase of Accounts.  See Schedule 9.5.

9.6            Effect of Termination.  All solicitations, marketing and advertising of the Plan, other than acceptance of applications through Sales Channels in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, shall cease upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, except as the parties may otherwise mutually agree, provided that (i) the parties shall continue to operate the Plan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and service the Accounts in good faith and in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, subject to the terms of this Agreement, until the provisions of Schedule 9.5 are satisfied, if applicable and (ii) in the event Company is proceeding to purchase the Portfolio as set forth in Schedule 9.5, Company shall be entitled at its sole

 
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cost and expense and subject to Bank’s review of all marketing and advertising (in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.4(c)) to continue to market and advertise the Plan during the period between termination and transfer of the Plan. The parties shall cooperate to ensure the orderly wind-down or transfer of the Plan, as applicable.

9.7           Termination Assistance Services.

If Company or its designee purchases the Portfolio, Bank will:

(a) Upon the request of Company provide commercially reasonable termination assistance services as are consistent with industry practices in order to efficiently transfer the Portfolio and minimize any adverse impact on the Portfolio.  Such services shall be set forth in writing in the Portfolio purchase agreement.

(b)           Upon termination or expiration of the Plan for any reason and until the date that is ninety (90) days after Bank ceases to provide any services under this Agreement, Company shall have the right to offer employment to employees of Bank and any of Bank’s Affiliates that perform all or substantially all of their work for Bank or its Affiliates in connection with the Plan.

SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS

10.1           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including its schedules, exhibits and addenda which are incorporated herein) and the Operating Procedures constitutes the entire Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and merges all prior discussions between them.

10.2           Coordination of Public Statements.  Except as required by Applicable Law, including, without limitation, any SEC filings reasonably deemed by a party to be required (in which case the party making such filing will provide notice thereof to the other, in advance whenever possible), neither party will make any public announcement of the Plan or provide any information concerning the Plan to any representative of any news, trade or other media without the prior consent of the other party.  Neither party will respond to any inquiry from any public or governmental authority, except as required by Applicable Law, concerning the Plan without prior consultation and coordination with the other party.

10.3           Amendment.  Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the provisions herein may be modified only upon the mutual agreement of the parties, however, no such modification shall be effective until reduced to writing and executed by both parties.

10.4           Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement and all obligations and rights arising hereunder shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, transferees and assigns.  Bank may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement solely as follows: (i) with the prior written consent of Company in its sole discretion; or (ii) without Company’s consent, but to an Affiliate; or

 
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(iii) without Company’s consent, but as part of an assignment of substantially all of Bank’s credit card programs.  Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without Bank’s consent but with notice thereof to Bank as soon as reasonably possible.  Further, in the event that CHRS sells Company or substantially all of the assets of Company, Company shall be obligated to assign this Agreement to the purchaser thereof.

10.5           Waiver.  No waiver of the provisions hereto shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged with such waiver.  No waiver shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in respect of any subsequent breach or default either of similar or different nature unless expressly so stated in writing.  No failure or delay on the part of either party in exercising any power or right under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver, nor does any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude any other or further exercise, or the exercise of any other power or right.

10.6            Severability.  If any of the provisions or parts of the Agreement are determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable statute or rule of law, such provisions or parts shall be deemed omitted without affecting any other provisions or parts of the Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect, unless the declaration of the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of such provision or provisions substantially frustrates the continued performance by, or entitlement to benefits of, either party, in which case this Agreement may be terminated by the affected party, without penalty.

10.7           Notices.  All communications and notices pursuant hereto to either party shall be in writing and addressed or delivered to it at its address shown below, or at such other address as may be designated by it by notice to the other party, and shall be deemed given when delivered by hand, or two (2) Business Days after being mailed (with postage prepaid) or when received by receipted courier service:

If to Bank:
World Financial Network National Bank
3100 Easton Square Place
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Attn.: President
 
With a Copy to:
Attn.:  General Counsel
If to Company:
c/o Catherines Stores Corporation
450 Winks Lane,
Bensalem PA, 19020
Attn.:  President
 
With a Copy to:
ATTN:  General Counsel

10.8           Captions and Cross-References.  The table of contents and various captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.  References in this Agreement to any Section are to such Section of this Agreement.

10.9           GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO, REGARDLESS OF THE DICTATES OF OHIO CONFLICTS OF LAW.


 
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10.10           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be taken together as one agreement.

10.11           Force Majeure.   Neither party will be responsible for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, and not due to the fault or negligence of such party (such fault or negligence including, without limitation, (i) the failure of a party to maintain commercially reasonable precautions against such event and (ii) the failure of a party to maintain commercially reasonable procedures to mitigate against the effect of any such event [such as, but not limited to, redundant systems and manual procedures]).  Subject to the foregoing restrictions, force majeure events may include, but are not limited to, acts of God, flood, criminal acts, fire, riot, computer viruses or hackers, in each event where such party has utilized commercially reasonable means to anticipate and prevent the same, accident, strikes or work stoppage, embargo, sabotage, terrorism, inability to obtain material, government action (including any laws, ordinances, regulations or the like which restrict or prohibit the providing of the services contemplated by this Agreement), and other similar causes whether or not of the same class or kind as specifically named above in each event where such party has utilized commercially reasonable means to anticipate and prevent the same.  In the event a party is unable to perform substantially for any of the reasons described in this Section, it will notify the other party promptly of its inability so to perform, and if the inability continues for at least ninety (90) consecutive calendar days (ten (10) calendar days in the cases of credit authorizations, processing of new Accounts and payment obligations and thirty (30) calendar days in the event such failure to timely perform otherwise results in a material adverse effect on the other party), the party so notified may then terminate this Agreement forthwith.  The party unable to perform shall use its best efforts to avoid or remove such circumstance and such party unable to perform shall use its best efforts to mitigate the effects of such event and continue performance hereunder with the utmost dispatch both during the continuance of such event and whenever such causes are removed.  The foregoing shall not limit or excuse a party’s payment obligations under this Agreement, provided that the parties acknowledge that, subject to the foregoing restrictions and obligations and the provisions of Schedule 3.5(a), the timing of such payment obligations may be disrupted due to a force majeure event.

10.12           Relationship of Parties.  This Agreement does not constitute the parties as partners or joint venturers and neither party will so represent itself.

10.13           Survival.  No termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect or impair the powers, obligations, duties, rights, indemnities, liabilities, covenants or warranties and/or representations of the parties with respect to times and/or events occurring prior to such termination.  No powers, obligations, duties, rights, indemnities, liabilities, covenants or warranties and/or representations of the parties with respect to times and/or events occurring after termination shall survive termination except for the following Sections and their corresponding schedules: Section 2.8), Section 2.10, Section 3.2, Section 3.4, Section 3.5 (but not the provisions of Schedule 3.5(a) except for a termination by Company for a Company Termination Event), Section 3.7, Section 3.8, Section 3.9, Section 8, Section 9.5, Section 9.6, Section 9.7, Section 10.7, Section 10.9, Section 10.13, Section 10.17,  Section 10.18, Section 10.19 and Section 10.20.

