-----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, CWF4ZfgZUQynWOfKPLlDIWi0OJ9s7EZKCm+pVNOQ9VVmn5zITjblOXrpGWNwlTKJ 9R77AwNoVmJjviXNxNlRiw== 0000897101-03-001432.txt : 20031112 0000897101-03-001432.hdr.sgml : 20031111 20031112101144 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000897101-03-001432 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20030930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20031112 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ST JUDE MEDICAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000203077 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS [3845] IRS NUMBER: 411276891 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-12441 FILM NUMBER: 03991271 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE LILLEHEI PLAZA CITY: ST PAUL STATE: MN ZIP: 55117 BUSINESS PHONE: 6514832000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE LILLEHEI PLAZA CITY: ST PAUL STATE: MN ZIP: 55117 10-Q 1 stjude034806_10q.htm St. Jude Medical Form 10-Q (9-30-03)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

__________________________________

FORM 10-Q

X QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _ TO _____.

Commission File Number 0-8672

__________________________________

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

MINNESOTA		41-1276891
(State or other jurisdiction		(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)

One Lillehei Plaza, St. Paul, Minnesota 55117
(Address of principal executive offices)

(651) 483-2000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

__________________________________

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES __X__ NO ___

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES __X__ NO ___

The number of shares of common stock, par value $.10 per share, outstanding on October 31, 2003 was 172,528,443.

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2003			2002		2003		2002

Net sales	$	477,454		$	404,857	$	1,413,931	$	1,180,398
Cost of sales		146,713			128,381		447,477		376,131

Gross profit		330,741			276,476		966,454		804,267
Selling, general and administrative expense		157,586			129,162		460,586		383,059
Research and development expense		58,637			51,838		174,782		147,594

Operating profit		114,518			95,476		331,086		273,614
Other income (expense)		(166	)		1,388		2,076		1,130

Earnings before income taxes		114,352			96,864		333,162		274,744
Income tax expense		29,731			25,184		86,622		71,433

Net earnings	$	84,621		$	71,680	$	246,540	$	203,311




Net earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.48		$	0.40	$	1.38	$	1.15
Diluted	$	0.46		$	0.39	$	1.32	$	1.11
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		175,996			177,064		178,391		176,228
Diluted		184,526			182,983		186,657		182,947

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

	September 30, 2003 (Unaudited)			December 31, 2002 (See Note)

ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and equivalents	$	428,033		$	401,860
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $33,044 in 2003 and $24,078 in 2002		496,201			381,246
Inventories		301,166			227,024
Deferred income taxes		81,299			56,857
Other		64,002			47,330

Total current assets		1,370,701			1,114,317
Property, plant and equipment – at cost		735,053			701,314
Less accumulated depreciation		(436,485	)		(400,833	)

Net property, plant and equipment		298,568			300,481
Other assets
Goodwill		402,643			325,575
Other intangible assets, net		155,250			89,491
Deferred income taxes		—			12,269
Other		186,359			109,246

Total other assets		744,252			536,581

TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,413,521		$	1,951,379

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	$	24,484		$	—
Accounts payable		119,448			108,931
Income taxes payable		51,653			51,380
Accrued expenses
Employee compensation and related benefits		168,808			135,705
Other		83,793			78,636

Total current liabilities		448,186			374,652
Long-term debt		447,927			—
Deferred income taxes		56,838			—
Commitments and contingencies		—			—
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock		—			—
Common stock		17,236			17,803
Additional paid-in capital		10,110			216,878
Retained earnings		1,451,648			1,411,194
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Cumulative translation adjustment		(28,031	)		(73,388	)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		9,607			4,240

Total shareholders' equity		1,460,570			1,576,727

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	2,413,521		$	1,951,379

NOTE: The balance sheet at December 31, 2002 has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements. See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30,	2003			2002

Operating Activities
Net earnings	$	246,540		$	203,311
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation		46,996			46,395
Amortization		8,412			4,419
Deferred income taxes		28,286			11
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(45,710	)		(48,388	)
Inventories		(17,217	)		13,208
Other current assets		(4,128	)		(14,684	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		31,739			32,861
Income taxes payable		30,856			49,781

Net cash provided by operating activities		325,774			286,914
Investing Activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(33,627	)		(48,105	)
Business acquisition payments, net of cash acquired		(230,361	)		(21,834	)
Other		(56,227	)		(24,545	)

Net cash used in investing activities		(320,215	)		(94,484	)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock issued		73,801			53,812
Common stock repurchased, including related costs		(520,025	)		—
Net borrowings under short-term debt facilities		22,592			—
Issuance of long-term notes		173,350			—
Borrowings under debt facilities		544,300			352,000
Payments under debt facilities		(283,112	)		(475,128	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		10,906			(69,316	)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash		9,708			4,672

Net increase in cash and equivalents		26,173			127,786
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period		401,860			148,335

Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	428,033		$	276,121

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

Preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

Certain 2002 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements: In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”(FIN 46). FIN 46 requires the consolidation of variable interest entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity. FIN 46 was effective immediately for interests obtained in a variable economic entity after January 31, 2003. For interests obtained in a variable economic entity prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 were effective for the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company’s adoption of FIN 46 did not have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for issuer classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. In accordance with this standard, financial instruments that embody obligations for the issuer are required to be classified as liabilities. SFAS No. 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and is otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for its stock-based employee compensation plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and net earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,

“Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to its stock-based employee compensation (in thousands except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2003			2002			2003			2002

Net earnings, as reported	$	84,621		$	71,680		$	246,540		$	203,311
Less: Total stock-based employee
compensation expense determined
under fair value based method for
all awards, net of related tax effects		(9,489	)		(8,299	)		(27,378	)		(24,896	)

Pro forma net earnings	$	75,132		$	63,381		$	219,162		$	178,415

Net earnings per share:
Basic - as reported	$	0.48		$	0.40		$	1.38		$	1.15
Basic - pro forma		0.43			0.36			1.23			1.01
Diluted - as reported	$	0.46		$	0.39		$	1.32		$	1.11
Diluted - pro forma		0.41			0.35			1.17			0.98

Product Warranties: The Company offers a warranty on various products, the most significant of which relate to its pacemaker and ICD systems. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is sold. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Changes in the Company’s product warranty liability during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2003			2002			2003			2002

Balance at beginning of period	$	15,952		$	15,499		$	14,755		$	11,369
Warranty expense recognized		513			3,285			2,701			8,398
Warranty credits issued		(1,392	)		(859	)		(2,383	)		(1,842	)

Balance at end of period	$	15,073		$	17,925		$	15,073		$	17,925

NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS

On April 1, 2003, the Company completed its acquisition of Getz Bros. Co., Ltd. (Getz Japan), a distributor of medical technology products in Japan and the Company’s largest volume distributor in Japan. The Company paid 26.9 billion Japanese yen in cash to acquire 100% of the outstanding common stock of Getz Japan. Total consideration paid was $231.2 million, including closing costs.

On April 1, 2003, the Company also acquired the net assets of Getz Bros. & Co. (Aust.) Pty. Limited and Medtel Pty. Limited (Getz Australia) related to the distribution of the Company’s products in Australia for $6.2 million in cash, including closing costs.

The results of operations of the above-mentioned business acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since the date of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented for these acquisitions since the effects of these business acquisitions were not material to the Company either individually or in aggregate.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of these acquisitions (in thousands):


Current assets	$	123,899
Goodwill		68,307
Intangible assets		64,106
Other long-term assets		34,288

Total assets acquired	$	290,600
Current liabilities	$	26,999
Deferred income taxes		26,238

Total liabilities assumed		53,237

Net assets acquired	$	237,363

The goodwill recorded as a result of these acquisitions is not deductible for income tax purposes.

In connection with the acquisition of Getz Japan and Getz Australia, the Company recorded intangible assets valued at $64.1 million that have a weighted average useful life of 10 years. Total intangible assets subject to amortization include distribution agreements of $44.9 million, customer relationships of $9.5 million and licenses and other of $5.6 million. Intangible assets not subject to amortization include trademarks of $4.1 million.

During 2003 and 2002, the Company also acquired various businesses involved in the distribution of the Company’s products. Aggregate consideration paid in cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $4.9 million and $21.8 million, respectively.

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2003		December 31, 2002

Finished goods	$	202,762	$	140,856
Work in process		30,829		27,481
Raw materials		67,575		58,687

	$	301,166	$	227,024

NOTE 4 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The net carrying amount of goodwill at September 30, 2003 increased $77.1 million from December 31, 2002 due to $68.3 million of goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisitions of Getz Japan and Getz Australia and $8.8 million of currency translation fluctuations of non-U.S. dollar denominated goodwill balances. There were no goodwill impairment charges recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 or during 2002.

Balances of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 were as follows (in thousands):

	Purchased Technology and Patents			Distribution Agreements			Customer Relationships			Trademarks, Licenses and Other			Total

September 30, 2003
Amortized intangible assets:
Original cost	$	76,084		$	47,400		$	49,960		$	6,416		$	179,860
Accumulated amortization		(20,162	)		(2,370	)		(5,987	)		(432	)		(28,951	)

Net carrying value	$	55,922		$	45,030		$	43,973		$	5,984		$	150,909
Unamortized intangible assets:
Net carrying value		—			—			—		$	4,341		$	4,341

Total net carrying value	$	55,922		$	45,030		$	43,973		$	10,325		$	155,250

December 31, 2002
Amortized intangible assets:
Original cost	$	75,749		$	—		$	33,306		$	435		$	109,490
Accumulated amortization		(17,075	)		—			(2,822	)		(102	)		(19,999	)

Total net carrying value	$	58,674		$	—		$	30,484		$	333		$	89,491

Amortization expense of other intangible assets was $3.4 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, and $8.4 million and $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

NOTE 5 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Silzone® Litigation: The Company has been sued by patients alleging defects in the Company’s mechanical heart valves and valve repair products with Silzone®coating. Some of these cases are seeking monitoring of patients implanted with Silzone®-coated valves and repair products who allege no injury to date. Some of these cases have been settled, some have been dismissed, and others are on-going. Some of these cases, both in the United States and Canada, are seeking class action status. The Company voluntarily recalled products with Silzone® coating on January 21, 2000, and sent a Recall Notice and Advisory concerning the recall to physicians and others. See also Note 6 regarding the special charges associated with this matter.

in Minnesota. As a result, actions in federal court involving products with Silzone® coating have been and will likely continue to be transferred to Judge Tunheim for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.

Certain plaintiffs requested Judge Tunheim to allow some cases to proceed as class actions. Judge Tunheim issued a ruling on plaintiffs’ motions for class certification on March 27, 2003. In his ruling, Judge Tunheim certified one class of plaintiffs under the Minnesota Consumer statutes, conditionally certified a second class of plaintiffs (U.S. persons who have a Silzone heart valve which is still implanted) and conditionally certified a third class of plaintiffs (U.S. persons who received a Silzone heart valve and who allege that they have sustained physical injuries due to the valve). The Company believes that the ruling is inconsistent with the applicable laws and precedents and plans to pursue its appellate remedies.

The parties provided Judge Tunheim with additional briefing in response to his requests, and a hearing was held on October 14, 2003, on the “subclass” issues as requested by the Judge in his March 27, 2003 order. It is not known when Judge Tunheim will issue an order concerning the issues briefed for and argued at the October 14, 2003 hearing.

In the meantime, the cases involving Silzone® products not seeking class action status which are consolidated before Judge Tunheim are proceeding in accordance with the scheduling orders he has rendered. There are also other actions involving products with Silzone®coating in various state courts that may or may not be coordinated with the matters presently before Judge Tunheim.

Several lawsuits have been filed in Canada and are proceeding in accordance with separate schedules issued by the applicable provincial courts. A hearing concerning the certification of a class action in Ontario, Canada, occurred in June 2003, and, although the Court in Ontario, Canada, has requested further briefing and input on related issues, the Court issued an order in October 2003 certifying a class action in Canada. The parties are awaiting further instructions from the Court as to when and how the further input requested by the Court will be supplied.

While it is not possible to predict the outcome of the various cases involving Silzone® products, the Company believes that it has adequate product liability insurance to cover the costs associated with them. The Company further believes that any costs not covered by product liability insurance are not likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or liquidity, but may be material to the consolidated results of operations of a future period.

Guidant Litigation: In November 1996, Guidant Corporation (“Guidant”) sued St. Jude Medical alleging that the Company did not have a license to certain patents controlled by Guidant covering ICD products and alleging that the Company was infringing those patents. St. Jude Medical’s contention was that it had obtained a license from Guidant to the patents in issue when it acquired certain assets of Telectronics in November 1996. In July 2000, an arbitrator rejected St. Jude Medical’s position, and in May 2001, a federal district court judge also ruled that the Guidant patent license with Telectronics had not transferred to St. Jude Medical.

infringe the ‘288 patent. The jury found that the Company did infringe the ‘472 patent, though such infringement was not willful. The jury awarded damages of $140 million to Guidant. In post-trial rulings, however, the judge overseeing the jury trial ruled that the ‘472 patent was invalid and also was not infringed by St. Jude Medical, thereby eliminating the $140 million verdict against the Company. The trial court also made other rulings as part of the post-trial order, including a ruling that the ‘288 patent was invalid on several grounds.

In August 2002, Guidant commenced an appeal of certain of the trial judge’s post-trial decisions pertaining to the ‘288 patent. Guidant did not appeal the trial court’s finding of invalidity and non-infringement of the ‘472 patent. After the briefing for this appeal was completed, oral argument before the Court of Appeals occurred on September 4, 2003. The Company expects that it may take up to six to eight months to receive a decision from the Appellate Court, although it is possible that a decision could be rendered sooner. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of the appeal process, the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses against the claims asserted by Guidant and Guidant’s continued pursuit of this case.

Other Litigation Matters: The Company is involved in various other product liability lawsuits, claims and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Subject to self-insured retentions, the Company believes it has product liability insurance sufficient to cover such claims and suits.

Other Contingencies: On May 1, 2003, the Company made a $15 million minority investment in a development stage company that is focused on developing technologies to treat patients with atrial fibrillation. This investment is accounted for under the cost method and is included in other long-term assets on the balance sheet. In conjunction with this investment, the Company also agreed to acquire the remaining ownership of the business in 2004 for an additional $185 million in cash, provided a number of specific clinical and regulatory milestones are achieved.