 
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10.14           Mutual Drafting.  This Agreement is the joint product of Company and Bank and each provision hereof has been subject to mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of Company and Bank; therefore to the extent any language in this Agreement is determined to be ambiguous, it shall not be construed for or against any party based on the fact that either party controlled the drafting of the document.

10.15           Independent Contractor.  The parties hereby declare and agree that Bank is engaged in an independent business, and shall perform its obligations under this Agreement as an independent contractor; that any of Bank’s personnel performing the services hereunder are agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors of Bank and are not agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors of Company; that Bank has and hereby retains the right to exercise full control of and supervision over the performance of Bank’s obligations hereunder and full control over the employment, direction, compensation and discharge of any and all of the Bank’s agents, employees, Affiliates, or subcontractors, including compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability insurance, social security, withholding and all other federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing such matters; that Bank shall be responsible for Bank’s own acts and those of Bank’s agents, employees, Affiliates, and subcontractors; and that except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, Bank does not undertake by this Agreement or otherwise to perform any obligation of Company, whether regulatory or contractual, or to assume any responsibility for Company’s business or operations.

10.16           No Third Party Beneficiaries.  The provisions of this Agreement are for the benefit of the parties hereto and not for any other person or entity.

10.17           Confidentiality and Security Control.

(a)           Confidential Information. Subject to Section 2.8 and except as specifically provided in this Section 10.17, neither party shall disclose any Confidential Information (defined below) which it learns as a result of negotiating or implementing this Agreement. “Confidential Information” shall mean information not of a public nature concerning the business or properties of the other party or their customers including, without limitation: Consumer Personal Information, the terms and conditions of this Agreement (as well as proposed terms and conditions of any amendments, renewals, or extensions of this Agreement) any proposed and/or agreed upon terms and conditions of any other credit card program agreement between the parties and/or their Affiliates, customer lists, sales volumes, test results, and results of marketing programs, Plan reports and files generated by Bank (in the case of Bank), trade secrets, business and financial information, source codes, business methods, procedures, know-how and other information (including but not limited to intellectual property) of every kind that relates to the business of either party.

However, the definition of “Confidential Information” specifically excludes information which:

(i)           is generally known to the trade or to the public at the time of such disclosure; or

 
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(ii)           becomes generally known to the trade or the public subsequent to the time of such disclosure; provided, however, that such general knowledge is not the result of a disclosure in violation of this Section 10.17; or

(iii)           is obtained by a party from a source other than the other party, without breach of this Agreement or any other obligation of confidentiality or secrecy owed to such other party or any other person or organization; or

(iv)           is independently conceived and developed by the disclosing party and proven by the disclosing party through tangible evidence not to have been developed as a result of a disclosure of information to the disclosing party, or any other person or organization which has entered into a confidential arrangement with the non-disclosing party.

(b)           Other Protected Information. The use and/or disclosure of any Consumer Personal Information, Company Customer Information, and/or Bank Cardholder Information shall be subject to Applicable Law, Section 2.8, and this Section 10.17.

(c)           Permitted Uses and Disclosures. Nothing in this Section 10.17 shall be interpreted to mean that a party is restricted with respect to the use or disclosure of Confidential Information which it owns. The parties may also disclose any Consumer Personal Information or Confidential Information under the following circumstances.  First, to the extent disclosure is required by Applicable Law.  Second, to the extent disclosure is both permitted by Applicable Law and either necessary for the performance of the disclosing party’s obligation under this Agreement and/or agreed to in writing by the other party, provided that:  (i) prior to disclosing any such information to any third party, the party making the disclosure (to the third party) shall give notice to the other party of the nature of such disclosure and of the fact that such disclosure will be made; and (ii) prior to filing a copy of this Agreement (whole or partial) with any governmental authority or agency, the filing party will consult with the other party with respect to such filing and shall redact such portions of this Agreement which the other party requests be redacted, unless, in the filing party’s reasonable judgment based on the advice of its counsel (which advice shall have been discussed with counsel to the other party), the filing party concludes that such request is inconsistent with the filing party’s obligations under Applicable Law.

(d)           Protecting Disclosed Information. When, pursuant to subsection (c) above, one party discloses the other party’s Confidential Information or Consumer Personal Information to the disclosing party’s Affiliate or a third-party, the disclosing party shall be responsible for ensuring that such disclosure complies with Applicable Law.  Furthermore, the disclosing party shall ensure that the Affiliate or third-party executes a confidentiality agreement provided by or approved in writing by the non-disclosing party, and that it keeps all such information in confidence.  Each party covenants that at all times it shall have in place procedures designed to assure that each of its employees who is given access to the other party’s Consumer Personal Information or Confidential Information shall protect the privacy of such information.  Each party acknowledges that any breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement by it will result in

 
43

 

irreparable damage to the other party and therefore in addition to any other remedy that may be afforded by law any breach or threatened breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement may be prohibited by restraining order, injunction or other equitable remedies of any court.  The provisions of this Section 10.17 will survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

(e)           Protecting Stored Information.  Each party shall establish commercially reasonable controls to ensure the confidentiality of any Consumer Personal Information and the other’s Confidential Information.  Each party shall also ensure that such information is not disclosed contrary to the provisions of this Agreement, or any applicable privacy, security or other laws, rules, and regulations.  Without limiting the foregoing, each party shall implement such physical and other security measures as are necessary to (i) ensure the security and confidentiality of any Consumer Personal Information and the other’s Confidential Information, (ii) protect against any threats or hazards to the security and integrity of such information, (iii) protect against any unauthorized access to or use of such information, and (iv) properly dispose of any Consumer Personal Information as required under Applicable Law.  A party shall promptly notify the other in the event it believes, or has reason to believe, that a confidentiality or security breach, or any other unauthorized intrusion, has occurred with respect to Consumer Personal Information.  Such party shall estimate the intrusion’s affect and shall specify the corrective action taken and to be taken by such party.  Additionally, the party incurring the breach or intrusion shall be responsible for the Losses related to such breach and shall indemnify the other party for any Losses such other party suffers as a result of such data breach/intrusion which in the case of unauthorized disclosure of Consumer Personal Information shall include, without limitation any Losses related to claims brought against the non-breaching party by such consumers related to such unauthorized disclosure, costs of any and all required notifications of such breach to the affected consumers and the costs of any credit or identify theft monitoring products.

 (f)           If, upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Company or its designee does not purchase the Accounts from Bank pursuant to Section and Schedule 9.5, Company shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove from its systems Bank’s Cardholder, Confidential, and Consumer Personal Information.  This includes but is not limited to any and all records regarding Cardholders, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, that is maintained or otherwise possessed by or on behalf of Company, including a compilation of such records.  Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement Bank shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove (according to Company’s direction) from its systems Company’s Confidential Information.

If Company or its designee does purchase the Accounts at such time, Company’s obligation to remove or destroy information shall apply only to any Bank Confidential Information that is not comprised of Bank Cardholder Information or Consumer Personal Information.

10.18           Taxes.  Company will be responsible for, and agrees to pay, all sales, use, excise, and value-added taxes, or taxes of a similar nature (excluding personal property taxes and taxes based on Bank’s income which shall be borne by Bank), imposed by the

 
44

 

United States, any state or local government, or other taxing authority, on all services provided by Bank under this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate with each other to minimize any applicable sales, use, or similar tax and, in connection therewith, the parties shall provide each other with any relevant tax information as reasonably requested (including without limitation, resale or exemption certificates, multi-state exemption certificates, information concerning the use of assets, materials and notices of assessments).  All amounts set forth in this Agreement are expressed and shall be paid in lawful U.S. dollars.  Company shall be entitled at its sole cost to file claims and recover refunds and credits of sales and use tax by any taxing authority in connection with a Purchase that has been charged back to Company or written off by Bank (including without limitation Purchases related to the Purchased Accounts), and all allowable interest relating thereto (a “Sales Tax Refund”).  Bank agrees to provide to Company on a monthly basis a list of such losses by state, together with an aggregate list of the subject Accounts, balances, unpaid charges and fees for Accounts that have been charged off or written off during the prior month by ZIP code, as well as an overall recovery rate, which may be used by Company in connection with the Plan solely to enable Company to obtain said refunds and credits from a taxing jurisdiction, subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in Section 10.17.  In addition, in the event that Company is required to provide additional information to a governmental agency, Bank agrees to provide first and last name, city, state, ZIP code, unpaid charges and fees, write off date and write off amount. The parties agree that Company may retain one hundred percent (100%) of any amount obtained from a taxing authority for such a Sales Tax Refund and Bank shall not apply for any such Sales Tax Refunds.

10.19  Arbitration.

(a)  Scope of Arbitration.  Any dispute, controversy or claim of any and every kind or type, whether based on contract, tort, statute, regulations or otherwise, arising out of, in connection with or relating in any way to this Agreement, the relationship of the parties, the obligations of the parties or the operations carried out under this Agreement, including without limitation any dispute as to the existence, validity, construction, interpretation, negotiation, performance, non-performance, breach, termination or enforceability of this Agreement, that cannot be resolved through the Operating Committee dispute resolution procedure (as detailed in Paragraph E of Schedule 2.6 (b)), shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration, it being the intention of the parties that this is a broad form arbitration agreement designed to encompass all possible disputes among the parties relating to the transactions that are the subject of the Agreement.

(b) Arbitration Notice.  If a dispute has not been resolved within thirty (30) days after the Operating Committee dispute resolution procedure has been ongoing, then either party may initiate arbitration proceedings by giving written notice (an “Arbitration Notice”) to the other party referencing the dispute and requesting that the dispute be submitted for arbitration in accordance with this Section 10.19.

(c)           Administration of Arbitration. The arbitration is to be administered by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) and is to be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA.  Such arbitration shall be conducted in

 
45

 

either Columbus, Ohio or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or such other location as the parties shall mutually agree.

(d)           Arbitration Expenses.  Each party shall pay for one-half of the arbitration expenses, including arbitrator fees and expenses, except that the party initiating a claim for arbitration shall be responsible for paying the filing fees associated with initiating such claim.  Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorney and expert fees and costs; provided however that if the arbitrators determine that one party is the prevailing party in such arbitration, the arbitrators may, as a part of its award, require the non-prevailing party to pay the costs and fees (including, without limitation, the arbitration filing fees and reasonable attorneys fees and expert fees) incurred by the prevailing party.

(e)  Appointment of Arbitrators. The arbitration is to be held before a panel of three (3) arbitrators, and the parties will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that each of the arbitrators have at least ten (10) years of experience in the credit card industry (if such dispute relates to the credit card aspects of this Agreement) or in the applicable industry if the dispute is not specific to the credit card industry.  No later than fifteen (15) Business Days after the notice of arbitration is received, each party shall select an arbitrator and request the two selected arbitrators to select a third neutral arbitrator within five (5) Business Days, who shall serve as the presiding arbitrator.  Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the two arbitrators selected by the parties must have no direct or indirect financial interest in the dispute or any direct or indirect financial interest in or dependence upon either of the parties (other than his or her fees and expenses for serving on the panel), and the third, presiding arbitrator selected by the two party-selected arbitrators must qualify as a neutral arbitrator as defined in the Commercial Arbitration Rules and/or Code of Ethics of the AAA.  Before beginning the hearings, the three arbitrators must each take an oath of impartiality.

(f)  Enforcement; Authority of Arbitrators.  Judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction in either Ohio or Pennsylvania, however, the arbitrators have no authority to award punitive damages unless otherwise allowable pursuant to this Agreement or any other damages not measured by the prevailing party’s actual damages (unless liquidated damages are specified in this Agreement), and may not, in any event, make any ruling, finding or award that does not conform to the provisions of this Agreement.

        10.20.  Consent not to be Unreasonably Withheld.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, where a party’s consent is required under this Agreement, such party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition their consent.


[Signature block on following page.]

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in manner and form sufficient to bind Bank, Company, and all subsidiaries of Company through which Sales Channels are being operated, as of the date first above written.


CATHERINES STORES CORPORATION


By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER


Eric M. Specter
Printed Name

Vice President
Title































 
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WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK
NATIONAL BANK


By:  /S/ DANIEL T. GROOMES


Daniel T. Groomes
Printed Name

President
Title


































 
48

 






SIERRA NEVADA FACTORING, INC.

By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER


Eric M. Specter
Printed Name

Vice President
Title


































 
49

 

EX-10.5 6 exh105aug122009.htm PRIVATE LABEL PLANS AGREEMENT AUGUST 12, 2009 exh105aug122009.htm
 
 

 

EXHIBIT 10.5


AGREEMENT REGARDING CHRS SUBSIDIARY PRIVATE LABEL PLANS

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of this 12th day of August, 2009 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Charming Shoppes, Inc., with its principal office at 450 Winks Lane, Bensalem, PA  19020 (hereinafter referred to as “CHRS”), and World Financial Network National Bank, a national banking association, with its principal office at 3100 Easton Square Place, Columbus, Ohio 43219, (hereinafter referred to as “Bank”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS the Bank has entered into Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreements effective as of same date herewith respectively with each of the CHRS Subsidiaries (defined below) (the “Plan Agreements”), to issue credit card accounts which will allow the customers of such CHRS Subsidiaries to purchase goods using funds advanced by the Bank; and

WHEREAS Bank and CHRS wish to enter into this Agreement to document certain obligations and responsibilities with respect to Bank and CHRS.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereof, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby mutually acknowledged by the parties, Bank and CHRS agree as follows.

1.      Definitions.  Each term used herein which is not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Plan Agreements.

“Applicable Law” shall mean any applicable federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation.

           “Business Day” shall mean any day, except Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks in Ohio are required to be closed.

           “CHRS Subsidiaries” shall mean Lane Bryant, Inc., Fashion Bug Retail Companies, Inc., Catherines Stores Corporation, Outlet Division Management Co., Inc., Petite Sophisticate, Inc., and Sierra Nevada Factoring, Inc. as long as (i) such companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of CHRS, and any successors of such companies (as long as such successors are wholly owned subsidiaries of CHRS) and (ii) the assets comprising such companies’ retail women’s apparel businesses are directly or indirectly owned by CHRS.