NOTE 6 — SPECIAL CHARGES

On January 21, 2000, the Company initiated a worldwide voluntary recall of all field inventory of heart valve replacement and repair products incorporating Silzone® coating on the sewing cuff fabric. The Company concluded that it would no longer utilize Silzone® coating. The Company recorded a special charge totaling $26.1 million during the first quarter of 2000 relating to asset write-downs ($9.5 million) and other costs ($16.6 million), including monitoring expenses, associated with this recall and product discontinuance. In the second quarter of 2002, the Company determined that the Silzone® reserves for other costs should be increased by $11 million due primarily to difficulties in obtaining certain reimbursements from the Company’s insurance carriers under its product liability insurance policies. This additional accrual was included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2002. The Company has utilized $23.6 million of these special charge accruals through September 30, 2003, consisting of $9.5 million of asset write-downs and $14.1 million of other costs. The Company estimates that the remaining accruals will be utilized primarily during 2003 and 2004. The Company has approximately $180 million remaining in product liability insurance currently available for the Silzone®-related matters. There can be no assurance that the final costs associated with this recall that are not covered by insurance, including litigation-related costs, will not exceed management’s estimates.

NOTE 7 – DEBT

On April 1, 2003, the Company borrowed 24.6 billion Japanese yen, or approximately $208 million, under a short-term, unsecured bank credit agreement to partially finance the Getz Japan acquisition. Borrowings under this agreement bore interest at an average rate of 0.58% per annum and were repaid in May 2003. In May 2003, the Company issued 7-year, 1.02% unsecured term notes totaling 20.9 billion yen, or $186.7 million at September 30, 2003. The Company also obtained a short-term, unsecured bank credit agreement that provides for borrowings of up to 3.8 billion yen. Proceeds from the issuance of the term notes and from borrowings under the short-term, bank credit agreement were used to repay the 24.6 billion yen of short-term bank borrowings. Outstanding borrowings under the Company’s short-term bank credit agreement were approximately 2.7 billion yen, or $24.5 million, at September 30, 2003. Borrowings under the short-term, bank credit agreement bear interest at the floating yen LIBOR rate plus 0.50% per annum (effective rate of 0.55% at September 30, 2003) and are due in May 2004.

In July 2003, the Company obtained a $400 million short-term revolving credit facility to partially fund its $500 million share repurchase in August 2003. Borrowings under this facility bore interest at an average rate of 1.73% per annum and were repaid in September 2003. In September 2003, the Company obtained a $150 million unsecured, revolving credit facility that expires in September 2004 and a $350 million unsecured, revolving credit facility that expires in September 2008. These credit facilities bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus 0.625% and 0.60% per annum, respectively, subject to adjustment in the event of a change in the Company’s debt ratings. There were no outstanding borrowings under these credit facilities at September 30, 2003.

During September 2003, the Company began issuing short-term, unsecured commercial paper with maturities up to 270 days. Outstanding commercial paper borrowings totaled $261.2 million at September 30, 2003. These commercial paper borrowings are backed by the Company’s committed credit facilities and bear interest at varying market rates (effective rate of 1.18% at September 30, 2003).

The Company classifies all of its commercial paper borrowings as long-term on its balance sheet as the Company has the ability to repay any short-term maturity with available cash from its existing long-term, committed credit facility. Management continually reviews the Company’s cash flow projections and may from time to time repay a portion of the Company’s borrowings.

The Company’s term notes, short-term, bank credit agreement and revolving credit facilities contain various restrictive covenants such as minimum financial ratios, limitations on additional liens or indebtedness and limitations on certain acquisitions, investments and dispositions of assets. However, these agreements do not include provisions for the termination of the agreements or acceleration of repayment due to changes in the Company’s credit ratings.

NOTE 8 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company’s authorized capital consists of 25 million shares of $1.00 per share par value preferred stock and 250 million shares of $0.10 per share par value common stock. There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding during 2002 or the first nine months 2003. There were 172.4 million and 178.0 million shares of common stock outstanding at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002.

On July 22, 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $500 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The share repurchases could be made at the direction of the Company’s management through transactions in the open market and/or privately negotiated transactions, including the use of options, futures, swaps and accelerated share repurchase contracts.

On August 7, 2003, the Company repurchased approximately 9.25 million shares, or about five percent of its outstanding common stock, for $500 million under a privately-negotiated transaction with an investment bank. The investment bank borrowed the 9.25 million shares to complete the transaction and purchased replacement shares in the open market over a three month period which ended on November 7, 2003. The Company entered into a related accelerated stock buyback contract with the same investment bank which, in return for a separate payment to the investment bank, included a price-protection feature. The price-protection feature provided that if the investment bank’s per share purchase price of the replacement shares was lower than the initial share purchase price for the 9.25 million shares ($54.06), then the investment bank would, at the Company’s election, make a payment or deliver additional shares to the Company in the amount of the difference between the initial share purchase price and their replacement price, subject to a maximum amount. In addition, the price-protection feature provided that if the investment bank’s replacement price was greater than the initial share purchase price, the Company would not be required to make any further payments. On November 7, 2003, the investment bank completed its purchase of replacement shares. The market price of the Company’s shares during this replacement period exceeded the initial purchase price.

NOTE 9 – NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

The table below sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2003		2002		2003		2002

Numerator:
Net earnings	$	84,621	$	71,680	$	246,540	$	203,311
Denominator:
Basic-weighted average shares outstanding		175,996		177,064		178,391		176,228
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options		8,519		5,896		8,255		6,696
Restricted shares		11		23		11		23

Diluted-weighted average shares outstanding		184,526		182,983		186,657		182,947

Basic net earnings per share	$	0.48	$	0.40	$	1.38	$	1.15

Diluted net earnings per share	$	0.46	$	0.39	$	1.32	$	1.11

Diluted-weighted average shares outstanding have not been adjusted for certain employee stock options and awards where the effect of those securities would have been anti-dilutive.

NOTE 10 — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Other comprehensive income (expense) consists of unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale marketable securities and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes. Other comprehensive income (expense) was $2.1 million and $(3.7) million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, and $50.7 million and $15.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. Total comprehensive income combines reported net earnings and other comprehensive income (expense). Total comprehensive income was $86.7 million and $68.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, and $297.3 million and $218.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

NOTE 11 — OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

Other income (expense) consists of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2003			2002			2003			2002

Interest income	$	1,666		$	1,488		$	5,344		$	3,396
Interest expense		(1,591	)		(215	)		(2,061	)		(1,526	)
Other		(241	)		115			(1,207	)		(740	)

	$	(166	)	$	1,388		$	2,076		$	1,130

NOTE 12 — SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Segment Information: The Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable segment – the development, manufacture and distribution of cardiovascular medical devices for the global cardiac rhythm management (CRM), cardiac surgery (CS) and cardiology and vascular access (C/VA) markets. The Company’s principal products in each of these markets are: bradycardia pacemaker systems, tachycardia implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) systems, and electrophysiology catheters in CRM; mechanical and tissue heart valves, valve repair products, and suture-free devices to facilitate coronary artery bypass graft anastomoses in CS; and vascular closure devices, catheters, guidewires and introducers in C/VA.

Net sales by class of similar products were as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
Net Sales		2003		2002		2003		2002

Cardiac rhythm management	$	338,550	$	294,562	$	1,007,761	$	853,040
Cardiac surgery		62,361		60,343		198,897		189,512
Cardiology and vascular access		76,543		49,952		207,273		137,846

	$	477,454	$	404,857	$	1,413,931	$	1,180,398

Geographical Information: The following tables present certain geographical financial information (in thousands):

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
Net Sales*		2003		2002		2003		2002

United States	$	277,478	$	267,859	$	843,984	$	781,414
International		199,976		136,998		569,947		398,984

	$	477,454	$	404,857	$	1,413,931	$	1,180,398

	September 30,		December 31,
Long-Lived Assets**		2003		2002

United States	$	721,625	$	674,119
International		321,195		150,674

	$	1,042,820	$	824,793

* Net sales are attributed to geographies based on location of the customers.
** Long-lived assets exclude deferred income taxes.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We have adopted various accounting policies in preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

Preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts, estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, income taxes, Silzone® special charges and legal proceedings. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and the results form the basis for making judgments about the reported values of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Acquisitions: On April 1, 2003, we completed our acquisitions of the outstanding common stock of Getz Bros. Co., Ltd (Getz Japan), a distributor of medical technology products in Japan and the Company’s largest volume distributor in Japan, and the net assets of Getz Bros. & Co. (Aust.) Pty. Limited and Medtel Pty. Limited (Getz Australia) related to the distribution of our products in Australia.

During 2003 and 2002, we also acquired various businesses involved in the distribution of our products. Aggregate consideration paid in cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $4.9 million and $21.8 million, respectively.

The results of operations of these business acquisitions have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of each acquisition.

Net sales: Net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 by class of similar products were as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
		2003		2002		2003		2002

Cardiac rhythm management	$	338,550	$	294,562	$	1,007,761	$	853,040
Cardiac surgery		62,361		60,343		198,897		189,512
Cardiology and vascular access		76,543		49,952		207,273		137,846

	$	477,454	$	404,857	$	1,413,931	$	1,180,398

Overall, net sales increased 17.9% in the third quarter of 2003 over the third quarter of 2002, and 19.8% in the first nine months of 2003 over 2002. Foreign currency translation had a net favorable impact on third quarter and first nine months 2003 net sales as compared with 2002 of $14 million and $49 million, respectively, due primarily to the strengthening of the Euro against the U.S. dollar. This amount is not indicative of the impact of foreign currency translation on net earnings due to partially offsetting unfavorable foreign currency translation impacts on operating costs. Third quarter and first nine months 2003 net sales also included the impact of the Getz acquisitions on April 1, 2003, which added approximately $33 million and $66 million, respectively. The additional revenue from Getz results from the sale of non-St. Jude Medical manufactured products sold by Getz and as a result of incremental revenue on the sale of St. Jude Medical manufactured products. Previously, we recognized revenue from the sale of our products to Getz as our distributor.

Net sales of cardiac rhythm management (CRM) products increased 14.9% and 18.1% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 over 2002 due primarily to increased implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and EP catheter unit sales. Foreign currency translation also had a net favorable impact on third quarter and first nine months 2003 CRM net sales of $10 million and $34 million, respectively, as compared with 2002. The impact of the Getz acquisitions on third quarter and first nine months 2003 CRM net sales was approximately $15 million and $29 million, respectively.

Cardiac surgery (CS) net sales increased 3.3% and 5.0% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 over 2002 due primarily to the favorable impact of foreign currency translation of $2 million and $8 million, respectively, and the impact of the Getz acquisitions of approximately $7 million and $14 million, respectively. These increases were offset primarily by a decrease in aortic connector and U.S. heart valve unit sales.

Cardiology and vascular access (C/VA) net sales increased 53.2% and 50.4% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 over 2002 due primarily to increased Angio-Seal™ vascular closure unit sales and approximately $11 million and $23 million of net sales, respectively, from sales of non-St. Jude Medical manufactured products due to the Getz acquisitions. Foreign currency translation also had a net favorable impact on third quarter and first nine months 2003 C/VA net sales of $2 million and $7 million, respectively, as compared with 2002.

Gross profit: Gross profit for the third quarter of 2003 totaled $330.7 million, or 69.3% of net sales, as compared with $276.5 million, or 68.3% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2002. For the first nine months of 2003 and 2002, gross profit was $966.5 million or 68.4% of net sales, and $804.3 million, or 68.1% of net sales, respectively. The increase in the gross profit percentages in 2003 over 2002 were due primarily to cost efficiencies gained through higher manufacturing volumes and the use of total quality management techniques, offset in part by inventory acquisition accounting adjustments related to the Getz acquisitions. We anticipate that

our gross profit percentage will continue to improve in the fourth quarter of 2003 as compared with the third quarter of 2003 as the inventory acquisition accounting adjustments moderate.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense: SG&A expense for the third quarter of 2003 totaled $157.6 million, or 33.0% of net sales, as compared with $129.2 million, or 31.9% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2002. For the first nine months of 2003, SG&A expense totaled $460.6 million, or 32.6% of net sales, compared with $383.1 million, or 32.5% of net sales. The increase in SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 was primarily due to the addition of the Getz direct sales organizations consisting of approximately 400 sales, sales support and marketing personnel.

Research and development (R&D) expense: R&D expenses in the third quarter of 2003 totaled $58.6 million, or 12.3% of net sales, compared with $51.8 million, or 12.8% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2002. For the first nine months of 2003, R&D expense totaled $174.8 million, or 12.4% of net sales, compared with $147.6 million, or 12.5% of net sales, for 2002. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily attributable to increased CRM activities relating to ICDs and products treating emerging indications in atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

Special charges: On January 21, 2000, we initiated a worldwide voluntary recall of all field inventory of heart valve replacement and repair products incorporating Silzone®coating on the sewing cuff fabric. We concluded that we would no longer utilize Silzone® coating. We recorded a special charge totaling $26.1 million during the first quarter of 2000 relating to asset write-downs ($9.5 million) and other costs ($16.6 million), including monitoring expenses, associated with this recall and product discontinuance. In the second quarter of 2002, we determined that the Silzone®reserves for other costs should be increased by $11 million due primarily to difficulties in obtaining certain reimbursements from our insurance carriers under the product liability insurance policies. This additional accrual was included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2002. We have utilized $23.6 million of these special charge accruals through September 30, 2003, consisting of $9.5 million of asset write-downs and $14.1 million of other costs. We estimate that the remaining accruals will be utilized primarily during 2003 and 2004. We have approximately $180 million remaining in product liability insurance currently available for the Silzone®-related matters. There can be no assurance that the final costs associated with this recall that are not covered by insurance, including litigation-related costs, will not exceed management’s estimates.

Other income (expense): The change in other income (expense) during the third quarter of 2003 as compared with 2002 was due primarily to higher levels of interest expense as a result of borrowings for our Getz Japan acquisition in 2003 and our August 2003 share repurchase. For the first nine months of 2003, the change in other income (expense) as compared with 2002 was due primarily to higher levels of interest income as a result of higher average invested cash balances.

Income taxes: Our effective income tax rate was 26% for the third quarter of 2003 and 2002 and for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002.

From time to time, we face challenges from tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These challenges include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Our U.S. Federal tax filings prior to 1998 have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and we have settled all differences arising out of those examinations. Consistent with our status with the U.S. Federal tax authorities as a “coordinated industry case,” the IRS is currently in the process of examining our U.S.