“Plan” shall mean a private label credit card program established and administered by Bank for a CHRS Subsidiary by virtue of one of the Plan Agreements.


 
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“Plans” shall mean collectively all of the private label credit card programs established and administered by Bank for all CHRS Subsidiaries by virtue of the Plan Agreements.

“Plan Agreement” shall mean a Private Label Credit Card Plan Agreement entered into by Bank and each of the CHRS Subsidiaries as of the same date herewith.

2.      Payments to CHRS. Bank shall pay to CHRS the amounts set forth in Schedule 2 attached hereto in accordance with the provisions of such Schedule.

3.      Term. This Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Date when executed by authorized officers of each of the parties and shall remain in effect for ten (10) years (the “Initial Term”), and automatically renew for successive eighteen (18) month terms (each a “Renewal Term”) thereafter, unless either party provides the other with at least twelve (12) month's written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement prior to the expiration of the Initial or then current Renewal Term, or unless otherwise terminated as provided herein.  The Initial Term plus any Renewal Terms shall constitute the “Term” of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination or expiration of all Plan Agreements or at such time as all CHRS Subsidiaries cease to be subsidiaries of CHRS.  Either party may terminate this Agreement with notice if the other party shall default in the performance of or compliance with any material term contained in this Agreement and such defaulting party has not remedied the default within thirty (30) days (ten (10) days in the case of payment defaults) after written notice thereof has been received by the defaulting party.

4.           CHRS Operating Committee. The parties hereby establish a CHRS Operating Committee, which shall act and be governed by the following provisions.

(a)           Establishment of the CHRS Operating Committee.  The CHRS Operating Committee shall provide strategic guidance with respect to certain aspects of the Plans by majority vote.

(b)           Composition of the CHRS Operating Committee. The CHRS Operating Committee shall consist of eight (8) members, four (4) to be designated by CHRS, and four (4) to be designated by Bank. The parties agree that its members shall be designated within sixty (60) days following the Effective Date, and its members shall be comprised of executive-level representation of the following: oversight of the Plans; Operations; Marketing; and Finance.  Either party may substitute one of its members upon written notice to the other.


 
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(c)           Functions of the CHRS Operating Committee. The functions of the CHRS Operating Committee shall include, without limitation:

• Review and discuss performance of the Plans, including but not limited to the Service Standards, as well as major trends and projections in areas such as Account applications, volume, approval rates, activation rates, credit penetration, Credit Card utilization and enhanced capabilities;

•     Review and discuss the cardholder value propositions, including any proposed changes;

•   Review and discuss the payments required by Bank to CHRS pursuant to this Agreement; and

•   Such other functions as agreed upon by both CHRS and Bank.

(d)           Proceedings of the CHRS Operating Committee.  The CHRS Operating Committee shall meet in person (unless all CHRS Operating Committee members agree to meet telephonically) not less frequently than quarterly, and at a location to be rotated between the parties’ respective offices.  The CHRS Operating Committee shall determine the frequency, place (in the case of meetings in person) and agenda for its meetings, the manner in which meetings shall be called and all procedural matters relating to the conduct of meetings and the approval of matters thereafter.  Either party may call a special meeting of the Operating Committee at any time as mutually agreed to by the Operating Committee, or on reasonable prior notice in the event of a default by the other party under this Agreement.  Any such special meeting shall be held at the location of the party that did not call the special meeting to order.

(e)           Dispute Resolution. If there is an issue on which the CHRS Operating Committee cannot agree, then the CHRS Operating Committee shall refer the dispute or disagreement to a senior executive officer at Bank and a senior executive officer at CHRS who shall meet and attempt in good faith to resolve such dispute or disagreement.  Each senior executive officer must have authority to settle such dispute or disagreement and be at a higher level of management than the persons with direct responsibility for administration and performance of the provisions or obligations of this Agreement that are the subject of the dispute or disagreement.  If the parties cannot agree to a resolution after a meeting of the senior executive officers, the provisions of Section 6 (p) shall control the resolution of any such dispute.


 
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5.           Addition of New Businesses.

           (a)           General:  If CHRS internally develops a new business or acquires another pre-existing business that does not fall within the definition of Sales Channels as set forth in Section 1.1 of the Plan Agreements, such business shall be referred to as a “New Business”, and CHRS shall promptly notify Bank in writing of the existence of the New Business. For purposes of this Section 5, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (i) “acquires” includes but is not limited to acquisition through merger, consolidation, or other business combination. (ii) “business” includes but is not limited to divisions, marketing and selling channels, catalogues, Internet sites and separate entities (whether or not Affiliates), and (iii) “Credit Program” shall mean a credit card program or other Financial Product which would be prohibited under Section 3.10 of the Plan Agreements, were it not for the specific exception described in this Section 5.

           (b)           New Business; No Existing Credit Program. If the New Business has no pre-existing Credit Program and CHRS desires to establish a Credit Program in connection with such New Business, provided no Company Termination Event (as defined in the Plan Agreements) has occurred in the prior twelve month period, Bank shall have the right of first offer with respect to a Credit Program for such New Business for a period of ninety (90) days.  If Bank advises CHRS in writing that it elects not to offer a Credit Program for such New Business on terms and conditions acceptable to CHRS, then CHRS shall have the right to select another provider for such New Business, provided that the terms are no less favorable to CHRS than those offered by Bank above. In the event CHRS selects another provider, the CHRS Subsidiaries (other than the New Business) shall not be permitted to accept the New Business’ Credit Program with respect to CHRS Subsidiaries’ Sales Channels and the New Business shall have no rights to participate in the Plans.

           (c)           New Business; Existing Credit Program.

           (i)           The following provisions shall apply if the New Business offers an existing Credit Program and the New Business itself is both the subject retailer and the issuer/provider thereof.  With respect to the administration of such Credit Program, CHRS may elect to (1) retain the administration of such Credit Program, or (2) provided no Company Termination Event has occurred in the prior twelve month period, to select another provider for such New Business; provided, however that Bank shall have the right of first offer with respect to a Credit Program for such New Business pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) above.  In the event CHRS retains the administration of such Credit Program or selects another provider, the CHRS Subsidiaries (other than the New Business) shall not be permitted to accept the New Business’ Credit Program with respect to CHRS Subsidiaries’ Sales Channels and the New Business shall have no rights to participate in the Plans.


 
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           (ii)           The following provisions shall apply if the New Business offers an existing Credit Program through a contract with an unaffiliated third-party provider other than Bank. CHRS shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to (1) continue its contractual relationship with the unaffiliated third-party issuer/provider, (2) purchase and operate such Credit Program itself; or (3) provided no Company Termination Event has occurred in the prior twelve month period, to select another provider for such New Business; provided, however that Bank shall have the right of first offer with respect to a Credit Program for such New Business pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) above. In the event CHRS continues its contractual relationship with the unaffiliated third-party issuer/provider, assumes the administration of such Credit Program itself or selects another provider other than Bank, the CHRS Subsidiaries (other than the New Business) shall not be permitted to accept the New Business’ Credit Program with respect to CHRS Subsidiaries’ Sales Channels and the New Business shall have no rights to participate in the Plans.