Federal tax returns for the calendar years 1998, 1999 and 2000. Although we believe we have recorded an appropriate income tax provision, there can be no assurance that the IRS or other tax authorities will not take positions contrary to those taken by us. We further believe that any taxes not covered by our income tax provision are not likely to have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position or liquidity, but may be material to the consolidated results of operations of a future period.

Outlook: We expect that market demand, government regulation and reimbursement policies, and societal pressures will continue to change the worldwide healthcare industry resulting in further business consolidations and alliances. We participate with industry groups to promote the use of advanced medical device technology in a cost-conscious environment.

The global medical technology industry is highly competitive and is characterized by rapid product development and technological change. Our products must continually improve technologically and provide improved clinical outcomes due to the competitive nature of the industry. In addition, competitors have historically employed litigation to gain a competitive advantage.

The cardiac rhythm management market is highly competitive. There are currently three principal suppliers in this market, including us, and our two principal competitors each have substantially more assets and sales than the Company. Rapid technological change in the CRM market is expected to continue, requiring us to invest heavily in R&D and to effectively market our products. Two trends began to emerge in the CRM market during 2002 and have continued into 2003. The first involved a shift of some traditional pacemaker patients to ICD devices and the second involved the increasing use of resynchronization devices in both the ICD and pacemaker markets. Our competitors in the CRM market have U.S. regulatory approval to market CRM devices with resynchronization features. We currently have both a cardiac resynchronization ICD and pacemaker product in U.S. clinical studies. If the approvals of these products are delayed or not received, our CRM sales could be adversely affected if the CRM market continues to shift towards products with cardiac resynchronization capabilities. We have experienced a modest decline in average selling prices for ICDs in the U.S. market during 2003.

The cardiac surgery market, which includes mechanical heart valves, tissue heart valves and valve repair products, is also highly competitive. In the past few years, the market has shifted to tissue valves and repair products from mechanical heart valves, resulting in an overall market share loss for us. Competition is anticipated to continue to place pressure on pricing and terms, including a trend toward vendor-owned (consignment) inventory at the hospitals. Healthcare reform is expected to result in further hospital consolidations over time, which could lead to increased demands for price concessions.

The cardiology and vascular access market is a growing market with numerous competitors. More than 80% of our sales in this market are from vascular closure devices. The market for vascular closure devices is highly competitive, and there are several companies, in addition to us, that manufacture and market these products worldwide.

We operate in an industry that is susceptible to significant product liability claims. These claims may be brought by individuals seeking relief for themselves or, increasingly, by groups seeking to represent a class. In addition, product liability claims may be asserted against us in the future relative to events that are not known to management at the present time. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of every claim, we believe that we have adequate product liability insurance to cover the costs associated with them, subject to our self-insured retentions. The

product liability insurance market has changed dramatically since September 2001. Our self-insured retentions and insurance premiums have increased and are expected to increase further in the future. Our insurance program, as a result, has been designed to prevent a catastrophic loss. We further believe that any costs not covered by product liability insurance, including our self-insured deductible, are not likely to have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position or liquidity, but may be material to the consolidated results of operations of a future period.

Group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and independent delivery networks (IDNs) in the United States continue to consolidate purchasing decisions for some of our hospital customers. We have contracts in place with many of these organizations. One large GPO has executed contracts with our CRM market competitors that exclude us. Enforcement of this contract may adversely affect our sales of CRM products to members of this GPO.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Our liquidity and cash flows remained strong during the first nine months of 2003. Cash provided by operating activities was $325.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, a $38.9 million increase over the same period one year ago due primarily to increased earnings. Our ratio of total current assets to total current liabilities was 3.1 to 1 at September 30, 2003, as compared with 3.0 to 1 at December 31, 2002.

At September 30, 2003, substantially all of our cash and equivalents were held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. These funds are available for use by our U.S. operations; however, they would be subject to additional U.S. tax upon repatriation to the United States.

On April 1, 2003, we borrowed 24.6 billion Japanese yen, or approximately $208 million, under a short-term, unsecured bank credit agreement to partially finance the Getz Japan acquisition. These borrowings bore interest at an average rate of 0.58% per annum and were repaid in May 2003. In May 2003, we issued 7-year, 1.02% unsecured term notes totaling 20.9 billion yen, or $186.7 million at September 30, 2003. We also obtained a short-term, unsecured bank credit agreement which provides for borrowings of up to 3.8 billion yen. Proceeds from the issuance of the term notes and from borrowings under the short-term, bank credit agreement were used to repay the 24.6 billion yen of short-term bank borrowings. Outstanding borrowings under our short-term bank credit agreement were approximately 2.7 billion yen, or $24.5 million, at September 30, 2003. Borrowings under the short-term, bank credit agreement bear interest at the floating yen LIBOR rate plus 0.50% per annum and are due in May 2004.

On July 22, 2003, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $500 million of our outstanding common stock and the establishment of a $500 million credit facility. The share repurchases could be made at the direction of management through transactions in the open market and/or privately negotiated transactions, including the use of options, futures, swaps and accelerated share repurchase contracts.

On August 7, 2003, we repurchased approximately 9.25 million shares, or about five percent of our outstanding common stock, for $500 million under a privately-negotiated transaction with an investment bank. The investment bank borrowed the 9.25 million shares to complete the transaction and purchased replacement shares in the open market over a three month period which ended November 7, 2003. We entered into a related accelerated stock buyback contract with the same investment bank which, in return for a separate payment to the investment bank,

included a price-protection feature. The price-protection feature provided that if the investment bank’s per share purchase price of the replacement shares was lower than the initial share purchase price for the 9.25 million shares ($54.06), then the investment bank would, at our election, make a payment or deliver additional shares to us in the amount of the difference between the initial share purchase price and their replacement price, subject to a maximum amount. In addition, the price-protection feature provided that if the investment bank’s replacement price was greater than the initial share purchase price, we would not be required to make any further payments. On November 7, 2003, the investment bank completed its purchase of replacement shares. The market price of our shares during this replacement period exceeded the initial purchase price.

In July 2003, we obtained a $400 million short-term revolving credit facility to partially fund our $500 million share repurchase in August 2003. Borrowings under this facility bore interest at an average rate of 1.73% per annum and were repaid in September 2003. In September 2003, we obtained a $150 million unsecured, revolving credit facility that expires in September 2004 and a $350 million unsecured, revolving credit facility that expires in September 2008. These credit facilities bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus 0.625% and 0.60% per annum, respectively, subject to adjustment in the event of a change in our debt ratings. There were no outstanding borrowings under these credit facilities at September 30, 2003.

During September 2003, we began issuing short-term, unsecured commercial paper with maturities up to 270 days. Outstanding commercial paper borrowings totaled $261.2 million at September 30, 2003. These commercial paper borrowings are backed by our committed credit facilities and bear interest at varying market rates.

We classify all of our commercial paper borrowings as long-term on the balance sheet as we have the ability to repay any short-term maturity with available cash from our existing long-term, committed credit facility. We continually review our cash flow projections and may from time to time repay a portion of the borrowings.

On May 1, 2003, we made a $15 million minority investment in a development stage company that is focused on developing technologies to treat patients with atrial fibrillation. In conjunction with this investment, we also agreed to acquire the remaining ownership of the business in 2004 for an additional $185 million in cash, provided a number of specific clinical and regulatory milestones are achieved. We believe that our cash balances or borrowings available under our committed credit facilities will be sufficient to fund the 2004 cash payment if we complete the acquisition.

We have no off-balance sheet financing arrangements other than certain operating leases previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. With the acquisition of Getz Japan on April 1, 2003, we assumed numerous noncancelable operating lease arrangements for various facilities and equipment in Japan. The future minimum lease payments related to these lease agreements are approximately $3 million each year for years 2003 through 2007 and an aggregate of $15 million for all years thereafter. There have been no other significant changes in our operating lease obligations since December 31, 2002.

We believe that our existing cash balances, borrowings under our committed credit facilities and future cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital investment needs in the near term. Should suitable investment opportunities arise, we believe that our earnings, cash flows and balance sheet will permit us to obtain additional debt financing or equity capital, if necessary.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

In this discussion and in other written or oral statements made from time to time, we have included and may include statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. These statements relate to our future plans and objectives, among other things. By identifying these statements for you in this manner, we are alerting you to the possibility that our actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Various factors contained in the previous discussion and those described below may affect the Company’s operations and results. Since it is not possible to foresee all such factors, you should not consider these factors to be a complete list of all risks or uncertainties. Risk factors include the following:

Legislative or administrative reforms to the U.S. Medicare and Medicaid systems or similar reforms of international reimbursement systems in a manner that significantly reduces reimbursement for procedures using our medical devices or denies coverage for such procedures. Adverse decisions relating to our products by administrators of such systems in coverage or reimbursement issues.

Acquisition of key patents by others that have the effect of excluding us from market segments or require us to pay royalties.

Economic factors, including inflation, changes in interest rates and changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Product introductions by competitors which have advanced technology, better features or lower pricing.

Price increases by suppliers of key components, some of which are sole-sourced.

A reduction in the number of procedures using our devices caused by cost-containment pressures or preferences for alternate therapies.

Safety, performance or efficacy concerns about our marketed products, many of which are expected to be implanted for many years, leading to recalls and/or advisories with the attendant expenses and declining sales.

Changes in laws, regulations or administrative practices affecting government regulation of our products, such as FDA laws and regulations that increase pre-approval testing requirements for products or impose additional burdens on the manufacture and sale of medical devices.

Difficulties obtaining, or the inability to obtain, appropriate levels of product liability insurance.

10.

A serious earthquake affecting our facilities in Sunnyvale or Sylmar, California.

11.

Health care industry consolidation leading to demands for price concessions or the exclusion of some suppliers from significant market segments.

12.

Adverse developments in litigation including product liability litigation and patent litigation or other intellectual property litigation including those arising from the Telectronics and Ventritex acquisitions.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

On April 1, 2003, we completed our acquisition of Getz Japan. In May 2003, we issued 7-year, 1.02% unsecured term notes totaling 20.9 billion yen to partially finance the acquisition purchase price. We also obtained a short-term, unsecured bank credit agreement that provides for borrowings of up to 3.8 billion yen expiring in May 2004.

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations due to transactions associated with the acquired Getz Japan business that are denominated in Japanese yen, including borrowings under the short-term, bank credit agreement and the long-term, unsecured term notes issued in May 2003. We are also exposed to interest rate risk on the short-term, bank credit agreement which has a variable interest rate tied to the floating yen LIBOR rate. A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not have a material impact on interest expense or the fair value of our fixed-rate debt.

During September 2003, we began issuing short-term, unsecured commercial paper that bears interest at varying market rates. To back these commercial paper borrowings, we also obtained two committed credit facilities that have variable interest rates tied to the LIBOR rate. A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not have a material impact on interest expense.

There have been no other material changes from December 31, 2002 in our market risk. For further information on market risk, refer to Item 7A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of September 30, 2003, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2003 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it

files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2003, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In 2001, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation ruled that certain lawsuits filed in U.S. federal district court involving products with Silzone® coating should be part of Multi-District Litigation proceedings under the supervision of U.S. District Court Judge John Tunheim in Minnesota. As a result, actions in federal court involving products with Silzone® coating have been and will likely continue to be transferred to Judge Tunheim for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.

Canada, has requested further briefing and input on related issues, the Court issued an order in October 2003 certifying a class action in Canada. The parties are awaiting further instructions from the Court as to when and how the further input requested by the Court will be supplied.

Guidant’s suit originally alleged infringement of four patents by St. Jude Medical. Guidant later dismissed its claim on one patent and a court ruled that a second patent was invalid. This determination of invalidity was appealed by Guidant and the Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s invalidity determination. In a jury trial involving the two remaining patents (the ‘288 and ‘472 patents), the jury found that these patents were valid and that St. Jude Medical did not infringe the ‘288 patent. The jury found that the Company did infringe the ‘472 patent, though such infringement was not willful. The jury awarded damages of $140 million to Guidant. In post-trial rulings, however, the judge overseeing the jury trial ruled that the ‘472 patent was invalid and also was not infringed by St. Jude Medical, thereby eliminating the $140 million verdict against the Company. The trial court also made other rulings as part of the post-trial order, including a ruling that the ‘288 patent was invalid on several grounds.

Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)

Exhibits

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of certain instruments defining the rights of holders of certain long-term debt of the Company are not filed, and in lieu thereof, the Company agrees to furnish copies thereof to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

Exhibit 4.1

Multi-Year $350,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 11, 2003, among St. Jude Medical, Inc., as the Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Lender, the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. and ABN Amro Bank N.V., as Co-Syndication Agents, Bank One, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the Other Lenders Party Hereto.

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K

We filed a Form 8-K on July 16, 2003 to furnish pursuant to Item 12 our press release issued on July 16, 2003 to report earnings for the second quarter of 2003.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

		ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.
November 11, 2003		/s/ JOHN C. HEINMILLER

DATE		JOHN C. HEINMILLER
		Vice President – Finance
		and Chief Financial Officer
		(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal
		Financial and Accounting Officer)

EX-4.1 3 stjude034806_ex4-1.txt Exhibit 4.1 ================================================================================ MULTI-YEAR $350,000,000 CREDIT AGREEMENT Dated as of September 11, 2003 among ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC., as the Borrower, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Lender, THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LTD. and ABN AMRO BANK N.V., as Co-Syndication Agents BANK ONE, N.A. and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Co-Documentation Agents and The Other Lenders Party Hereto BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager ================================================================================ TABLE OF CONTENTS

iii SCHEDULES 1.01 Excluded Subsidiaries 2.01 Commitments and Pro Rata Shares 5.05 Litigation 5.07 ERISA Matters 5.10 Taxes 5.11 Material Indebtedness 5.12 Environmental Matters 5.16 Subsidiaries 6.06 Insurance Coverage 7.01 Existing Liens 7.04(a) Investment Policy 7.05 Existing Indebtedness 10.02 Administrative Agent's Office, Certain Addresses for Notices EXHIBITS FORM OF A Loan Notice B Note C Compliance Certificate D Assignment and Assumption E Opinion Matters iv MULTI-YEAR $350,000,000 CREDIT AGREEMENT This MULTI-YEAR $350,000,000 CREDIT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into as of September 11, 2003, among ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC., a Minnesota corporation (the "Borrower"), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the "Lenders" and individually, a "Lender"), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, LC Issuer and Lender. The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a multi-year revolving credit facility, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows: ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS 1.01 DEFINED TERMS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below: "Acquisition" means any transaction or series of related transactions for the purpose of or resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of a Person, or of any business or division of a Person, (b) the acquisition of in excess of 50% of the capital stock, partnership interests or equity of any Person or otherwise causing any Person, to become a Subsidiary, or (c) a merger or consolidation or any other combination with another Person (other than a Person that is a Subsidiary) provided that such Company or a Subsidiary is the surviving entity. "Administrative Agent" means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent. "Administrative Agent's Office" means the Administrative Agent's address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders. "Administrative Questionnaire" means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent. "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. "Control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. "Controlling" and "Controlled" have meanings correlative thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Person shall be deemed to be Controlled by another Person if such other Person possesses, directly or indirectly, power to vote 20% or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors, managing general partners or the equivalent. "Agent-Related Persons" means the Administrative Agent, together with its Affiliates (including, in the case of Bank of America in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, the Arranger), and the officers, directors, employees, agents and attorneys-in-fact of such Persons and Affiliates. "Aggregate Commitments" means the Commitments of all the Lenders, which on the Closing Date equal the sum of $350,000,000. "Agreement" means this Credit Agreement. "Applicable Rate" means, from time to time, the following percentages per annum, based upon the Debt Rating as set forth below:

"Debt Rating" means, as of any date of determination, the rating as determined by either S&P or Moody's (collectively, the "Debt Ratings") of the Borrower's non-credit-enhanced, senior unsecured long-term debt; provided that if a Debt Rating is issued by each of the foregoing rating agencies, then the higher of such Debt Ratings shall apply (with the Debt Rating for Pricing Level I being the highest and the Debt Rating for Pricing Level VI being the lowest), unless there is a split in Debt Ratings of more than one level, in which case the Pricing Level that is one level lower than the Pricing Level of the higher Debt Rating shall apply. Initially, the Applicable Rate shall be determined based upon the Debt Rating specified in the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(vii). Thereafter, each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a publicly announced change in the Debt Rating shall be effective, in the case of an upgrade, during the period commencing on the date of delivery by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent of notice thereof pursuant to Section 6.02(e) and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change and, in the case of a downgrade, during the period commencing on the date of the public announcement thereof and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change. "Arranger" means Banc of America Securities LLC, in its capacity as sole lead arranger and sole book manager. "Assignment and Assumption" means an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit D. 2 "Attorney Costs" means and includes all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external counsel and, without duplication, the allocated cost of internal legal services and all expenses and disbursements of internal counsel. "Attributable Indebtedness" means, on any date, (a) in respect of any capital lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease were accounted for as a capital lease. "Audited Financial Statements" means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto. "Availability Period" means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.05, and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation of the of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to Section 8.02. "Bank of America" means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors. "Base Rate" means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its "prime rate." The "prime rate" is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America's costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change. "Base Rate Loan" means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate. "Borrower" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. "Borrowing" means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01. "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent's Office is located and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market. "Cash Collateralize" has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(g). 3 "Change of Control" means, with respect to any Person, an event or series of events by which: (a) any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire (such right, an "option right"), whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of 20% or more of the equity securities of such Person entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of such Person on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right); or (b) during any period of 24 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of such Person cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii) and clause (iii), any individual whose initial nomination for, or assumption of office as, a member of that board or equivalent governing body occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more directors by any person or group other than a solicitation for the election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the board of directors). "Closing Date" means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 4.01 (or, in the case of Section 4.01(b), waived by the Person entitled to receive the applicable payment). "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. "Commitment" means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01, and (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. "Compliance Certificate" means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C. 4 "Consolidated EBITDA" means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income for such period plus (a) the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Consolidated Interest Charges for such period, (ii) the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes payable by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, (iii) the amount of depreciation and amortization expense deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income and (iv) other expenses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries reducing such Consolidated Net Income which do not represent a cash item in such period or any future period and minus (b) all non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period. "Consolidated Funded Indebtedness" means, as of any date of determination, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of all obligations, whether current or long-term, for borrowed money (including Obligations hereunder) and all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, (b) all purchase money Indebtedness, (c) all direct obligations arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers' acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments, (d) all obligations in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business), (e) Attributable Indebtedness in respect of capital leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations, (f) without duplication, all Guarantees with respect to outstanding Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (a) through (e) above of Persons other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and (g) all Indebtedness of the types referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which the Borrower or a Subsidiary is a general partner or joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to the Borrower or such Subsidiary. "Consolidated Interest Charges" means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) all interest, premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with borrowed money (including capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, and (b) the portion of rent expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect to such period under capital leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP. "Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio" means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four prior fiscal quarters ending on such date TO (b) Consolidated Interest Charges for such period. "Consolidated Leverage Ratio" means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness as of such date TO (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended for which the Borrower has delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b). "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the net income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (excluding extraordinary gains but including extraordinary losses) for that period. 5 "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" means, as of any date of determination, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, Shareholders' Equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on that date minus the Intangible Assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on that date. "Contractual Obligation" means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound. "Control" has the meaning specified in the definition of "Affiliate." "Credit Extension" means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension. "Debt Rating" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Applicable Rate." "Debtor Relief Laws" means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally. "Default" means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default. "Default Rate" means an interest rate equal to (a) the Base Rate plus (b) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (c) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws. "Defaulting Lender" means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any portion of the Loans or participations in L/C Obligations required to be funded by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute, or (c) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding. "Dollar" and "$" mean lawful money of the United States. "Eligible Assignee" has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(g). "Environmental Laws" means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including 6 those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems. "Environmental Liability" means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing. "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. "ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code). "ERISA Event" means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (f) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate. "Eurodollar Base Rate" has the meaning set forth in the definition of Eurodollar Rate. "Eurodollar Rate" means for any Interest Period with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the following formula: Eurodollar Base Rate Eurodollar Rate = ----------------------------------------------- 1.00 - Eurodollar Reserve Percentage Where, "Eurodollar Base Rate" means, for such Interest Period: (a) the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate that appears on the page of the Telerate screen (or any 7 successor thereto) that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or (b) if the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or such page or service shall not be available, the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on such other page or other service that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or (c) if the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent as the rate of interest at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America's London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 4:00 p.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period. "Eurodollar Rate Loan" means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurodollar Rate. "Eurodollar Reserve Percentage" means, for any day during any Interest Period, the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal, carried out to five decimal places) in effect on such day, whether or not applicable to any Lender, under regulations issued from time to time by the FRB for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) with respect to Eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as "Eurocurrency liabilities"). The Eurodollar Rate for each outstanding Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be adjusted automatically as of the effective date of any change in the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage. "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 8.01. "Excluded Subsidiary" means each Subsidiary listed on Schedule 1.01 by reason that such Subsidiary no longer actively conducts any business or operations, including as a holding or investment company, and has been, will be, or likely will be, liquidated after the Closing Date, and in the event that any such Subsidiary shall after the Closing Date conduct any business or operations, including as a holding or investment company, such that after three consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, such Subsidiary has income equal to or greater than 1% of Consolidated Net Income determined for the same such period, then such Subsidiary shall no longer be an Excluded Subsidiary as of the date of delivery, or date delivery is required (whichever is earlier), of the financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to 8 Section 6.01(a) or (b) with respect to the third such consecutive fiscal quarter and a Responsible Officer shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof. "Existing Credit Agreement" means that certain Letter Loan Agreement dated as of July 25, 2003 among the Borrower and Bank of America, as the lender. "Federal Funds Rate" means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent. "Fee Letter" means the letter agreement, dated July 25, 2003, among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Arranger. "Foreign Lender" has the meaning specified in Section 10.15(a)(i). "FRB" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States. "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied. "Governmental Authority" means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government. "Granting Lender" has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(h). "Guarantee" means, as to any Person, any (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or 9 cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person. The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term "Guarantee" as a verb has a corresponding meaning. "Hazardous Materials" means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law. "Indebtedness" means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP: (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments; (b) all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers' acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments; (c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract; (d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business); (e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse; (f) capital leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations; and (g) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing. For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person. The amount of any net obligation 10 under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of any capital lease or Synthetic Lease Obligation as of any date shall be deemed to be the amount of Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof as of such date. "Indemnified Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05. "Indemnitees" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05. "Independent Auditor" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(a). "Intangible Assets" means assets that are considered to be intangible assets under GAAP, including customer lists, goodwill, computer software, copyrights, trade names, trademarks, patents, franchises, licenses, unamortized deferred charges, unamortized debt discount and capitalized research and development costs. "Interest Payment Date" means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date. "Interest Period" means, as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Loan Notice; provided that: (i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day; (ii) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date. "Investment" means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of capital stock or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute a business unit. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment. 11 "Investment Transaction" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04. "IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service. "Joint Venture" means a corporation, partnership, joint venture or other similar legal arrangement (whether created by contract or conducted through a separate legal entity) now or hereafter formed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with another Person in order to conduct a common venture or enterprise with such Person. "Laws" means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law. "L/C Advance" means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender's funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Pro Rata Share. "L/C Borrowing" means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Borrowing. "L/C Credit Extension" means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the renewal or increase of the amount thereof. "L/C Issuer" means Bank of America in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. "L/C Obligations" means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. "Lender" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto and, as the context requires, includes the L/C Issuer. "Lending Office" means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender's Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent. "Letter of Credit" means any letter of credit issued hereunder. A Letter of Credit may only be a standby letter of credit. "Letter of Credit Application" means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the L/C Issuer. "Letter of Credit Expiration Date" means the day that is seven days prior to the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day). 12 "Letter of Credit Sublimit" means an amount equal to $25,000,000. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments. "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing). "Loan" has the meaning specified in Section 2.01. "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, each Note, and the Fee Letter. "Loan Notice" means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A. "Margin Stock" means "margin stock" as such term is defined in Regulation F, U or X of the FRB. "Material Adverse Effect" means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower of any Loan Document to which it is a party. "Maturity Date" means September 11, 2008. "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto. "Multiemployer Plan" means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions. "Note" means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit B. "Obligations" means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, the Borrower arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding. 13 "Organization Documents" means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity. "Other Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b). "Outstanding Amount" means (i) with respect to Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Loans occurring on such date; and (ii) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements of outstanding unpaid drawings under any Letters of Credit or any reductions in the maximum amount available for drawing under Letters of Credit taking effect on such date. "Participant" has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(d). "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. "Pension Plan" means any "employee pension benefit plan" (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years. "Permitted Liens" has the meaning specified in Section 7.01. "Permitted Receivables Facility" means one or more accounts receivable securitization arrangements which provide for (a) the sale of accounts receivable and any related property by the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries to a financing party or a special purpose vehicle and (b) if a special purpose vehicle is used in any such arrangements, the granting of a security interest in accounts receivables and any related property by such special purpose vehicle and/or the granting of a security interest by the Borrower or such Subsidiary in any such related property; provided however, that the sum of the aggregate net unrecovered investment and the aggregate outstanding advances from the financing parties under such accounts receivable securitization arrangements shall not exceed $150,000,000. "Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity. 14 "Plan" means any "employee benefit plan" (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by the Borrower or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate. "Pro Rata Share" means, with respect to each Lender at any time, a fraction (expressed as a percentage, carried out to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is the amount of the Commitment of such Lender at such time and the denominator of which is the amount of the Aggregate Commitments at such time; provided that if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02, then the Pro Rata Share of each Lender shall be determined based on the Pro Rata Share of such Lender immediately prior to such termination and after giving effect to any subsequent assignments made pursuant to the terms hereof. The initial Pro Rata Share of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable. "Register" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(c). "Reportable Event" means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived. "Request for Credit Extension" means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of Loans, a Loan Notice, and (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application. "Required Lenders" means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02, Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of each Lender's risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations being deemed "held" by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders. "Responsible Officer" means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer of the Borrower. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of the Borrower and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of the Borrower. "Restricted Payment" means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any capital stock or other equity interest of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such capital stock or other equity 15 interest or of any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such capital stock or other equity interest. "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto. "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions. "Shareholders' Equity" means, as of any date of determination, consolidated shareholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of that date determined in accordance with GAAP. "SPC" has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(h). "Subsidiary" of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a "Subsidiary" or to "Subsidiaries" shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower. "Swap Contract" means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a "Master Agreement"), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement. "Swap Termination Value" means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or 16 other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender). "Synthetic Lease Obligation" means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment). "364-Day Agreement" means that certain 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as amended, modified, supplemented or amended and restated) by and among the Borrower, Bank of America as administrative agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. "Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a). "Total Outstandings" means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations. "Type" means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan. "Unfunded Pension Liability" means the excess of a Pension Plan's benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan's assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the applicable plan year. "United States" and "U.S." mean the United States of America. "Unreimbursed Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c)(i). 1.02 OTHER INTERPRETIVE PROVISIONS. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document: (a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms. (b) (i) The words "herein," "hereto," "hereof" and "hereunder" and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof. (ii) Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Loan Document in which such reference appears. (iii) The term "including" is by way of example and not limitation. 17 (iv) The term "documents" includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form. (c) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word "from" means "from and including"; the words "to" and "until" each mean "to but excluding"; and the word "through" means "to and including." (d) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document. 1.03 ACCOUNTING TERMS. (a) All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. (b) If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. 1.04 ROUNDING. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number). 1.05 REFERENCES TO AGREEMENTS AND LAWS. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Organization Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are not prohibited by any Loan Document; and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law. 1.06 TIMES OF DAY. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable). 18 1.07 LETTER OF CREDIT AMOUNTS. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to mean the maximum face amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all increases thereof contemplated by such Letter of Credit or the Letter of Credit Application therefor, whether or not such maximum face amount is in effect at such time. ARTICLE II. THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS 2.01 LOANS. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a "Loan") to the Borrower from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender's Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations shall not exceed such Lender's Commitment. Within the limits of each Lender's Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01, prepay under Section 2.04, and reborrow under this Section 2.01. Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, as further provided herein. 2.02 BORROWINGS, CONVERSIONS AND CONTINUATIONS OF LOANS. (a) Each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower's irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon. (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans. Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(b) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Section 2.03(c), each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Borrowing, a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Loan Notice or if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar Rate Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation 19 of Eurodollar Rate Loans in any such Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month. (b) Following receipt of a Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Pro Rata Share of the applicable Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection. In the case of a Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent's Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower; provided, however, that if, on the date the Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by the Borrower, there are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings. (c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders. (d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. The determination of the Eurodollar Rate by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America's prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change. (e) After giving effect to all Borrowings, all conversions of Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten Interest Periods in effect with respect to Loans. 2.03 LETTERS OF CREDIT. (a) The Letter of Credit Commitment. (i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower, and to amend Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with subsection (b) below, and (2) to honor drafts under the Letters of Credit; and (B) the 20 Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Borrower; provided that the L/C Issuer shall not be obligated to make any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, and no Lender shall be obligated to participate in any Letter of Credit if as of the date of such L/C Credit Extension, (x) the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (y) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations would exceed such Lender's Commitment, or (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations would exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower's ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed. (ii) The L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if: (A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the L/C Issuer from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to the L/C Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or request that the L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it; (B) the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiry date; (C) the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless all the Lenders have approved such expiry date; (D) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the L/C Issuer; or (E) such Letter of Credit is in an initial amount less than $500,000 or is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars. (iii) The L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) the L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit. 21 (b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit. (i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least two Business Days (or such later date and time as the L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in its sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer: (A) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (B) the amount thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; and (G) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (A) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (B) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (C) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (D) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. (ii) Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, the L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Upon receipt by the L/C Issuer of confirmation from the Administrative Agent that the requested issuance or amendment is permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be, in each case in accordance with the L/C Issuer's usual and customary business practices. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender's Pro Rata Share times the amount of such Letter of Credit. (iii) Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to the beneficiary thereof, the L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment. (c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations. (i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. Not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of any payment by 22 the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date, an "Honor Date"), the Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing. If the Borrower fails to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the "Unreimbursed Amount"), and the amount of such Lender's Pro Rata Share thereof. In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Loan Notice). Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice. (ii) Each Lender (including the Lender acting as L/C Issuer) shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent's Office in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C Issuer. (iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate. In such event, each Lender's payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03. (iv) Until each Lender funds its Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender's Pro Rata Share of such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer. (v) Each Lender's obligation to make Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other 23 occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Lender's obligation to make Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein. (vi) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), the L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (d) Repayment of Participations. (i) At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Lender such Lender's L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c), if the Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Pro Rata Share thereof (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender's L/C Advance was outstanding) in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent. (ii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer its Pro Rata Share thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. (e) Obligations Absolute. The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following: 24 (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto; (ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, set-off, defense or other right that the Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction; (iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit; (iv) any payment by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law; or (v) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Borrower. The Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with the Borrower's instructions or other irregularity, the Borrower will immediately notify the L/C Issuer. The Borrower shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against the L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid. (f) Role of L/C Issuer. Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuer, any Agent-Related Person nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit Application. The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided, however, that this assumption is not intended to, and 25 shall not, preclude the Borrower's pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuer, any Agent-Related Person, nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of the L/C Issuer, shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (v) of Section 2.03(e); provided, however, that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against the L/C Issuer, and the L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by the L/C Issuer's willful misconduct or gross negligence or the L/C Issuer's willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason. (g) Cash Collateral. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, (i) if the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, or (ii) if, as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any Letter of Credit may for any reason remain outstanding and partially or wholly undrawn, the Borrower shall immediately Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to such Outstanding Amount determined as of the date of such L/C Borrowing or the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, as the case may be). For purposes hereof, "Cash Collateralize" means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Lenders). Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings. The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing. Cash collateral shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America. (h) Applicability of ISP98 and UCP. Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued, the rules of the "International Standby Practices 1998" published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance) shall apply to each Letter of Credit. (i) Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Pro Rata Share a Letter of Credit fee for each Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. Such letter of credit fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such letter of credit fees shall be due and payable on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and 26 thereafter on demand. If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily maximum amount of each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. (j) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuer. The Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable. (k) Conflict with Letter of Credit Application. In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Letter of Credit Application, the terms hereof shall control. 2.04 PREPAYMENTS. (a) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon; (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender's Pro Rata Share of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. Each such prepayment shall be applied to the Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares. (b) If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall immediately prepay Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that the Borrower shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.04(b) unless after the prepayment in full of the Loans the Total Outstandings exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect. 2.05 TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS. The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon five Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount 27 of $5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (iv) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Pro Rata Share. All facility and utilization fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination. 2.06 REPAYMENT OF LOANS. The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of Loans outstanding on such date. 2.07 INTEREST. (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate. (b) If any amount payable by the Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws. Furthermore, while any Event of Default exists, the Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws. Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand. (c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law. 2.08 FEES. In addition to certain fees described in subsections (i) and (j) of Section 2.03: (a) Facility Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Pro Rata Share, a facility fee equal to the Applicable Rate times the actual daily amount of the Aggregate Commitments (or, if the Aggregate Commitments have terminated, on the Outstanding Amount of all Loans and L/C Obligations), regardless of usage. The facility fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period (and 28 thereafter so long as any Loans or L/C Obligations remain outstanding), including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date (and, if applicable, thereafter on demand). The facility fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. (b) Utilization Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Pro Rata Share, a utilization fee of 0.125% per annum times the Total Outstandings on each day that the Total Outstandings exceed 50% of the actual daily amount of the Aggregate Commitments. The utilization fee shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date. The utilization fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate for each period during which such Applicable Rate was in effect. The utilization fee shall accrue at all times, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met. (c) Other Fees. (i) The Borrower shall pay to the Arranger and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever. (ii) The Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever. 2.09 COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES. All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by Bank of America's "prime rate" shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.11(a), bear interest for one day. 2.10 EVIDENCE OF DEBT. (a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or 29 any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender's Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto. (b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in subsection (a), each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. 2.11 PAYMENTS GENERALLY. (a) All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent's Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender's Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. (b) If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be. (c) Unless the Borrower or any Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, prior to the date any payment is required to be made by it to the Administrative Agent hereunder, that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, has timely made such payment and may (but shall not be so required to), in reliance thereon, make available a corresponding amount to the Person entitled thereto. If and to the extent that such payment was not in fact made to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds, then: (i) if the Borrower failed to make such payment, each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the portion of such assumed payment that was made available to such Lender in immediately available funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made 30 available by the Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect; and (ii) if any Lender failed to make such payment, such Lender shall forthwith on demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount thereof in immediately available funds, together with interest thereon for the period from the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent (the "Compensation Period") at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender's Loan included in the applicable Borrowing. If such Lender does not pay such amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent's demand therefor, the Administrative Agent may make a demand therefor upon the Borrower, and the Borrower shall pay such amount to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for the Compensation Period at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest applicable to the applicable Borrowing. Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitment or to prejudice any rights which the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error. (d) If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest. (e) The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to fund participations in Letters of Credit are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to fund any such participation on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan or purchase its participation. (f) Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner. 2.12 SHARING OF PAYMENTS. If, other than as expressly provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations held by it, any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Loans made by them and/or such 31 subparticipations in the participations in L/C Obligations held by them, as the case may be, as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment in respect of such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lender's ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lender's required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set-off, but subject to Section 10.09) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments. Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased. ARTICLE III. TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY 3.01 TAXES. (a) Any and all payments by the Borrower to or for the account of the Administrative Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions, assessments, fees, withholdings or similar charges, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income, and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the Laws of which the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, is organized or maintains a lending office (all such non-excluded taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions, assessments, fees, withholdings or similar charges, and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as "Taxes"). If the Borrower shall be required by any Laws to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section), each of the Administrative Agent and such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions, (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable Laws, and (iv) within 30 days after the date of such payment, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative 32 Agent (which shall forward the same to such Lender) the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof. (b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes and any other excise or property taxes or charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document (hereinafter referred to as "Other Taxes"). (c) If the Borrower shall be required to deduct or pay any Taxes or Other Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the Borrower shall also pay to the Administrative Agent or to such Lender, as the case may be, at the time interest is paid, such additional amount that the Administrative Agent or such Lender specifies is necessary to preserve the after-tax yield (after factoring in all taxes, including taxes imposed on or measured by net income) that the Administrative Agent or such Lender would have received if such Taxes or Other Taxes had not been imposed. (d) The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender for (i) the full amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section) paid by the Administrative Agent and such Lender, (ii) amounts payable under Section 3.01(c) and (iii) any liability (including additions to tax, penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, in each case whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. Payment under this subsection (d) shall be made within 30 days after the date the Lender or the Administrative Agent makes a demand therefor. 3.02 ILLEGALITY. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Eurodollar Rate Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted. Each Lender agrees to designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Lender, otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender. 3.03 INABILITY TO DETERMINE RATES. If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any 33 requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan, or that the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein. 3.04 INCREASED COST AND REDUCED RETURN; CAPITAL ADEQUACY. (a) If any Lender determines that as a result of the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any Law, or such Lender's compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Loans or (as the case may be) issuing or participating in Letters of Credit, or a reduction in the amount received or receivable by such Lender in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes of this subsection (a) any such increased costs or reduction in amount resulting from (i) Taxes or Other Taxes (as to which Section 3.01 shall govern), (ii) changes in the basis of taxation of overall net income or overall gross income by the United States or any foreign jurisdiction or any political subdivision of either thereof under the Laws of which such Lender is organized or has its Lending Office, and (iii) reserve requirements utilized in the determination of the Eurodollar Rate, then from time to time upon demand of such Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction. (b) If any Lender determines that the introduction of any Law regarding capital adequacy or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, or compliance by such Lender (or its Lending Office) therewith, has the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender as a consequence of such Lender's obligations hereunder (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy and such Lender's desired return on capital), then from time to time upon demand of such Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such reduction. (c) If any Lender makes demand under either Section 3.04(a) or (b) more than ninety (90) days after it obtains knowledge of an event giving rise to its right to make such demand, such Lender shall, with respect to compensation payable pursuant to Section 3.04(a) or (b), only be entitled to payment thereunder as a result of any such event for the period from and after the date ninety (90) days prior to the date that such Lender does make demand. Each demand shall be accompanied by a certificate stating the amount demanded and stating in reasonable detail the basis for the charges and the method of computation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3.04, no Lender shall demand compensation for any increased cost, charge or reduction referred to in Section 3.04(a) or (b) if it shall not at the time be the general policy of such Lender to demand such compensation in similar circumstances under comparable provisions of other credit agreements, and each Lender shall in good faith endeavor to allocate 34 increased costs or reductions fairly among all of its affected commitments and credit extensions (whether or not it seeks compensation from all affected borrowers). 3.05 FUNDING LOSSES. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of: (a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise); (b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or (c) any assignment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 10.16; including any loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender for services actually performed in connection with the foregoing. For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it at the Eurodollar Base Rate used in determining the Eurodollar Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurodollar Rate Loan was in fact so funded. 3.06 MATTERS APPLICABLE TO ALL REQUESTS FOR COMPENSATION. (a) A certificate of the Administrative Agent or any Lender claiming compensation under this Article III and setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, the Administrative Agent or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods. (b) Upon any Lender's making a claim for compensation under Section 3.01 or 3.04, the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.16. 3.07 SURVIVAL. All of the Borrower's obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder. 35 ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS 4.01 CONDITIONS OF INITIAL CREDIT EXTENSION. The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent: (a) The Administrative Agent's receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or facsimiles (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its legal counsel: (i) executed counterparts of this Agreement, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Borrower; (ii) a Note executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender; (iii) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of the Borrower as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; (iv) such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that the Borrower is duly organized or formed, and that the Borrower is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (v) a favorable opinions of Kevin O'Malley, counsel to the Borrower, and an opinion of Dorsey & Whitney, LLP, special counsel to the Borrower, each addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, as to the matters set forth in Exhibit E and such other matters concerning the Borrower and the Loan Documents as the Required Lenders may reasonably request; (vi) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower and the validity against the Borrower of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required; (vii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying (A) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied, and (B) that there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial 36 Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and (C) the current Debt Ratings; (viii) evidence that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect; (ix) evidence that the Existing Credit Agreement has been or concurrently with the Closing Date is being terminated, all indebtedness and obligations of the Borrower incurred thereunder, and under all other documents executed and delivered in connection therewith, have been, or with the initial Credit Extension hereunder on the Closing Date will be, repaid and the Borrower released from all liability thereunder except such as by their express term survive such repayment and termination; (x) a Compliance Certificate for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, prepared as of the last day of the fiscal quarter thereof ended most recently prior to the Closing Date, pro forma for all Borrowings and repayments of Indebtedness to occur on the Closing Date; and (xi) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer or the Required Lenders reasonably may require. (b) Any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid. (c) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall have paid all Attorney Costs of the Administrative Agent to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of Attorney Costs as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of Attorney Costs incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent). (d) The Closing Date shall have occurred on or before October 31, 2003. 4.02 CONDITIONS TO ALL CREDIT EXTENSIONS. The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent: (a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 4.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.11 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01. (b) No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension. 37 (c) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the L/C Issuer shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof. Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension. ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that: 5.01 CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND POWER. The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries): (a) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation; (b) has the power and authority and all governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to own its assets, carry on its business and to execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents; (c) is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and is licensed and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; and (d) is in compliance with all Laws; except, in each case referred to in clause (b), (c) or clause (d), to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.02 CORPORATE AUTHORIZATION; NO CONTRAVENTION. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and each other Loan Document have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not and will not: (a) contravene the terms of any of the Borrower's Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, any document evidencing any Contractual Obligation to which the Borrower is a party or any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority to which the Borrower or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Laws. 5.03 GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is necessary or 38 required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, the Borrower of this Agreement or any other Loan Document. 5.04 BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability. 5.05 LITIGATION. Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.05, there are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending, or to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, against the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties which: (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; or (b) if determined adversely to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No injunction, writ, temporary restraining order or any order of any nature has been issued by any court or other Governmental Authority purporting to enjoin or restrain the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or directing that the transactions provided for herein or therein not be consummated as herein or therein provided. 5.06 NO DEFAULT. No Default or Event of Default exists or would result from the incurring of any Obligations by the Borrower. As of the Closing Date, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation in any respect which, individually or together with all such defaults, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or that would, if such default had occurred after the Closing Date, create an Event of Default under Section 8.01(e). 5.07 ERISA COMPLIANCE. (a) Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.07, each Plan is in substantial compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other federal or state law. Each Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401 (a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS and to the best knowledge of the Borrower, nothing has occurred which would if not remedied (the time for such remedy not having yet expired) cause the loss of such qualification. (b) There are no pending, or to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or other violation of the fiduciary responsibility rule under ERISA with respect to any Plan which could reasonably result in a Material Adverse Effect. (c) Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.07, no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Pension Plan. 39 (d) Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.07, no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability. (e) Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.07, the Borrower has not incurred, nor does it reasonably expect to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA). (f) Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.07, the Borrower has not transferred any Unfunded Pension Liability to any Person or to the knowledge of the Borrower otherwise engaged in a transaction subject to Section 4069 of ERISA. (g) No trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code maintains or contributes to any Pension Plan or other Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code. During the five year period ending on the Closing Date, neither the Borrower nor any Person under common control with the Borrower (as defined in the preceding sentence) has ever contributed to any multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA. 5.08 USE OF PROCEEDS; MARGIN REGULATIONS. The proceeds of the Loans are to be used solely for the purposes set forth in and permitted by Section 6.11 and Section 7.07. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is generally engaged in the business of purchasing or selling Margin Stock or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock. 5.09 TITLE TO PROPERTIES. The Borrower and each Subsidiary have good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or valid leasehold interests in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of their respective businesses, except for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. As of the Closing Date, the property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) is subject to no Liens, other than Permitted Liens. 5.10 TAXES. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) have filed all federal and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have paid all federal and other material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. There is no proposed tax assessment against the Borrower or any Subsidiary that would, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect or that is not disclosed on Schedule 5.10. 40 5.11 FINANCIAL CONDITION. (a) The audited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries dated December 31, 2002, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements dated June 30, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the fiscal year or the fiscal quarter, respectively, ended on such dates: (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, subject to ordinary, good faith year end audit adjustments in the case of such unaudited statements; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and results of operations for the period covered thereby; and (iii) except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.11, show all material Indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Contingent Obligations. (b) Since December 31, 2002, there has been no Material Adverse Effect. 5.12 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.12, existing Environmental Laws and existing Environmental Claims could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.13 REGULATED ENTITIES. Neither the Borrower, any Person controlling the Borrower, nor any Subsidiary, is an "Investment Company" within the meaning of the Investment Companies Act of 1940. The Borrower is not subject to any other federal or state statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness. 5.14 NO BURDENSOME RESTRICTIONS. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any Contractual Obligation, or subject to any restriction in any Organization Document, or any Requirement of Law, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.15 COPYRIGHTS, PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES, ETC. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries own or are licensed or otherwise have the right to use all of the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, contractual franchises, authorizations and other rights that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses, without conflict with the rights of any other Person. To the best knowledge of the Borrower, no slogan or other advertising device, product, process, method, substance, part or other material now employed, or now contemplated to be employed, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) infringes upon any rights held by any other Person. Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.05, no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending or threatened, and no patent, invention, device, application, principle or any statute, law, rule, regulation, standard or code is pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, proposed, which, in either case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 41 5.16 SUBSIDIARIES. As of the Closing Date, the Borrower has no Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in part (a) of Schedule 5.16 hereto and has no equity investments in any other corporation or entity other than those specifically disclosed in part (b) of Schedule 5.16. 5.17 INSURANCE. The properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) are insured either with financially sound and reputable insurance companies or under legitimate and responsible self-insurance programs, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where the Borrower or its Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) operate. 5.18 FULL DISCLOSURE. None of the representations or warranties made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the Loan Documents as of the date such representations and warranties are made or deemed made, and none of the statements contained in any exhibit, report, statement or certificate furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the Loan Documents (including the offering and disclosure materials delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Lenders prior to the Closing Date), contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading as of the time when made or delivered. 5.19 TAX SHELTER REGULATIONS. The Borrower does not intend to treat the Loans and related transactions as being a "reportable transaction" (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4). In the event the Borrower determines to take any action inconsistent with such intention, it will promptly notify the Lender thereof. If the Borrower so notifies the Lender, the Borrower acknowledges that the Lender may treat the Loans as part of a transaction that is subject to Treasury Regulation Section 301.6112-1, and the Lender will maintain the lists and other records required by such Treasury Regulation. ARTICLE VI. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, 6.03 and 6.11) cause each Subsidiary (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) to: 6.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Deliver to the Administrative Agent, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, with sufficient copies for each Lender: (a) as soon as available, but not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in 42 accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by the opinion of Ernst & Young LLP or another nationally-recognized independent public accounting firm ("Independent Auditor") which report shall state that such consolidated financial statements present fairly the financial position for the periods indicated in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with prior years. Such opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any "going concern" or like qualification or be qualified or limited because of a restricted or limited examination by the Independent Auditor of any material portion of the Borrower or any Subsidiary's records; and (b) as soon as available, but not later than 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, a copy of the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal quarter and the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the period commencing on the first day and ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter, and certified by a Responsible Officer as fairly presenting, in accordance with GAAP (subject to ordinary, good faith year-end audit adjustments), the financial position and the results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(d), the Borrower shall not be separately required to furnish such information under clause (a) or (b) above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of the Borrower to furnish the information and materials described in subsections (a) and (b) above at the times specified therein. 