(iii)           If the New Business offers an existing Credit Program through an existing contract with Bank, Bank and CHRS shall assess and mutually agree whether to integrate the Credit Program into one of the Plan Agreements and Plans, or to operate such Credit Program separately under the then existing Bank agreements (and whether to permit Cross Shopping).  Provided, however, that if Bank does not integrate the Credit Program for such New Business into a Plan Agreement and Plan, nor amend such Plan Agreement to permit Cross Shopping, then the CHRS Subsidiaries (other than the New Business) shall not be permitted to accept the New Business’ Credit Program with respect to CHRS Subsidiaries’ Sales Channels and the New Business shall have no rights to participate in the Plans.

6.           Miscellaneous.

(a)           Entire Agreement. This Agreement and all schedules and exhibits hereto which are incorporated herein, constitutes the entire Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and merges all prior discussions between them.

(b)           Coordination of Public Statements.  Except as required by Applicable Law, neither party will make any public announcement of this Agreement or provide any information concerning this Agreement to any representative of any news, trade or other media without the prior approval of the other party.  Neither party will respond to any inquiry from any public or governmental authority, except as required by Applicable Law, concerning this Agreement or the Plans without prior consultation and coordination with the other party.

(c)           Amendment.  Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the provisions herein may be modified only upon the mutual agreement of the parties, however, no such modification shall be effective until reduced to writing and executed by both parties.

 
5

 

(d)           Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement and all obligations and rights arising hereunder shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, transferees and assigns.  Either party may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement.

(e)           Waiver.  No waiver of the provisions hereto shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged with such waiver.  No waiver shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in respect of any subsequent breach or default either of similar or different nature unless expressly so stated in writing.  No failure or delay on the part of either party in exercising any power or right under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver, nor does any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude any other or further exercise, or the exercise of any other power or right.

(f)            Severability.  If any of the provisions or parts of the Agreement are determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable statute or rule of law, such provisions or parts shall be deemed omitted without affecting any other provisions or parts of the Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect, unless the declaration of the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of such provision or provisions substantially frustrates the continued performance by, or entitlement to benefits of, either party, in which case this Agreement may be terminated by the affected party, without penalty.

(g)           Notices.  All communications and notices pursuant hereto to either party shall be in writing and addressed or delivered to it at its address shown below, or at such other address as may be designated by it by notice to the other party, and shall be deemed given when delivered by hand, or two (2) Business Days after being mailed (with postage prepaid) or when received by receipted courier service:

If to Bank:
If to CHRS:
3100 Easton Square Place
450 Winks Lane
Columbus, OH  43219
Bensalem, PA 19020
Attn.: President
Attn.:  President
   
With a Copy to:
With a Copy to:
General Counsel
General Counsel

(h)           GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO, REGARDLESS OF THE DICTATES OF OHIO CONFLICTS OF LAW. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES IT RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.


 
6

 

(i)           Survival.  No termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect or impair the powers, obligations, duties, rights, indemnities, liabilities, covenants or warranties and/or representations of the parties with respect to times and/or events occurring prior to such termination.  No powers, obligations, duties, rights, indemnities, liabilities, covenants or warranties and/or representations of the parties with respect to times and/or events occurring after termination shall survive termination except for the following Sections and their corresponding schedules: Section 6 and Section 7.

(j)           Confidentiality and Security Control

(i)           Confidential Information. Except as specifically provided in this Section 6 (j), neither party shall disclose any Confidential Information (defined below) which it learns as a result of negotiating or implementing this Agreement. “Confidential Information” shall mean information not of a public nature concerning the business or properties of the other party or their customers including, without limitation: Consumer Personal Information, the terms and conditions of this Agreement (as well as proposed terms and conditions of any amendments, renewals, or extensions of this Agreement) any proposed and/or agreed upon terms and conditions of the Plan Agreements, customer lists, sales volumes, test results, and results of marketing programs, reports and files generated by Bank (in the case of Bank), trade secrets, business and financial information, source codes, business methods, procedures, know-how and other information (including but not limited to intellectual property) of every kind that relates to the business of either party.

However, the definition of “Confidential Information” specifically excludes information which:

(a)           is generally known to the trade or to the public at the time of such disclosure; or

(b)           becomes generally known to the trade or the public subsequent to the time of such disclosure; provided, however, that such general knowledge is not the result of a disclosure in violation of this Section 6 (j); or

(c)           is obtained by a party from a source other than the other party, without breach of this Agreement or any other obligation of confidentiality or secrecy owed to such other party or any other person or organization; or

(d)           is independently conceived and developed by the disclosing party and proven by the disclosing party through tangible evidence not to have been developed as a result of a disclosure of information to the disclosing party, or any other person or organization which has entered into a confidential arrangement with the non-disclosing party.

(ii)           Other Protected Information. The use and/or disclosure of any Consumer Personal Information shall be subject to Applicable Law, and this Section 6 (j).

 
7

 

(iii)           Permitted Uses and Disclosures. Nothing in this Section 6 (j) shall be interpreted to mean that a party is restricted with respect to the use or disclosure of Confidential Information which it owns. The parties may also disclose any Consumer Personal Information or Confidential Information under the following circumstances.  First, to the extent disclosure is required by Applicable Law.  Second, to the extent disclosure is both permitted by Applicable Law and either necessary for the performance of the disclosing party’s obligation under this Agreement and/or agreed to in writing by the other party, provided that:  (i) prior to disclosing any such information to any third party, the party making the disclosure (to the third party) shall give notice to the other party of the nature of such disclosure and of the fact that such disclosure will be made; and (ii) prior to filing a copy of this Agreement (whole or partial) with any governmental authority or agency, the filing party will consult with the other party with respect to such filing and shall redact such portions of this Agreement which the other party requests be redacted, unless, in the filing party’s reasonable judgment based on the advice of its counsel (which advice shall have been discussed with counsel to the other party), the filing party concludes that such request is inconsistent with the filing party’s obligations under Applicable Law.