6.02 CERTIFICATES; OTHER INFORMATION. Deliver to the Administrative Agent with sufficient copies for each Lender, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders: (a) (i) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections 6.01 (a) and (b), a Compliance Certificate, executed by a Responsible Officer which certifies, among other things, that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (except as described therein); (b) promptly, copies of all financial statements and reports that the Borrower sends to its shareholders, and copies of all financial statements and regular, periodical or special reports (including Forms 10K, 10Q and 8K) that the Borrower or any Subsidiary may make to, or file with, the SEC; (c) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial or corporate affairs of the Borrower or any Subsidiary as the Administrative Agent, at the request of any Lender, may from time to time reasonably request; (d) promptly after the Borrower has notified the Administrative Agent of any intention by the Borrower to treat the Loans and/or Letters of Credit as being a "reportable transaction" (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4), a duly completed copy of IRS Form 8886 or any successor form; (e) immediately, written notice of the Borrower's receipt of a Debt Rating or any change in such Debt Rating; and (f) immediately, written notice of Loans in excess of 50% of the Total Commitment. 43 Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) or Section 6.02(b) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower's website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower's behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent upon its request for itself and to each Lender that makes a request to the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent on behalf of itself or such Lender and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent and each Lender of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the Compliance Certificates required by Section 6.02(a) to the Administrative Agent for itself and each of the Lenders. Except for such Compliance Certificates, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents. 6.03 NOTICES. Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender: (a) of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, and of the occurrence or existence of any event or circumstance that is reasonably likely to become a Default or Event of Default; (b) of any matter that has resulted or is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including (insofar as the same has resulted or is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect) (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a Contractual Obligation of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws; (c) of any of the following events affecting the Borrower, together with a copy of any notice with respect to such event that may be required to be filed with a Governmental Authority and any notice delivered by a Governmental Authority to the Borrower with respect to such event: (i) an ERISA Event; (ii) if any of the representations and warranties in Section 5.12 ceases to be true and correct; 44 (iii) the adoption of any new Pension Plan or other Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code; (iv) the adoption of any amendment to a Pension Plan or other Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code that results in a material increase in contributions or Unfunded Pension Liability; or (v) the commencement of contributions to any Pension Plan or other Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code; and (d) of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by the Borrower or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries. Each notice under this Section shall be accompanied by a written statement by a Responsible Officer setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein, and stating what action the Borrower or any affected Subsidiary proposes to take with respect thereto and at what time. Each notice under Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all clauses or provisions of this Agreement or other Loan Document that have been (or foreseeably will be) breached or violated. 6.04 PRESERVATION OF CORPORATE EXISTENCE, ETC. (a) preserve and maintain in full force and effect its corporate existence and good standing under the laws of its state or jurisdiction of incorporation; (b) preserve and maintain in full force and effect all governmental rights, privileges, qualifications, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business except in connection with transactions permitted by Section 7.03 and sales of assets permitted by Section 7.02; (c) use reasonable efforts, in the ordinary course of business, to preserve its business organization and goodwill; and (d) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.05 MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY. Maintain, and preserve all its property which is used or useful in its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower and each Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) shall use the standard of care typical in the industry in the operation and maintenance of its facilities. 6.06 INSURANCE. Maintain, either with financially sound and reputable independent insurers or under legitimate and responsible self-insurance programs, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts as are 45 customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons; provided that at all times during the term of this Agreement the Borrower shall maintain insurance coverage with sound and reputable independent insurers in substantially the same amounts and covering substantially the same risks as the coverage existing on the Closing Date which is specifically disclosed in Schedule 6.06. Upon request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the Borrower shall furnish the Agent, with sufficient copies for each Lender, at reasonable intervals (but not more than once per calendar year) a certificate of the Borrower's insurance broker setting forth the nature, extent and such other information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request regarding the independent insurance maintained by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) in accordance with this Section 6.06. 6.07 PAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS. Pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, all their respective obligations and liabilities with respect to which the failure to make payment could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, including (insofar as the same could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect): (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrower or such Subsidiary; (b) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon its property, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrower or such Subsidiary; and (c) all Indebtedness, as and when due and payable. 6.08 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Comply, in all material respects with all requirements of Law of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it or its business (including the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and Regulation U issued by the FRB), except such as may be contested in good faith or as to which a bona fide dispute may exist. 6.09 INSPECTION OF PROPERTY AND BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Borrower shall maintain and shall cause each Subsidiary (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) to maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. The Borrower shall permit, and shall cause each Subsidiary (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) to permit, representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent, at the expense of the Borrower for one annual visit and inspection and at the expense of the Administrative Agent for each more frequent visit and inspection, or any Lender, at such Lender's expense, to visit and inspect any of their respective properties, to examine their respective corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their respective directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided, however, when an Event of Default exists 46 the Administrative Agent or any Lender may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice at the Borrower's expense. 6.10 ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. The Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, conduct its operations and keep and maintain its property in compliance with all Environmental Laws (except for any noncompliance which has not resulted or is not reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect). 6.11 USE OF PROCEEDS. Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions (i) for working capital, capital expenditures, and other corporate purposes not in contravention of any Law or of any Loan Document; and (ii) to refinance, or to provide liquidity to support the Borrower's commercial paper program to be utilized (among other things) to refinance, all Indebtedness of the Borrower outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement. ARTICLE VII. NEGATIVE COVENANTS So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) to, directly or indirectly: 7.01 LIMITATION ON LIENS. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following ("Permitted Liens"): (a) any Lien existing on property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary on the Closing Date and set forth in Schedule 7.01 securing Indebtedness outstanding on such date; (b) any Lien created under any Loan Document; (c) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental charges which-are not delinquent or remain payable without penalty, or to the extent that non-payment thereof is permitted by Section 6.04, provided that no notice of lien has been filed or recorded under the Code; (d) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', landlords', materialmen's, repairmen's or other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business which are not delinquent or remain payable without penalty or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, which proceedings have the effect of preventing the forfeiture or sale of the property subject thereto; (e) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) consisting of pledges or deposits required in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation; 47 (f) Liens on the property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries securing (i) the non-delinquent performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations, (ii) contingent obligations on surety and appeal bonds, and (iii) other non-delinquent obligations of a like nature; in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business, provided all such Liens in the aggregate would not (even if enforced) cause a Material Adverse Effect; (g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business which, in the aggregate, are not substantial in amount, and which do not in any case materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto or interfere with the ordinary conduct of the businesses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; (h) Liens on assets of companies which become Subsidiaries after the date of this Agreement, provided, however, that such Liens existed at the time the respective companies became Subsidiaries and were not created in anticipation thereof; (i) purchase money security interests on any property acquired or held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, securing Indebtedness incurred or assumed for the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring such property; provided that (i) any such Lien attaches to such property concurrently with or within 20 days after the acquisition thereof, (ii) such Lien attaches solely to the property so acquired in such transaction, (iii) the principal amount of the debt secured thereby does not exceed 100% of the cost of such property, and (iv) the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by any and all such purchase money security interests shall not at any time exceed $75,000,000; (j) Liens securing obligations in respect of capital leases on assets subject to such leases, provided that such capital leases are otherwise permitted hereunder; (k) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to banker's liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository institution; provided that (i) such deposit account is not a dedicated cash collateral account and is not subject to restrictions against access by either of the Borrower in excess of those set forth by regulations promulgated by the FRB, and (ii) such deposit account is not intended by either of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to provide collateral to the depository institution; (l) Other Liens on property, provided that the sum of the aggregate Indebtedness secured by such Liens (exclusive of Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by clauses (a) through (k) and (m) and (n) hereof) shall not exceed an amount equal to 5% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as shown on the Borrower's consolidated balance sheet for its most recent prior fiscal quarter; and (m) Liens on accounts receivable and related property of any Subsidiary of the Borrower and/or on any such related property of the Borrower, in each case subject to a Permitted Receivables Facility and created in connection with such Permitted Receivables Facility; and 48 (n) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided, such Liens were in existence prior to such acquisition and were not created in contemplation of such acquisition. 7.02 DISPOSITION OF ASSETS. Sell, assign, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether in one or a series of transactions) any property (including accounts and notes receivable, with or without recourse) or enter into any agreement to do any of the foregoing, except: (a) dispositions of inventory, or used, worn-out or surplus equipment, all in the ordinary course of business; (b) the sale of equipment to the extent that such equipment is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement equipment, or the proceeds of such sale are reasonably promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement equipment; (c) other dispositions of property during the term of this Agreement whose net book value in the aggregate shall not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as reflected on the balance sheet of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries for their most recent prior fiscal quarter; and (d) the sale of notes or account receivables (or interests therein) pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of a Permitted Receivables Facility by the Borrower or any Subsidiary. 7.03 CONSOLIDATIONS AND MERGERS. Merge, consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except: (a) any Subsidiary may merge with the Borrower, provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation, or with any one or more Subsidiaries, provided that if any transaction shall be between a Subsidiary and a wholly-owned Subsidiary, the wholly-owned Subsidiary shall be the continuing or surviving corporation; (b) any Subsidiary may sell all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise), to the Borrower or another wholly-owned Subsidiary or as otherwise permitted by Section 7.02; and (c) any Subsidiary may merge with a third party in order to consummate an Acquisition, including any merger as a result of which the third party is the surviving entity, so long as such entity upon the consummation of the merger is a Subsidiary. 49 7.04 LOANS AND INVESTMENTS. Purchase or acquire, or make any commitment therefor, any capital stock, equity interest, or any obligations or other securities of, or any interest in, any Person, or make or commit to make any Acquisitions, or make or commit to make any advance, loan, extension of credit or capital contribution to or any other investment in, any Person including any Affiliate of the Borrower, except for: (a) investments in cash equivalents and short term marketable securities in accordance with the written investment policy approved from time to time by the Borrower's board of directors, a current copy of which is set forth as Schedule 7.04(a) attached hereto and provided further, that the Borrower shall provide a copy of such policy to any Lender upon written request given to the Administrative Agent from time to time; (b) extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the sale or lease of goods or services in the ordinary course of business; (c) extensions of credit by the Borrower to any of its Subsidiaries or by any of its Subsidiaries to another of its Subsidiaries; (d) Acquisitions, including investments in a Subsidiary or a third party incurred in order to consummate Acquisitions, provided that (i) such Acquisitions are undertaken in accordance with all applicable Laws; and (ii) the prior, effective written consent or approval to such Acquisition of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the acquiree or any owner of any assets being acquired is obtained if such consent or approval is required to authorize the same; (e) minority equity investments or venture capital investments, provided that such investments are within the healthcare industry; (f) loans or other advances made during the term of this Agreement by the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries which in the aggregate do not exceed 1 % of the total assets of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as reflected on the balance sheet of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the most recent fiscal quarter preceding the date of determination; (g) Advances to officers, directors and employees of the Borrower and Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 at any time outstanding, for travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes; and (h) investments in one or more Subsidiaries of the Borrower by the Borrower. The Borrower shall not, and shall not suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, use any portion of the Loan proceeds, directly or indirectly, to acquire any securities in connection with any transaction subject to Section 13(d) (other than an Investment Transaction) or Section 14 of the Exchange Act, unless, prior to the time such transaction becomes subject to such Section 13 or 14, the board of directors or other applicable governing body of the Person that is the issuer of such securities has adopted a resolution approving such transaction. For purposes of this Section 7.04, an "Investment Transaction" means a transaction subject to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, provided that in connection with such transaction the Borrower or any Subsidiary (as the 50 case may be) has reported and at all times continues to report to the SEC that such transaction is undertaken for investment purposes or strategic business purposes. 7.05 LIMITATION ON SUBSIDIARY INDEBTEDNESS. Permit any Subsidiary to create, incur, assume, suffer to exist, or otherwise become or remain directly or indirectly liable with respect to, any Indebtedness or Contingent Obligations, except: (a) Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.05 and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to a reasonable premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection therewith and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder; (b) letters of credit, bid bonds, performance guarantees and overdraft obligations guaranteed by the Borrower so long as the aggregate Indebtedness and Contingent Obligations under this subsection (b) is not of any time in excess of $30,000,000; (c) endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business; (d) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary incurred pursuant to a Permitted Receivables Facility; (e) Indebtedness consisting of (i) the 1.019% unsecured private placement notes issued by Getz Bros. Co. Ltd. ("Getz") in May 2003 in the original principal amount of 20,864,375,000 Japanese Yen and maturing May 7, 2010, and (ii) all loans and other obligations incurred by Getz under a revolving credit facility with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi in the maximum aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding of 2,735,625,000 Japanese Yen, and, with respect to both (i) and (ii), any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to a reasonable premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection therewith and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder. (f) other Indebtedness or Contingent Obligations, provided that the aggregate amount of Indebtedness and Contingent Obligations permitted under subsections (a) and (f) of this Section 7.05 shall not exceed $125,000,000. The restrictions contained in this Section shall not include any Indebtedness of any Subsidiary incurred under this Agreement or under the 364-Day Agreement. 7.06 TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Enter into any transaction with any Affiliate of the Borrower, except upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than would obtain in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate of the Borrower or such Subsidiary. 7.07 USE OF PROCEEDS; REGULATION U. Following the application of proceeds of each Loan, have more than 25% of the value of assets of the Borrower, which are subject to any 51 arrangement with the Administrative Agent or any Lender (herein or otherwise) whereby the Borrower's or any Subsidiary's right or ability to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of assets is in any way restricted, be Margin Stock. 7.08 LIMITATION ON SUBSIDIARY DIVIDENDS. Permit any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) to enter into any agreement with any Person (other than the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement) which prohibits or limits the ability of such Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) to declare or pay any dividends or make other distributions of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities on account of any shares of any class of the capital stock of such Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary). 7.09 JOINT VENTURES. Enter into any Joint Venture which is not in the healthcare industry. 7.10 RESTRICTED PAYMENTS. Declare or make any dividend payment or other distribution of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities on account of any shares of any class of its capital stock, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value any shares of its capital stock or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such shares, now or hereafter outstanding; except that the Borrower and any wholly-owned Subsidiary may: (a) declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in its common stock; (b) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares of its common stock or warrants or options to acquire any such shares with the proceeds received from the substantially concurrent issue of new shares of its common stock; and (c) declare or pay cash dividends to its stockholders and purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares of its capital stock or warrants, rights or options to acquire any such shares for cash provided, that, before and immediately after giving effect to such proposed action, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist. 7.11 CHANGE IN BUSINESS. Engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business carried on by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof. 7.12 ACCOUNTING CHANGES. Make any significant change in accounting treatment or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP, or change the fiscal year of the Borrower or of any Subsidiary. 7.13 CONSOLIDATED INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO. Permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter of the Borrower to be less than 3.5 to 1.0 for the four fiscal quarters ending on such date. 7.14 CONSOLIDATED LEVERAGE RATIO. Permit the Consolidated Leverage Ratio at any time during any period of four fiscal quarters of the Borrower set forth below to be greater than 3.0 to 1.0 for the four fiscal quarters ending on such date. 52 ARTICLE VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES 8.01 EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Any of the following shall constitute an "Event of Default": (a) Non-Payment. The Borrower fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or any L/C Obligation, or (ii) within three days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or on any L/C Obligation, or any facility, utilization or other fee due hereunder, or (iii) within five days after the same becomes due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or (b) Specific Covenants. The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.01, 6.02, 6.03, 6.09, or 6.11 or Article VII and, with respect to any default under Section 6.01 or 6.02, such default shall remain unremedied for a period of five (5) days; or (c) Other Defaults. The Borrower fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues unremedied for 30 days after the earlier of (i) the date upon which a Responsible Officer knew or reasonably should have known of such failure or (ii) the date upon which written notice thereof is given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; or (d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading when made or deemed made; or (e) Cross-Default. (i) The Borrower or any Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) under (I) the 364-Day Credit Agreement or (II) in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the $25,000,000, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition (I) contained in the 364-Day Credit Agreement or (II) relating to any such other Indebtedness or Guarantee or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the lenders under the 364-Day Credit Agreement or any holder or holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness (including without limitation Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the 364-Day Credit Agreement) to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness (including without limitation Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the 364-Day Credit Agreement) to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be 53 demanded; or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by the Borrower or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the Threshold Amount; or (f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or (g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) The Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 30 days after its issue or levy; or (h) Judgments. There is entered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) (i) a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding $75,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or (i) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of $25,000,000, or (ii) the commencement or increase of contributions to, or the adoption of or the amendment of a Pension Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in an increase in Unfunded Pension Liability among all Pension Plans in an aggregate amount in excess of $75,000,000; or (j) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or the Borrower or 54 any other Person contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document; or the Borrower denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any Loan Document; or (k) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control with respect to the Borrower; (l) Loss of Licenses. (i) The Food and Drug Administration or any other Governmental Authority revokes or fails to renew any material license, permit, franchise, patent, trademark, service mark, trade name, copyright, authorization or other right of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or the Borrower or any Subsidiary for any reason loses any material license, permit, franchise, patent, trademark, service mark, trade name, copyright, authorization or other right, or the Borrower or any Subsidiary suffers the imposition of any restraining order, escrow, suspension or impound of funds in connection with any proceeding (judicial or administrative) with respect to any material license, permit, franchise, patent, trademark, service mark, trade name, copyright, authorization or other right; and (ii) any event or circumstance described in clause (i) has resulted or is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect. 8.02 REMEDIES UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions: (a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated; (b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; (c) require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and (d) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable law; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender. 8.03 APPLICATION OF FUNDS. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C 55 Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order: First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including Attorney Costs and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such; Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including Attorney Costs and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them; Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and L/C Borrowings, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them; Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; Fifth, to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer, to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit; and Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law. Subject to Section 2.03(c), amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above. ARTICLE IX. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT 9.01 APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORIZATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. (a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints, designates and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities 56 shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term "agent" herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties. (b) The L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and the L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (i) provided to the Administrative Agent in this Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and the applications and agreements for letters of credit pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term "Administrative Agent" as used in this Article IX and in the definition of "Agent-Related Person" included the L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (ii) as additionally provided herein with respect to the L/C Issuer. 9.02 DELEGATION OF DUTIES. The Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct. 9.03 LIABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. No Agent-Related Person shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein), or (b) be responsible in any manner to any Lender or participant for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by the Borrower or any officer thereof, contained herein or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for any failure of the Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lender or participant to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof. 9.04 RELIANCE BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. (a) The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, communication, signature, resolution, representation, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, electronic mail message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct 57 and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders. (b) For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto. 9.05 NOTICE OF DEFAULT. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a "notice of default." The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article VIII; provided, however, that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders. 9.06 CREDIT DECISION; DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. Each Lender acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by the Administrative Agent hereafter taken, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their possession. Each Lender represents to the Administrative Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such 58 documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent herein, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of the Borrower or its Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person. 9.07 INDEMNIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each Agent-Related Person (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), pro rata, and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided, however, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities to the extent determined in a final, nonappealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Agent-Related Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct; provided, however, that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse the Administrative Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that the Administrative Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Borrower. The undertaking in this Section shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation of the Administrative Agent. 