(iv)    Protecting Disclosed Information. When, pursuant to subsection (iii) above, one party discloses the other party’s Confidential Information or Consumer Personal Information to the disclosing party’s Affiliate or a third-party, the disclosing party shall be responsible for ensuring that such disclosure complies with Applicable Law.  Furthermore, the disclosing party shall ensure that the Affiliate or third-party (other than a governmental agency such as the SEC) executes a confidentiality agreement provided by or approved in writing by the non-disclosing party, and that it keeps all such information in confidence.  Each party covenants that at all times it shall have in place procedures designed to assure that each of its employees who is given access to the other party’s Consumer Personal Information or Confidential Information shall protect the privacy of such information.  Each party acknowledges that any breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement by it will result in irreparable damage to the other party and therefore in addition to any other remedy that may be afforded by law any breach or threatened breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement may be prohibited by restraining order, injunction or other equitable remedies of any court.  The provisions of this Section 6 (j) will survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

           (v)           Protecting Stored Information.  Each party shall establish commercially reasonable controls to ensure the confidentiality of any Consumer Personal Information and the other’s Confidential Information.  Each party shall also ensure that such information is not disclosed contrary to the provisions of this Agreement, or any applicable privacy, security or other laws, rules, and regulations.  Without limiting the foregoing, each party shall implement such physical and other security measures as are necessary to (i) ensure the security and confidentiality of any Consumer Personal Information and the other’s Confidential Information, (ii) protect against any threats or hazards to the security and integrity of such information, (iii) protect against any unauthorized access to or use of such information, and (iv) properly dispose of any Consumer Personal

 
8

 

Information as required under Applicable Law.  A party shall promptly notify the other in the event it believes, or has reason to believe, that a confidentiality or security breach, or any other unauthorized intrusion, has occurred with respect to Consumer Personal Information.  Such party shall estimate the intrusion’s affect and shall specify the corrective action taken and to be taken by such party.  Additionally, the party incurring the breach or intrusion shall be responsible for the Losses related to such breach and shall indemnify the other party for any Losses such other party suffers as a result of such data breach/intrusion which in the case of unauthorized disclosure of Consumer Personal Information shall include, without limitation any Losses related to claims brought against the non-breaching party by such consumers related to such unauthorized disclosure, costs of any and all required notifications of such breach to the affected consumers and the costs of any credit or identify theft monitoring products.

           (vi)           Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, except to the extent CHRS or a CHRS Subsidiary has acquired the subject portfolios (with respect to the purchased information only and not Bank’s other Confidential Information), CHRS shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove from its systems Bank’s Confidential and Consumer Personal Information, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, that is maintained or otherwise possessed by or on behalf of CHRS, including a compilation of such records.  Additionally, upon expiration or termination of this Agreement Bank shall take appropriate measures to destroy or remove (according to CHRS’ direction) from its systems CHRS’ Confidential Information.

           (k)           Taxes.  CHRS will be responsible for, and agrees to pay, all sales, use, excise, and value-added taxes, or taxes of a similar nature (excluding personal property taxes and taxes based on Bank’s income which shall be borne by Bank), imposed by the United States, any state or local government, or other taxing authority, on all goods and/or services provided by Bank under this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate with each other to minimize any applicable sales, use, or similar tax and, in connection with this Agreement, the parties shall provide each other with any relevant tax information as reasonably requested (including without limitation, resale or exemption certificates, multi-state exemption certificates, information concerning the use of assets, materials and notices of assessments).  All amounts set forth in this Agreement are expressed and shall be paid in lawful U.S. dollars.

           (l)           Inspection.  Bank will permit, once per calendar year, unless CHRS has reasonable cause to request more frequent access, authorized representatives designated by CHRS, at CHRS's expense, to visit and inspect, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, any of Bank’s books and records pertaining to the payment calculations by Bank to CHRS pursuant to Schedule 2, and to make copies and take extracts therefrom, and to discuss the same with its officers and independent public accountants, all at such reasonable times during normal business hours.


 
9

 

           (m)           Relationship of Parties.  This Agreement does not constitute the parties as partners or joint venturers and neither party will so represent itself.

           (n)           Mutual Drafting.  This Agreement is the joint product of CHRS and Bank and each provision hereof has been subject to mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of CHRS and Bank; therefore to the extent any language in this Agreement is determined to be ambiguous, it shall not be construed for or against any party based on the fact that either party controlled the drafting of the document.

           (o)           No Third Party Beneficiaries.  The provisions of this Agreement are for the benefit of the parties hereto and not for any other person or entity.

           (p)           Arbitration.

                      (i)  Scope of Arbitration.  Any dispute, controversy or claim of any and every kind or type, whether based on contract, tort, statute, regulations or otherwise, arising out of, in connection with or relating in any way to this Agreement, the relationship of the parties, the obligations of the parties or the operations carried out under this Agreement, including without limitation any dispute as to the existence, validity, construction, interpretation, negotiation, performance, non-performance, breach, termination or enforceability of this Agreement, that cannot be resolved through dispute resolution efforts made in good faith between senior management of the parties shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration, it being the intention of the parties that this is a broad form arbitration agreement designed to encompass all possible disputes among the parties relating to the transactions that are the subject of the Agreement.

           (ii) Arbitration Notice.  If a dispute has not been resolved within thirty (30) days after the senior management representatives of each party commence to engage in a dispute resolution procedure, then either party may initiate arbitration proceedings by giving written notice (an “Arbitration Notice”) to the other party referencing the dispute and requesting that the dispute be submitted for arbitration in accordance with this Section 6 (p).

           (iii) Administration of Arbitration. The arbitration is to be administered by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) and is to be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA.  Such arbitration shall be conducted in either Columbus, Ohio or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or such other location as the parties shall mutually agree.


 
10

 

           (iv) Arbitration Expenses.  Each party shall pay for one-half of the arbitration expenses, including arbitrator fees and expenses, except that the party initiating a claim for arbitration shall be responsible for paying the filing fees associated with initiating such claim.  Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorney and expert fees and costs; provided however that if the arbitrators determine that one party is the prevailing party in such arbitration, the arbitrators may, as a part of its award, require the non-prevailing party to pay the costs and fees (including, without limitation, the arbitration filing fees and reasonable attorneys fees and expert fees) incurred by the prevailing party.
 
        (v)  Appointment of Arbitrators. The arbitration is to be held before a panel of three (3) arbitrators, and the parties will use their best efforts to ensure that each of the arbitrators have at least ten (10) years of experience in the credit card industry (if such dispute relates to the credit card aspects of this Agreement) or in the applicable industry if the dispute is not specific to the credit card industry.  No later than fifteen (15) Business Days after the notice of arbitration is received, each party shall select an arbitrator and request the two selected arbitrators to select a third neutral arbitrator within five (5) Business Days, who shall serve as the presiding arbitrator.  Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the two arbitrators selected by the parties must have no direct or indirect financial interest in the dispute or any direct or indirect financial interest in or dependence upon either of the parties (other than his or her fees and expenses for serving on the panel), and the third, presiding arbitrator selected by the two party-selected arbitrators must qualify as a neutral arbitrator as defined in the Commercial Arbitration Rules and/or Code of Ethics of the AAA.  Before beginning the hearings, the three arbitrators must each take an oath of impartiality.

        (vi)  Enforcement;Authority of Arbitrators.  Judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction in either Ohio or Pennsylvania, however, the arbitrators have no authority to award punitive damages unless otherwise allowable pursuant to this Agreement or any other damages not measured by the prevailing party’s actual damages (unless liquidated damages are specified in this Agreement), and may not, in any event, make any ruling, finding or award that does not conform to the provisions of this Agreement.
 
          (q)           Dedicated Field Sales Specialists.  Bank shall initially provide a total of three (3) dedicated field sales specialists to create and manage Plan training programs for the CHRS Businesses.  Provided, however, that the total number of dedicated field sales specialists is subject to adjustment by Bank quarterly depending on the number of retail stores being operated by all of the CHRS Businesses in the prior quarter, based on a total of approximately one (1) dedicated field sales specialist for every seven hundred fifty (750) retail stores operated by the CHRS Subsidiaries.  Bank will provide notice to CHRS of any adjustments to the number of field sales specialists by Bank.


 
11

 

           7.           CHRS Guaranty of Agreements.
 
(a)           CHRS irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees (the "Guaranty") the payment when due, of all payment obligations, whether now existing or hereafter arising, of each and every CHRS Subsidiary, as well as the payment obligations of Spirit of America, Inc. ("SOAI"), Spirit of America National Bank ("SOANB"), Charming Shoppes Receivables Corp. ("CSRC", and together with the CHRS Subsidiaries, SOAI and SOANB, referred to herein as a " CHRS Party" or the "CHRS Parties") with respect to (i) that certain Purchase Agreement dated as of the same date herewith (the "Accounts Purchase Agreement") among SOANB, SOAI and Bank, (ii) that certain Milford Purchase Agreement dated as of the same date herewith (the "Milford Purchase Agreement") between SOAI and ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., ("ADSI"), (iii) the Plan Agreements, (iv) each "Ancillary Agreement" (as defined in the Accounts Purchase Agreement), and (v) each "Ancillary Agreement" (as defined in the Milford Purchase Agreement), (the Plan Agreements, the Accounts Purchase Agreement, the Milford Purchase Agreement, the "Ancillary Agreements" (as defined in the Accounts Purchase Agreement), and the "Ancillary Agreements" (as defined in the Milford Purchase Agreement) are referred to herein collectively as the "Subject Agreements") all as such obligations are described in the Subject Agreements (collectively, the "Guaranteed Obligations"), including without limitation any liquidated damages.
 
 
(b)           This Guaranty shall terminate and CHRS shall have no further rights, duties, obligations or responsibilities in or under this Guaranty with respect to the applicable Guaranteed Obligations upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the date on which all of the CHRS Parties’ Guaranteed Obligations to Bank and ADSI under all of the Subject Agreements have been satisfied; (ii) as to the Guaranteed Obligations applicable solely to each separate CHRS Party, upon the date on which such CHRS Party is sold, transferred, or conveyed to or merges or consolidates with or into another entity that is not an Affiliate or subsidiary of CHRS; or (iii) as to the Guaranteed Obligations applicable solely to each separate CHRS Party, upon the date on which all or substantially all of the assets of such CHRS Party are sold, transferred or conveyed to another entity that is not an Affiliate or subsidiary of CHRS; or (iv) as to the Guaranteed Obligations applicable to Bank or ADSI separately, upon the date on which Bank or ADSI is sold, transferred, or conveyed to or merges or consolidates with or into another entity that is not an Affiliate or subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation; or (v) as to the Guaranteed Obligations applicable to Bank or ADSI separately, upon the date on which all or substantially all of the assets of Bank or ADSI are sold, transferred or conveyed to another entity that is not an Affiliate or subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation.
 

 
12

 

 
(c)           CHRS further acknowledges and agrees that its obligations hereunder are direct, primary and independent of the duties, obligations, responsibilities and indemnification of the CHRS Parties and Bank or ADSI may bring a separate action against CHRS whether any such action is brought against CHRS or any CHRS Party or CHRS or any CHRS Party is joined in any such action. This Guaranty constitutes a guaranty of payment when due and not of collection, and CHRS specifically agrees that it shall not be necessary or required that Bank or ADSI exercise any right, assert any claim or demand or enforce any remedy whatsoever against CHRS or any CHRS Party or any other person or entity before or as a condition to the obligations of CHRS hereunder.
 
 
(d)           CHRS’ obligations under this Guaranty will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected in any way by: (i) any forbearance, indulgence, compromise, settlement or variation of terms, which may be extended to a CHRS Party by Bank or ADSI; (ii) any alteration of any Subject Agreement(s) by the parties, whether prior or subsequent to their execution; (iii) any renewal, extension, modification or amendment of any Subject Agreement(s), or (iv) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, CHRS, any surety or any guarantor.
 
 
(e)           CHRS’ obligations under this Guaranty will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected in any way by the release or discharge of any CHRS Party in any insolvency, receivership, bankruptcy or other proceedings by any federal or state regulatory authority having jurisdiction over such CHRS Party. CHRS hereby agrees that this Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment (in whole or in part) of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside, rescinded or must otherwise be restored by Bank or ADSI, all as though such payment had not been made.
 
 
(f)           CHRS represents and warrants to Bank and ADSI that CHRS has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Guaranty and that this Guaranty constitutes the valid and legally binding obligations of CHRS and is fully enforceable against CHRS in accordance with its terms.
 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]












 
13

 



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in manner and form sufficient to bind them as of the date first above written.
 

 

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC.
 
 
 
By:  /S/ ERIC M. SPECTER
 
Name: Eric M. Specter
 
Title:  Executive Vice President

































S-1
 
 

 




WORLD FINANCIAL NETWORK
NATIONAL BANK
 
 
 
By:  /S/ DANIEL T. GROOMES
Daniel T. Groomes
President








































S-2
 
 

 



EX-99.1 7 exh991aug122009.htm PRESS RELEASE AUGUST 13, 2009 exh991aug122009.htm

 
 

 

EXHIBIT 99.1
 
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. ANNOUNCES SALE OF PRIVATE LABEL CREDIT CARD PROGRAM TO ALLIANCE DATA

-Executes Long-Term Services Agreement For Private Label Credit Card Receivables Program
-Company Schedules Second Quarter Sales And Earnings Conference Call For August 26, 2009

BENSALEM, Pa., August 13, 2009, Charming Shoppes, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRS), a leading multi-brand apparel retailer specializing in women's plus apparel, and Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, today announced an agreement for the sale of Charming Shoppes’ (the “Company”) credit card receivables program to Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“Alliance Data”).  Charming Shoppes and Alliance Data have also entered into a ten-year operating agreement for the servicing of Charming Shoppes’ private label credit card receivables program.  The Company expects the transaction to close before the end of the year, subject to attaining certain customary regulatory approvals.

Charming Shoppes expects to receive net cash proceeds of approximately $110 million related to the transaction.  The transaction consists of the sale of Charming Shoppes’ private label credit card portfolio, along with certain other assets and liabilities that are required to support these card programs, including Charming Shoppes’ consolidated balance sheet asset “Investment in Asset-Backed Securities.” Gross proceeds from the transaction are estimated at $140 million.  Approximately $30 million will be utilized to fund the termination of contractual obligations related to the transaction and exit costs.

Charming Shoppes’ Investment in Asset-Backed Securities are held on its consolidated balance sheet. Its off-balance sheet Series 2004-1 and Series 2007-1 securitization funding facilities are currently held in the Charming Shoppes Master Trust.  Alliance Data will assume the operation of this Trust and all funding responsibility in support of the credit card receivables program.

 
 

 

Under the terms of the operating agreement, Alliance Data will assume operation of Charming Shoppes’ private label credit card programs.  This includes the operation of the Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Catherines credit card programs, which combined represent approximately 4.5 million active accounts generating approximately $680 million of annual credit sales, or 32% of the Company’s retail stores nets sales for the trailing 12 months.  Alliance Data will provide private label credit card services including account acquisition and activation; card authorization; private label credit card issuance; statement generation; remittance processing; customer service functions and marketing services, as well as receivables funding.

To ensure continuity in customer service and collections, Alliance Data plans to maintain and operate Charming Shoppes’ existing Milford, Ohio facility, effective with the closing of the transaction. Charming Shoppes will continue to manage credit marketing strategy for its retail brands from its Bensalem, Pennsylvania headquarters.

Jim Fogarty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charming Shoppes, Inc. commented, “We are extremely pleased to enter into this agreement with Alliance Data.  Upon closing, the benefits of this transaction to Charming Shoppes and our shareholders will include:
 
l
Further focus on our core business;
   
l
Removal of financing risk associated with our credit card receivable securitization program and the credit risk of the underlying credit card portfolio;
   
l
A projected $110 million reduction in our net debt position to approximately $50 million as of the end of our third quarter, and the attendant strengthening of our liquidity and financial flexibility;
   
l
Achievement of these benefits in a non-dilutive transaction; and
   
l
Partnering with one of the country’s premier credit card providers.

Fogarty continued, “We view our private label credit card program as an integral component of our retailing strategy, and we place a high value on our relationship with our customers.  With Alliance Data as our strategic partner, we believe we can continue to offer our customers superior service.”

 
 
 

 

Eric M. Specter, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Charming Shoppes, Inc. commented, “Following the closing of this transaction, we expect to record a decrease in our net debt as a result of an increase in our overall cash position by approximately $110 million. This transaction results in the monetization of our Investment in Asset-Backed Securities, which have been recorded as a current asset on our consolidated balance sheet.  As to our income statement, the Company will receive annual payments from Alliance Data, based on credit sales generated by the private label credit card portfolio, resulting in the transaction being non-dilutive.  These payments are expected to substantially replace the Company’s net credit contribution related to its credit card portfolio.  Alliance Data will assume the obligation to operate the Charming Shoppes Master Trust, through which our credit card receivables are financed.  Therefore, we will have no further financing obligations with respect to our credit card program.”

BofA Merrill Lynch and Barclays Capital served as financial advisors to Charming Shoppes, Inc. on this transaction.

Second Quarter Sales And Earnings Conference Call
Charming Shoppes will host its second quarter sales and earnings conference call on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at 9:15 a.m. eastern time.  Second quarter and first half results will be released over the newswires and will be available on Form 8-K prior to 9:15 a.m. eastern time.  Both the second quarter earnings release and the Form 8-K will be available at http://www.charmingshoppes.com/investors/index.asp.

Jim Fogarty, President and Chief Executive Officer and Eric M. Specter, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Charming Shoppes, Inc. will comment on the Company’s second quarter results and today’s announcement.  Prepared remarks will be followed by a question and answer period.

To listen to the conference call, please dial 877-407-8293 approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled event.  The conference call will also be simulcast and rebroadcast at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=106124&p=irol-audioArchives.  The general public is invited to listen to the conference call via the webcast or the dial-in telephone number.  A transcript of prepared remarks for the conference call will be accessible at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=106124&p=irol-audioArchives prior to 9:15 a.m. eastern time on Wednesday, August 26, 2009.




 
 

 

The conference call will be recorded on behalf of Charming Shoppes, Inc. and consists of copyrighted material.  It may not be re-recorded, reproduced, transmitted or rebroadcast, in whole or in part, without the Company's express written permission.  Accessing this call or the rebroadcast constitutes consent to these terms and conditions.  Participation in this call serves as consent to having any comments or statements made appear on any transcript, broadcast or rebroadcast of this call.

About Charming Shoppes, Inc.
Charming Shoppes, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHRS) is a leading multi-brand specialty apparel retailer primarily focused on plus-size women's apparel and the parent company of four distinct store brands – Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherines Plus Sizes and Petite Sophisticate Outlet.  At August 1, 2009, Charming Shoppes, Inc. operated 2,258 retail stores in 48 states under the names LANE BRYANT®, LANE BRYANT OUTLET®, FASHION BUG®, FASHION BUG PLUS®, CATHERINES PLUS SIZES®, and PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET®.  The Company also operates the Figi’s® Gifts in Good Taste® catalog, specializing in holiday fare, gift-giving convenience, and exclusive and personalized items. Headquartered in Bensalem, PA, Charming Shoppes employs approximately 28,000 employees worldwide.  Please visit www.charmingshoppes.com for additional information about Charming Shoppes, Inc.

About Alliance Data
Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) and its family of businesses is a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data.  Through the creation and deployment of customized solutions that measurably change consumer behavior, Alliance Data helps its clients to create and enhance customer loyalty to build stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with their customers. The Company manages millions of customer relationships for some of North America's largest and most recognizable brands, helping them grow their businesses and drive profitability. Headquartered in Dallas, Alliance Data employs approximately 7,000 associates at approximately 50 locations worldwide.  Alliance Data is a leading provider of marketing-driven credit solutions, and is the parent company of Epsilon®, a leading provider of multi-channel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and LoyaltyOne™, which owns and operates the AIR MILES® Reward Program, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program.  For more information about the company, visit its web site, www.AllianceData.com.




 
 

 

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains and the Company’s conference call will contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning the Company's operations, credit card receivables program, performance, and financial condition. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Such risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to: the failure to consummate our announced transaction with Alliance Data, the failure to continue receiving financing at an affordable cost through the availability of our credit card securitization facilities and through the availability of credit we receive from our bankers, suppliers and their agents, the failure to realize the benefits from the sale of our credit card program to, and the operation of our credit card program by, our third-party provider, the failure to consummate our identified strategic alternatives for our non-core assets, the failure to effectively implement our planned consolidation, cost and capital budget reduction plans and store closing plans, the failure to implement the Company's business plan for increased profitability and growth in the Company's retail stores and direct-to-consumer segments, the failure to effectively implement the Company's plans for a new organizational structure and enhancements in the Company's merchandise and marketing, the failure to effectively implement the Company's plans for the transformation of its brands to a vertical specialty store model, the failure to achieve increased profitability through the adoption by the Company's brands of a vertical specialty store model, the failure to achieve improvement in the Company's competitive position, changes in or miscalculation of fashion trends, extreme or unseasonable weather conditions, economic downturns, escalation of energy costs, a weakness in overall consumer demand, the failure to find suitable store locations, increases in wage rates, the ability to hire and train associates, trade and security restrictions and political or financial instability in countries where goods are manufactured, the interruption of merchandise flow from the Company's centralized distribution facilities, competitive pressures, and the adverse effects of natural disasters, war, acts of terrorism or threats of either, or other armed conflict, on the United States and international economies. These, and other risks and uncertainties, are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Charming Shoppes assumes no duty to update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.


 
 

 


CONTACT:
Gayle M. Coolick
 
Vice President, Investor Relations
 
215-638-6955


 
 

 

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