9.08 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. Bank of America and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire equity interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with the Borrower and its Affiliates as though Bank of America were not the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer hereunder and without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, Bank of America or its Affiliates may receive information regarding the Borrower or its Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Borrower or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans, Bank of America shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, and the terms "Lender" and "Lenders" include Bank of America in its individual capacity. 59 9.09 SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. The Administrative Agent may resign as Administrative Agent upon 30 days' notice to the Lenders; provided that any such resignation by Bank of America shall also constitute its resignation as L/C Issuer. If the Administrative Agent resigns under this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor administrative agent for the Lenders, which successor administrative agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor administrative agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent may appoint, after consulting with the Lenders and the Borrower, a successor administrative agent from among the Lenders. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor administrative agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor administrative agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer and the respective terms "Administrative Agent" and "L/C Issuer" shall mean such successor administrative agent and Letter of Credit issuer, and the retiring Administrative Agent's appointment, powers and duties as Administrative Agent shall be terminated and the retiring L/C Issuer's rights, powers and duties as such shall be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such retiring L/C Issuer or any other Lender, other than the obligation of the successor L/C Issuer to issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or to make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring L/C Issuer to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring L/C Issuer with respect to such Letters of Credit. After any retiring Administrative Agent's resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement. If no successor administrative agent has accepted appointment as Administrative Agent by the date which is 30 days following a retiring Administrative Agent's notice of resignation, the retiring Administrative Agent's resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. 9.10 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM. In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(i) and (j), 2.08 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and 60 (b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.08 and 10.04. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding. 9.11 OTHER AGENTS; ARRANGERS AND MANAGERS. None of the Lenders or other Persons identified on the facing page or signature pages of this Agreement as a "syndication agent," "documentation agent," "co-agent," "book manager," "lead manager," "arranger," "lead arranger" or "co-arranger" shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than, in the case of such Lenders, those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder. ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS 10.01 AMENDMENTS, ETC. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall: (a) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01(a) without the written consent of each Lender; (b) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02) without the written consent of such Lender; (c) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; 61 (d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iv) of the second proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Documents, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of "Default Rate" or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate; (e) change Section 2.12 or Section 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender; (f) change any provision of this Section or the definition of "Required Lenders" or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; and, provided further, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Letter of Credit Application relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (iii) Section 10.07(h) may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other modification; and (iv) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender. 10.02 NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS; FACSIMILE COPIES. (a) General. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including by facsimile transmission). All such written notices shall be mailed, faxed or delivered to the applicable address, facsimile number or (subject to subsection (c) below) electronic mail address, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows: (i) if to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 or to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the other parties; and (ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire or to such 62 other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the L/C Issuer. All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to be given or made upon the earlier to occur of (i) actual receipt by the relevant party hereto and (ii) (A) if delivered by hand or by courier, when signed for by or on behalf of the relevant party hereto; (B) if delivered by mail, four Business Days after deposit in the mails, postage prepaid; (C) if delivered by facsimile, when sent and receipt has been confirmed by telephone; and (D) if delivered by electronic mail (which form of delivery is subject to the provisions of subsection (c) below), when delivered; provided, however, that notices and other communications to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II shall not be effective until actually received by such Person. In no event shall a voicemail message be effective as a notice, communication or confirmation hereunder. (b) Effectiveness of Facsimile Documents and Signatures. Loan Documents may be transmitted and/or signed by facsimile. The effectiveness of any such documents and signatures shall, subject to applicable Law, have the same force and effect as manually-signed originals and shall be binding on the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. The Administrative Agent may also require that any such documents and signatures be confirmed by a manually-signed original thereof; provided, however, that the failure to request or deliver the same shall not limit the effectiveness of any facsimile document or signature. (c) Limited Use of Electronic Mail. Electronic mail and Internet and intranet websites may be used only to distribute routine communications, such as financial statements and other information as provided in Section 6.02, and to distribute Loan Documents for execution by the parties thereto, and may not be used for any other purpose. (d) Reliance by Administrative Agent and Lenders. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify each Agent-Related Person and each Lender from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording. 10.03 NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law. 63 10.04 ATTORNEY COSTS, EXPENSES AND TAXES. The Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the development, preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby are consummated), and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including all Attorney Costs, and (b) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent and each Lender for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement, attempted enforcement, or preservation of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any "workout" or restructuring in respect of the Obligations and during any legal proceeding, including any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law), including all reasonable Attorney Costs. The foregoing costs and expenses shall include all search, filing, recording, title insurance and appraisal charges and fees and taxes related thereto, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and the cost of independent public accountants and other outside experts retained by the Administrative Agent or any Lender. All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be payable within ten Business Days after demand therefor. The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations. 10.05 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE BORROWER. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person, each Lender and their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, counsel, agents and attorneys-in-fact (collectively the "Indemnitees") from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) any Commitment, Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), or (c) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or (d) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the "Indemnified Liabilities"), in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee. No Indemnitee shall be liable for 64 any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement, nor shall any Indemnitee have any liability for any indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date). All amounts due under this Section 10.05 shall be payable within ten Business Days after demand therefor. The agreements in this Section shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. 10.06 PAYMENTS SET ASIDE. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent or any Lender exercises its right of set-off, and such payment or the proceeds of such set-off or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such set-off had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. 10.07 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) or (i) of this Section, or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of subsection (h) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement. (b) Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this subsection (b), participations in L/C Obligations) at the time owing to it); provided that (i) except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender's Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund 65 (as defined in subsection (g) of this Section) with respect to a Lender, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if "Trade Date" is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); (ii) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned; (iii) any assignment of a Commitment must be approved by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer unless the Person that is the proposed assignee is itself a Lender (whether or not the proposed assignee would otherwise qualify as an Eligible Assignee); and (iv) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 10.04 and 10.05 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section. (c) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent's Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Loans and L/C Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the "Register"). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. (d) Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower's Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a "Participant") in all or a portion of such Lender's rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender's participations in L/C Obligations) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender's obligations under this Agreement shall 66 remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that directly affects such Participant. Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.09 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.12 as though it were a Lender. (e) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 or 3.04 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower's prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 10.15 as though it were a Lender. (f) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto. (g) As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: "Eligible Assignee" means (a) a Lender; (b) an Affiliate of a Lender; (c) an Approved Fund; and (d) any other Person (other than a natural person) approved by (i) the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, and (ii) unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower (each such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, "Eligible Assignee" shall not include the Borrower or any of the Borrower's Affiliates or Subsidiaries. "Fund" means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business. "Approved Fund" means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender. 67 (h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a "Granting Lender") may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an "SPC") the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, and (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof. Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement (including its obligations under Section 3.04), (ii) no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder. The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior debt of any SPC, it will not institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, or liquidation proceeding under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3500, assign all or any portion of its right to receive payment with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC. (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender that is a Fund may create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it to the trustee for holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Fund as security for such obligations or securities, provided that unless and until such trustee actually becomes a Lender in compliance with the other provisions of this Section 10.07, (i) no such pledge shall release the pledging Lender from any of its obligations under the Loan Documents and (ii) such trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a Lender under the Loan Documents even though such trustee may have acquired ownership rights with respect to the pledged interest through foreclosure or otherwise. (j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above, Bank of America may, upon 30 days' notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as L/C Issuer. In the event of any such resignation as L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor L/C Issuer hereunder; provided, however, that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Bank of America as L/C Issuer. If Bank of America resigns as L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights and obligations of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date 68 of its resignation as L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)). 10.08 CONFIDENTIALITY. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates' directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under or any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Documents or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower, or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For the purposes of this Section, "Information" means all information received from the Borrower relating to it or any of its businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower, provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, "Information" shall not include, and the Administrative Agent and each Lender may disclose without limitation of any kind, any information with respect to the "tax treatment" and "tax structure" (in each case, within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4) of the transactions contemplated hereby) and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the Administrative Agent or such Lender relating to such tax treatment and tax structure; provided that with respect to any document or similar item that in either case contains information concerning the tax treatment or tax structure of the transaction as well as other information, this sentence shall only apply to such portions of the document or similar item that relate to the tax treatment or tax structure of the Loans, Letters of Credit and transactions contemplated hereby. 10.09 SET-OFF. In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower, any such notice being waived by the Borrower to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, 69 and other indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not the Administrative Agent or such Lender shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or indebtedness. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any such set-off and application made by such Lender; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application. 10.10 INTEREST RATE LIMITATION. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the "Maximum Rate"). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder. 10.11 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 10.12 INTEGRATION. This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, comprises the complete and integrated agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, on such subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control; provided that the inclusion of supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in any other Loan Document shall not be deemed a conflict with this Agreement. Each Loan Document was drafted with the joint participation of the respective parties thereto and shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any party, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof. 10.13 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding. 70 10.14 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. 10.15 TAX FORMS. (a) (i) Each Lender that is not a "United States person" within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code (a "Foreign Lender") shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, prior to receipt of any payment subject to withholding under the Code (or upon accepting an assignment of an interest herein), two duly signed completed copies of either IRS Form W-8BEN or any successor thereto (relating to such Foreign Lender and entitling it to an exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax on all payments to be made to such Foreign Lender by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement) or IRS Form W-8ECI or any successor thereto (relating to all payments to be made to such Foreign Lender by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement) or such other evidence satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that such Foreign Lender is entitled to an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. withholding tax, including any exemption pursuant to Section 881(c) of the Code. Thereafter and from time to time, each such Foreign Lender shall (A) promptly submit to the Administrative Agent such additional duly completed and signed copies of one of such forms (or such successor forms as shall be adopted from time to time by the relevant United States taxing authorities) as may then be available under then current United States laws and regulations to avoid, or such evidence as is satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of any available exemption from or reduction of, United States withholding taxes in respect of all payments to be made to such Foreign Lender by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, (B) promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction, and (C) take such steps as shall not be materially disadvantageous to it, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, and as may be reasonably necessary (including the re-designation of its Lending Office) to avoid any requirement of applicable Laws that the Borrower make any deduction or withholding for taxes from amounts payable to such Foreign Lender. (ii) Each Foreign Lender, to the extent it does not act or ceases to act for its own account with respect to any portion of any sums paid or payable to such Lender under any of the Loan Documents (for example, in the case of a typical participation by such Lender), shall deliver to the Administrative Agent on the date when such Foreign Lender ceases to act for its own account with respect to any portion of any such sums paid or payable, and at such other times as may be necessary in the determination of the Administrative Agent (in the reasonable exercise of its discretion), (A) two duly signed completed copies of the forms or statements required to be provided by such Lender as set forth above, to establish the portion of any such sums paid or payable with respect to 71 which such Lender acts for its own account that is not subject to U.S. withholding tax, and (B) two duly signed completed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor thereto), together with any information such Lender chooses to transmit with such form, and any other certificate or statement of exemption required under the Code, to establish that such Lender is not acting for its own account with respect to a portion of any such sums payable to such Lender. (iii) The Borrower shall not be required to pay any additional amount to any Foreign Lender under Section 3.01 (A) with respect to any Taxes required to be deducted or withheld on the basis of the information, certificates or statements of exemption such Lender transmits with an IRS Form W-8IMY pursuant to this Section 10.15(a) or (B) if such Lender shall have failed to satisfy the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.15(a); provided that if such Lender shall have satisfied the requirement of this Section 10.15(a) on the date such Lender became a Lender or ceased to act for its own account with respect to any payment under any of the Loan Documents, nothing in this Section 10.15(a) shall relieve the Borrower of its obligation to pay any amounts pursuant to Section 3.01 in the event that, as a result of any change in any applicable law, treaty or governmental rule, regulation or order, or any change in the interpretation, administration or application thereof, such Lender is no longer properly entitled to deliver forms, certificates or other evidence at a subsequent date establishing the fact that such Lender or other Person for the account of which such Lender receives any sums payable under any of the Loan Documents is not subject to withholding or is subject to withholding at a reduced rate. (iv) The Administrative Agent may, without reduction, withhold any Taxes required to be deducted and withheld from any payment under any of the Loan Documents with respect to which the Borrower is not required to pay additional amounts under this Section 10.15(a). (b) Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, each Lender that is a "United States person" within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code shall deliver to the Administrative Agent two duly signed completed copies of IRS Form W-9. If such Lender fails to deliver such forms, then the Administrative Agent may withhold from any interest payment to such Lender an amount equivalent to the applicable back-up withholding tax imposed by the Code, without reduction. (c) If any Governmental Authority asserts that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold or backup withhold, as the case may be, any tax or other amount from payments made to or for the account of any Lender, such Lender shall indemnify the Administrative Agent therefor, including all penalties and interest, any taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts payable to the Administrative Agent under this Section, and costs and expenses (including Attorney Costs) of the Administrative Agent. The obligation of the Lenders under this Section shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder and the resignation of the Administrative Agent. 10.16 REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS. Under any circumstances set forth herein providing that the Borrower shall have the right to replace a Lender as a party to this Agreement, the 72 Borrower may, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, replace such Lender by causing such Lender to assign its Commitment (with the assignment fee to be paid by the Borrower in such instance) pursuant to Section 10.07(b) to one or more other Lenders or Eligible Assignees procured by the Borrower; provided, however, that if the Borrower elects to exercise such right with respect to any Lender pursuant to Section 3.06(b), it shall be obligated to replace all Lenders that have made similar requests for compensation pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04. The Borrower shall (x) pay in full all principal, interest, fees and other amounts owing to such Lender through the date of replacement (including any amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.05), (y) provide appropriate assurances and indemnities (which may include letters of credit) to the L/C Issuer as each may reasonably require with respect to any continuing obligation to fund participation interests in any L/C Obligations then outstanding, and (z) release such Lender from its obligations under the Loan Documents. Any Lender being replaced shall execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lender's Commitment and outstanding Loans and participations in L/C Obligations. 10.17 GOVERNING LAW. (a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE; PROVIDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER SHALL RETAIN ALL RIGHTS ARISING UNDER FEDERAL LAW. (b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS. THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY SUMMONS, COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS, WHICH MAY BE MADE BY ANY OTHER MEANS PERMITTED BY THE LAW OF SUCH STATE. 10.18 WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN 73 CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. 74 IN WITNESS WHEROF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written. ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC. By: /s/ John C. Heinmiller --------------------------- Name: John C. Heinmiller --------------------------- Title: Vice President Finance, CFO --------------------------- BANK OF AMERICA, N.A, as Administrative Agent By: /s/ Gary Flieger -------------------------------- Name: Gary Flieger -------------------------------- Title: Vice President -------------------------------- S-2 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A, as a Lender By: /s/ Philip Durand -------------------------- Name: Philip Durand -------------------------- Title: Managing Director -------------------------- S-3 WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender By: /s/ Allison S. Gelfman ------------------------ Name: Allison S. Gelfman ------------------------ Title: Vice President ------------------------ By: /s/ Edward B. Hanson ------------------------ Name: Edward B. Hanson ------------------------ Title: Assistant Vice President ------------------------ S-4 KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender By: /s/ Christopher A. Swindell --------------------------- Name: Christopher A. Swindell --------------------------- Title: Portfolio Manager --------------------------- S-5 ABN AMRO BANK, N.V., as a Lender By: /s/ Alexander M. Blodi --------------------------- Name: Alexander M. Blodi --------------------------- Title: Director --------------------------- By: /s/ Todd J. Miller --------------------------- Name: Todd J. Miller --------------------------- Title: Assistant Vice President --------------------------- S-6 BANCO DI ROMA - CHICAGO BRANCH, as a Lender By: /s/ Joyce Montgomery ----------------------------- Name: Joyce Montgomery ----------------------------- Title: Vice President ----------------------------- By: /s/ Enrico Verdoscia ----------------------------- Name: Enrico Verdoscia ----------------------------- Title: Sr. Vice President ----------------------------- S-7 THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LTD., CHICAGO BRANCH, as a Lender By: /s/ Patrick McCue --------------------------- Name: Patrick McCue --------------------------- Title: Vice President & Manager --------------------------- S-8 KBC BANK N.V., as a Lender By: /s/ Stefano Snozzi -------------------- Name: Stefano Snozzi -------------------- Title: First Vice President -------------------- By: /s/ Robert Snauffer -------------------- Name: Robert Snauffer -------------------- Title: First Vice President -------------------- S-9 BANK ONE, N.A., as a Lender By: /s/ Anthony Maggiore ---------------------------------------- Name: Anthony Maggiore ---------------------------------------- Title: Director, Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. ---------------------------------------- S-10 BNP PARIBAS, as a Lender By: /s/ Jo Ellen Bender ---------------------- Name: Jo Ellen Bender ---------------------- Title: Managing Director ---------------------- By: /s/ Peter C. Labrie ---------------------- Name: Peter C. Labrie ---------------------- Title: Central Region Manager ---------------------- S-11 SUNTRUST BANK, as a Lender By: /s/ Elizabeth Tarpy ------------------- Name: Elizabeth Tarpy ------------------- Title: Associate ------------------- S-12 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender By: /s/ Jacqueline T. Ryan ----------------------------- Name: Jacqueline T. Ryan ----------------------------- Title: Vice President ----------------------------- S-13 FIFTH THIRD BANK, as a Lender By: /s/ Andrew L Buschle ---------------------- Name: Andrew L. Buschle ---------------------- Title: Vice President ---------------------- S-14 EX-31.1 4 stjude034806_ex31-1.txt EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Terry L. Shepherd, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of St. Jude Medical, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: November 11, 2003 ----------------- /s/ Terry L. Shepherd - ------------------------------------ Terry L. Shepherd Chairman and Chief Executive Officer EX-31.2 5 stjude034806_ex31-2.txt EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, John C. Heinmiller, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of St. Jude Medical, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: November 11, 2003 ----------------- /s/ John C. Heinmiller - ---------------------------------------------------- John C. Heinmiller Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer EX-32.1 6 stjude034806_ex32-1.txt EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report of St. Jude Medical, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Terry L. Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Terry L. Shepherd ------------------------------------ Terry L. Shepherd Chairman and Chief Executive Officer November 11, 2003 EX-32.2 7 stjude034806_ex32-2.txt EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report of St. Jude Medical, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, John C. Heinmiller, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ John C. Heinmiller --------------------------------------- John C. Heinmiller Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer November 11, 2003 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

__X__ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 OR

____ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____________ TO _____________.

Commission File Number 0-8672

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands)

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited)

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC. NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

NOTE 4 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

NOTE 5 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 6 — SPECIAL CHARGES

NOTE 7 – DEBT

NOTE 8 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

NOTE 9 – NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

NOTE 10 — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

NOTE 11 — OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

NOTE 12 — SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FINANCIAL CONDITION

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

X QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _ TO _____.

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS