-----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, FpRc+lUcXGtizDxad/LHWkOz4RVF1fGMJys5JLVFnq8L5RcD5N3rG+ZvjlsSULqV 4cKEd+O3n22cntqBW2cv5Q== 0001104659-04-011164.txt : 20040426 0001104659-04-011164.hdr.sgml : 20040426 20040426092451 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-04-011164 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20040328 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040426 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000039135 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-EATING PLACES [5812] IRS NUMBER: 042053130 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13579 FILM NUMBER: 04752826 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1855 BOSTON ROAD CITY: WILBRAHAM STATE: MA ZIP: 01095 BUSINESS PHONE: 4135432400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1855 BOSTON ROAD CITY: WILBRAHAM STATE: MA ZIP: 01095 10-Q 1 a04-4511_110q.htm 10-Q

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

ý

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended March 28, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                 to              

 

Commission File No. 001-13579

 


 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Massachusetts

 

04-2053130

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

1855 Boston Road
Wilbraham, Massachusetts

 

01095

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(413) 543-2400

(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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o  No ý

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Outstanding at April 16, 2004

 

 

 

Common Stock, $.01 par value

 

7,552,801 shares

 

 



 

PART I - - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements

 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

56,650

 

$

25,631

 

Restricted cash

 

1,290

 

1,671

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

12,406

 

10,384

 

Litigation settlement receivable

 

3,775

 

 

Inventories

 

16,815

 

15,669

 

Deferred income taxes

 

6,647

 

6,647

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

4,901

 

1,539

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

102,484

 

61,541

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

909

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

164,322

 

167,109

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND DEFERRED COSTS, net of accumulated amortization

 

22,281

 

17,890

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

5,877

 

5,912

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

295,873

 

$

252,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

49,312

 

$

1,127

 

Current maturities of capital lease and finance obligations

 

1,306

 

911

 

Accounts payable

 

21,905

 

22,475

 

Accrued salaries and benefits

 

10,439

 

9,635

 

Accrued interest payable

 

3,091

 

2,033

 

Insurance reserves

 

10,769

 

10,041

 

Restructuring reserves

 

2,666

 

441

 

Other accrued expenses

 

15,532

 

19,055

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

115,020

 

65,718

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

 

1,289

 

CAPITAL LEASE AND FINANCE OBLIGATIONS, less current maturities

 

7,428

 

5,773

 

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities

 

226,640

 

227,937

 

ACCRUED PENSION COST

 

15,576

 

16,127

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

33,787

 

33,634

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

75

 

75

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

141,403

 

140,826

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(19,922

)

(19,922

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(224,134

)

(219,005

)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

(102,578

)

(98,026

)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

$

295,873

 

$

252,452

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1



 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 Restaurant

 

$

104,353

 

$

103,168

 

 Foodservice

 

23,343

 

23,267

 

 Franchise

 

3,058

 

2,255

 

TOTAL REVENUES

 

130,754

 

128,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 Cost of sales

 

45,588

 

45,977

 

 Labor and benefits

 

39,934

 

38,128

 

 Operating expenses

 

25,052

 

24,288

 

 General and administrative expenses

 

10,697

 

10,063

 

 Restructuring expenses

 

2,627

 

 

 Gain on litigation settlement

 

(3,644

)

 

 Depreciation and amortization

 

5,606

 

5,627

 

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties

 

(906

)

 

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

171

 

573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

5,629

 

4,034

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

6,064

 

6,102

 

Other expenses, principally debt retirement costs

 

6,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES

 

(7,327

)

(2,068

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from income taxes

 

2,198

 

579

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET LOSS

 

$

(5,129

)

$

(1,489

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE

 

$

(0.68

)

$

(0.20

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE BASIC AND DILUTED SHARES

 

7,520

 

7,415

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2



 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(5,129

)

$

(1,489

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

333

 

65

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,606

 

5,627

 

Write-offs of deferred financing costs

 

1,788

 

 

Deferred income tax benefit

 

(2,198

)

(579

)

(Gain) loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

(735

)

573

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(5,797

)

1,200

 

Inventories

 

(1,146

)

(74

)

Other assets

 

(2,946

)

(229

)

Accounts payable

 

(570

)

(1,204

)

Accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities

 

894

 

(2,324

)

NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

(9,900

)

1,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(2,255

)

(5,157

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

2,897

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

642

 

(5,157

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

 

175,000

 

 

Repayments of debt

 

(128,112

)

(267

)

Payments related to deferred financing costs

 

(6,625

)

 

Repayments of capital lease and finance obligations

 

(230

)

(482

)

Stock options exercised

 

244

 

127

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

40,277

 

(622

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

31,019

 

(4,213

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

25,631

 

34,341

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

56,650

 

$

30,128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

4,927

 

$

1,325

 

Income taxes

 

7

 

686

 

Capital lease obligations incurred

 

2,280

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Interim Financial Information -

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 28, 2004 and for the three months ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003 are unaudited, but, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows and comprehensive loss of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (“FICC”) and subsidiaries (unless the context indicates otherwise, collectively, the “Company”). Such adjustments consist solely of normal recurring accruals. Operating results for the three month periods ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year due, in part, to the seasonality of the Company’s business. Historically, higher revenues and operating income have been experienced during the second and third fiscal quarters. The Company’s consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, which are contained in the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with these condensed consolidated financial statements. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein should be referenced to the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements -

 

The preparation of 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 of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The critical accounting policies and most significant estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition, insurance reserves, recoverability of accounts receivable, valuation allowances and pension and other post-retirement benefits expense. Actual amounts could differ significantly from the estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition -

 

The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from the operation of full-service restaurants, the distribution and sale of premium ice cream desserts through retail and institutional locations and franchising. The Company recognizes restaurant revenue upon receipt of payment from the customer and retail revenue, net of discounts and allowances, upon delivery of product. Reserves for discounts and allowances from retail sales are estimated and accrued when revenue is recorded. Actual amounts could differ materially from the estimates. Franchise royalty income, generally calculated as 4% of net sales of franchisees, is recorded monthly based upon the actual sales reported by each franchisee for the month just completed. Franchise fees are recorded as revenue upon completion of all significant services, generally upon opening of the restaurant.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs -

 

Costs related to shipping and handling are included in cost of sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.

 

4



 

Insurance Reserves -

 

The Company is self-insured through retentions or deductibles for the majority of its workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability, employer’s liability, product liability and group health insurance programs. Self-insurance amounts vary up to $500,000 per occurrence. Insurance with third parties, some of which is then reinsured through Restaurant Insurance Corporation (“RIC”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, is in place for claims in excess of these self-insured amounts. RIC reinsures 100% of the risk from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence through September 2, 2000 for FICC’s workers’ compensation, general liability, employer’s liability and product liability insurance. Subsequent to September 2, 2000, the Company discontinued its use of RIC as a captive insurer for new claims. FICC’s and RIC’s liabilities for estimated incurred losses are actuarially determined and recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on an undiscounted basis. Actual incurred losses may vary from the estimated incurred losses and could have a material effect on the Company’s insurance expense.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts -

 

At March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, accounts receivable of $12,406,000 and $10,384,000 were net of allowances for doubtful accounts totaling $815,000 and $696,000, respectively. Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due from the sale of products to franchisees and supermarkets. Accounts receivable also includes amounts related to franchise royalties, rents and other miscellaneous items.

 

The Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts to ensure receivables are not overstated due to uncollectibility. Bad debt reserves are maintained for customers in the aggregate based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, significant one-time events and historical experience. An additional reserve for individual accounts is recorded when the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to customers change, estimates of the recoverability of receivables would be further adjusted.

 

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits -

 

The determination of the Company’s obligation and expense for pension and other post-retirement benefits is dependent upon the selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include, among other things, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation and health care costs. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect the recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future periods. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions may materially affect the future pension and other post-retirement obligations and expense.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents -

 

The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

5



 

Restricted Cash -

 

RIC is required to hold assets in trust whose value is at least equal to certain of RIC’s outstanding estimated insurance claim liabilities. Accordingly, as of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, cash of $1,290,000 and $1,671,000, respectively, was restricted.

 

Inventories -

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market and consisted of the following at March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003 (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

2,200

 

$

1,557

 

Goods in process

 

153

 

114

 

Finished goods

 

14,462

 

13,998

 

Total

 

$

16,815

 

$

15,669

 

 

Long-Lived Assets -

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” which was adopted in 2002, the Company reviews its Non-Friendly Marks, which were assigned to the Company by Hershey in September 2002, for impairment on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes impairment has occurred when the carrying value of the Non-Friendly Marks exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the trademarked products. Additionally, the Company reviews long-lived assets related to each restaurant to be held and used in the business quarterly for impairment, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates restaurants using a “two-year history of cash flow” as the primary indicator of potential impairment. Based on the best information available, the Company writes down an impaired restaurant to its estimated fair market value, which becomes its new cost basis. Estimated fair market value is based on the Company’s experience selling similar properties and local market conditions, less costs to sell for properties to be disposed of. In addition, restaurants scheduled for closing are reviewed for impairment and depreciable lives are adjusted. The impairment evaluation is based on the estimated cash flows from continuing use through the expected disposal date and the expected terminal value.

 

Store closure costs include costs of disposing of the assets as well as other facility-related expenses from previously closed stores. These store closure costs are expensed as incurred. Additionally, at the date the closure occurs, the Company records a liability for the amount of any remaining operating lease obligations subsequent to the expected closure date, net of estimated sublease income, if any.

 

6



 

SFAS No. 144 also requires the results of operations of a component entity that is classified as held for sale or has been disposed of to be reported as discontinued operations in the statement of operations if certain conditions are met. These conditions include commitment to a plan of disposal after the effective date of this statement, elimination of the operations and cash flows of the component entity from the ongoing operations of the company and no significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component entity after the disposal transaction. The results of operations of stores meeting all of these conditions that were disposed of in 2004 or classified as held for sale at March 28, 2004 were not material for the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003.

 

Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use, terminal value, closure costs and sublease income. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from estimates.

 

Other Assets -

 

Other assets included notes receivable of $4,610,000 and $4,638,000, which were net of allowances for doubtful accounts totaling $313,000, as of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, respectively. Also included in other assets as of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003 were payments made to fronting insurance carriers of $1,211,000 to establish loss escrow funds.

 

Other Accrued Expenses-

 

Other accrued expenses consisted of the following at March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003 (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gift cards outstanding

 

$

2,034

 

$

3,975

 

Accrued meals and other taxes

 

3,217

 

2,947

 

Accrued bonus

 

1,607

 

2,853

 

Accrued rent

 

2,389

 

2,416

 

Accrued construction costs

 

632

 

2,331

 

Accrued advertising

 

2,600

 

1,554

 

Unearned revenues

 

896

 

894

 

All other

 

2,157

 

2,085

 

Total

 

$

15,532

 

$

19,055

 

 

7



 

Income Taxes -

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax assets whose realization is not likely. The Company records income taxes based on the effective rate expected for the year with any changes in the valuation allowance reflected in the period of change. As of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, a valuation allowance of $10,130,000 existed related to state NOL carryforwards due to restrictions on the usage of state NOL carryforwards and short carryforward periods for certain states. Taxable income by state for future periods is difficult to estimate. The amount and timing of any future taxable income may affect the usage of such carryforwards, which could result in a material change in the valuation allowance.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Agreements - -

 

The Company enters into commodity option contracts from time to time to manage dairy cost pressures. The Company’s commodity option contracts do not meet hedge accounting criteria as defined by SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and, accordingly, are marked to market each period, with the resulting gains or losses recognized in cost of sales. For the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, gains of approximately $771,000 and losses of approximately $253,000, respectively, were included in cost of sales related to these option contracts.

 

Net Loss Per Share -

 

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents are dilutive stock options and warrants that are assumed exercised for calculation purposes. The number of common stock options which could dilute basic earnings per share in the future, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive, was 328,000 and 332,000 for the three months ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, respectively.

 

8



 

Stock-Based Compensation -

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for employees under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and elected the disclosure-only alternative under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Stock-based compensation cost of approximately $222,000 related to modified option awards was included in net loss for the three months ended March 28, 2004 for the Company’s Stock Option Plan and the Company’s 2003 Incentive Plan. No stock-based compensation cost was included in net loss for the three months ended March 30, 2003 for the Company's Stock Option Plan or the Company's 2003 Incentive Plan, as all options granted during this period had an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant.

 

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure,” which amends SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 148 allows for three methods of transition for those companies that adopt SFAS No. 123’s provisions for fair value recognition. SFAS No. 148’s transition guidance and provisions for annual disclosures are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. In accordance with SFAS No. 148, the Company will continue to disclose the required pro-forma information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 148, the following table presents the effect on net loss and net loss per share had compensation cost for the Company’s stock plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss as reported

 

$

(5,129

)

$

(1,489

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add stock-based compensation expense included in reported net loss, net of related income tax benefit

 

131

 

 

Less stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all stock options, net of related income tax benefit

 

(105

)

(101

)

Pro forma net loss

 

$

(5,103

)

$

(1,590

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share, as reported

 

$

(0.68

)

$

(0.20

)

Basic and diluted net loss per share, pro forma

 

$

(0.68

)

$

(0.21

)

 

9



 

Reclassifications -

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation, including $775,000 from operating expenses to general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended March 30, 2003.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements -

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective for all entities subject to this interpretation no later than the end of the first period that ends after March 15, 2004. The adoption of FIN 46 in 2003 had no material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

 

2. DEBT

 

Debt at March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Senior Notes, 8 3/8%, due June 15, 2012

 

$

175,000

 

$

 

Senior Notes, 10 1/2%, originally due December 1, 2007

 

48,144

 

175,977

 

Revolving credit loans, due June 30, 2007

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, due April 1, 2004 through January 1, 2022

 

52,808

 

53,087

 

Total debt

 

275,952

 

229,064

 

Less: current portion

 

(49,312

)

(1,127

)

Total long-term debt

 

$

226,640

 

$

227,937

 

 

In November 1997, FICC entered into a credit facility that included revolving credit loans, term loans and letters of credit (the “Old Credit Facility”).  Also in November 1997, FICC completed a public offering of $200,000,000 of senior notes (the “Senior Notes”).

 

10



 

In December 2001, the Company completed a financial restructuring plan (the “Refinancing Plan”) which included the repayment of the $64,545,000 outstanding under the Old Credit Facility and the purchase of $21,273,000 in Senior Notes with the proceeds from $55,000,000 in long-term mortgage financing (the “Mortgage Financing”) and a $33,700,000 sale and leaseback transaction (the “Sale/Leaseback Financing”). In addition, FICC secured a new $30,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “New Credit Facility”) of which up to $20,000,000 is available to support letters of credit.  On July 3, 2003, FICC obtained a limited waiver to the New Credit Facility allowing the purchase of certain of the Senior Notes in an amount up to $3,000,000, subject to certain conditions. In July 2003, FICC purchased $2,750,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes for $2,826,000, the then current market value.

 

In February 2004, the Company announced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for the $175,977,000 of Senior Notes to be financed with the proceeds from a private offering of new senior notes (the “New Senior Notes”), available cash and an amended New Credit Facility (the “2004 Refinancing”).  In March 2004, $127,357,000 of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes were purchased at the tender offer and consent solicitation price of 104% of the principal amount and $476,000 of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes were purchased at the tender offer price of 102% of the principal amount. In April 2004, the remaining $48,144,000 of Senior Notes were redeemed in accordance with the Senior Notes indenture at 103.5% of the principal amount.  The Senior Notes would have matured on December 1, 2007.  Interest on the Senior Notes was payable at 10.5% per annum semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.  In connection with the tender offer, the Company wrote off unamortized deferred financing costs of $1,788,000 and paid a premium of $5,104,000 that were included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the first quarter ended March 28, 2004.  In April 2004, the Company wrote off unamortized deferred financing costs of $657,000 and paid a premium of $1,685,000 in connection with the redemption of the remaining Senior Notes. The $2,342,000 will be included in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the second fiscal quarter ending June 27, 2004.

 

The $175,000,000 of New Senior Notes issued in March 2004 are unsecured senior obligations of FICC, guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by FICC’s Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. subsidiary, but are effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of FICC, including the indebtedness incurred under the New Credit Facility. The New Senior Notes mature on June 15, 2012. Interest on the New Senior Notes is payable at 8.375% per annum semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year commencing June 15, 2004.  The New Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2008 at FICC’s option at redemption prices from 104.188% to 100.00%, based on the redemption date.  In addition, at any time prior to June 15, 2007, FICC may redeem, subject to certain conditions, up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Notes with the proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings, as defined, at a redemption price of 108.375% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

 

In connection with the 2004 Refinancing, the New Credit Facility was amended in March 2004.  The total commitment amount was increased from $30,000,000 to $35,000,000 and the maturity date was extended from December 17, 2005 to June 30, 2007, in addition to other changes.

 

The New Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of FICC and two of its six subsidiaries, Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise Inc. and Friendly’s

 

11



 

International Inc. These two subsidiaries also guarantee FICC’s obligations under the New Credit Facility.

 

The New Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants including limitations on indebtedness, restricted payments such as dividends and stock repurchases and sales of assets and of subsidiary stock. Additionally, the New Credit Facility limits the amount which the Company may spend on capital expenditures, restricts the use of proceeds, as defined, from asset sales and requires the Company to comply with certain financial covenants. The Company is in compliance with these covenants.

 

The New Credit Facility has an annual “clean-up” provision, commencing in 2005, which obligates the Company to repay in full all revolving credit loans on or before September 30 (or, if September 30 is not a business day, as defined, then the next business day) of each year and maintain a zero balance on such revolving credit for at least 30 consecutive days, to include September 30, immediately following the date of such repayment.

 

The $35,000,000 revolving credit commitment less outstanding letters of credit is available for borrowing to provide working capital and for other corporate needs. As of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, total letters of credit outstanding were $14,012,000 and $13,550,000, respectively. During the first quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, there were no drawings against the letters of credit.

 

The revolving credit loans bear interest at the Company’s option at either (a) the Base Rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the “Base Rate”) (6.50% at March 28, 2004) or (b) the Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the “Eurodollar Rate”) (5.52% at March 28, 2004).  As of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding and $20,988,000 and $16,450,000, respectively, was available for borrowing.

 

In connection with the Mortgage Financing in December 2001, three new limited liability corporations (“LLCs”) were organized.  Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is the sole member of each LLC. FICC sold 75 of its operating Friendly’s restaurants to the LLCs in exchange for the proceeds from the Mortgage Financing. Promissory notes were issued for each of the 75 properties. Each LLC is a separate entity with separate creditors who will be entitled to be satisfied out of such LLC’s assets. Each LLC is a borrower under the Mortgage Financing.

 

The Mortgage Financing has a maturity date of January 1, 2022 and is amortized over 20 years. Interest on $10,000,000 of the original $55,000,000 from the Mortgage Financing is variable and is the sum of the 30-day LIBOR rate in effect (1.09% at March 28, 2004) plus 6% on an annual basis. Changes in the interest rate are calculated monthly and recognized annually when the monthly payment amount is adjusted. Changes in the monthly payment amounts owed due to interest rate changes are reflected in the principal balances, which are re-amortized over the remaining life of the mortgages. The remaining $45,000,000 of the original $55,000,000 from the Mortgage Financing bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 10.16%. Each promissory note may be prepaid in full. The variable rate notes are subject to prepayment penalties during the first five years. The fixed rate notes may not be prepaid without the Company providing the note holders with a yield maintenance premium.

 

12



 

The Mortgage Financing requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, of at least 1.10 to 1 and each LLC to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, on an aggregate restaurant basis of at least 1.25 to 1, in each case calculated as of the last day of each fiscal year. The Company is in compliance with these covenants.

 

3. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND DEFERRED COSTS

 

Intangible assets and deferred costs as of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003 were (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1988 Non-Friendly Marks amortized over 40 years on a straight-line basis

 

$

18,650

 

$

18,650

 

Deferred financing costs amortized over the terms of the related loans on an effective yield basis

 

11,927

 

10,486

 

Other

 

876

 

876

 

Intangible assets

 

31,453

 

30,012

 

Less: accumulated amortization

 

(9,172

)

(12,122

)

Net

 

$

22,281

 

$

17,890

 

 

In connection with the 2004 Refinancing, the Company wrote off unamortized deferred financing costs related to the tender offer for the Senior Notes in March 2004 and the redemption of the remaining Senior Notes in April 2004 of $1,788,000 and $657,000, respectively. The $1,788,000 was included in other expenses, principally debt retirement costs in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended March 28, 2004 and the $657,000 will be included in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the second fiscal quarter ending June 27, 2004. Additionally, the Company incurred $6,550,000 of costs associated with the issuance of the New Senior Notes and the amendment to the New Credit Facility, which were included in intangible assets and deferred costs in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 28, 2004. These costs will be amortized over the terms of the New Senior Notes and the amended New Credit Facility.

 

Amortization expense was $446,000 and $428,000 for the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, respectively.

 

13



 

Future amortization expense related to these intangible assets and deferred costs as of March 28, 2004 was (in thousands):

 

Year

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

$

1,367

 

2005

 

1,783

 

2006

 

1,778

 

2007

 

1,608

 

2008

 

1,441

 

Thereafter

 

13,647

 

Total

 

$

21,624

 

 

 

4. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

The components of net periodic pension benefit for the three months ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003 were (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

 

$

552

 

Interest cost

 

1,627

 

1,606

 

Expected return on assets

 

(2,331

)

(2,275

)

Net amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized prior service benefit

 

 

(320

)

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

 

154

 

151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension benefit

 

$

(550

)

$

(286

)

 

14



 

The components of the net postretirement benefit cost for the three months ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003 were (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

28

 

$

25

 

Interest cost

 

116

 

117

 

Recognized actuarial loss

 

23

 

16

 

Net amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit

 

(36

)

(36

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net postretirement benefit cost

 

$

131

 

$

122

 

 

During January 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 106-1, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”)”, which permits a sponsor of a postretirement health care plan that provides a prescription drug benefit to make a one-time election to defer accounting for the effects of the Act. The guidance in this FSP is effective for interim or annual financial statements of fiscal years ending after December 7, 2003. The election to defer accounting for the Act is a one-time election that must be made before net periodic postretirement benefit costs for the period that includes the Act’s enactment date are first included in reported financial information pursuant to the requirements of SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions.”  In accordance with FSP 106-1, the Company has elected to defer accounting for the effects of the Act and accordingly, the measures of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and the net postretirement benefit cost do not reflect the effects of the Act.

 

The Company’s election to defer accounting for the effects of the Act may not be changed and the deferral will continue to apply until authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy is issued, or until the guidance in the following sentence applies. The election to defer expires if, subsequent to January 31, 2004, but prior to the issuance of additional authoritative guidance, a significant event occurs that ordinarily would call for remeasurement of a plan’s assets and obligations—for example, a plan amendment, settlement, or curtailment. Upon the occurrence of such an event, the Company would be required to account for that event pursuant to the guidance in SFAS No. 106 and also reflect in its accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions its best estimate of the effects of the Act, including the federal subsidy (if applicable based on the terms of the plan and the sponsor’s analysis of generally accepted accounting principles) and any effects on participation rates and health care cost estimates.

 

Authoritative guidance on accounting for the federal subsidy is pending. The expected effects of the Act will be factored into the Company’s year-end measurement of postretirement benefits for fiscal 2004. If the final authoritative accounting guidance is issued after the provisions of the Act are reflected in the year-end measurement of the obligation and net postretirement benefit costs estimate for fiscal 2004, the guidance could require the Company to change previously reported information. The Company has not yet determined the impact of the Act on these benefits.

 

15



 

5. SEGMENT REPORTING

 

Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker is the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. The Company’s operating segments include restaurant, foodservice and franchise. The revenues from these segments include both sales to unaffiliated customers and intersegment sales, which generally are accounted for on a basis consistent with sales to unaffiliated customers. Intersegment sales and other intersegment transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company’s restaurants target families with children and adults who desire a reasonably priced meal in a full-service setting. The Company’s menu offers a broad selection of freshly-prepared foods, which appeal to customers throughout all dayparts. The menu currently features over 100 items comprised of a broad selection of breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon and evening snack items. Foodservice operations manufactures frozen dessert products and distributes such manufactured products and purchased finished goods to the Company’s restaurants and franchised operations. Additionally, it sells frozen dessert products to distributors and retail and institutional locations. The Company’s franchise segment includes a royalty based on franchise restaurant revenue. In addition, the Company receives rental income from various franchised restaurants. The Company does not allocate general and administrative expenses associated with its headquarters operations to any business segment. These costs include expenses of the following functions: legal, accounting, personnel not directly related to a segment, information systems and other headquarters activities.

 

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the financial results for the foodservice operating segment, prior to intersegment eliminations, have been prepared using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which the Company’s management internally reviews financial information for the purpose of assisting in making internal operating decisions. Using this approach, the Company evaluates performance based on stand-alone operating segment income (loss) before income taxes and generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices.

 

16



 

EBITDA represents net loss before (i) benefit from income taxes, (ii) other expenses, principally debt retirement costs, (iii) interest expense, net, (iv) depreciation and amortization, (v) write-downs of property and equipment, (vi) net periodic pension benefit and (vii) other non-cash items. The Company has included information concerning EBITDA in this Form 10-Q because the Company’s management incentive plan pays bonuses based on achieving EBITDA targets and the Company believes that such information is used by certain investors as one measure of a company’s historical ability to service debt. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, earnings (loss) from operations or other traditional indications of a company’s operating performance.

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

104,353

 

$

103,168

 

Foodservice

 

53,362

 

52,326

 

Franchise

 

3,058

 

2,255

 

Total

 

$

160,773

 

$

157,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intersegment revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

 

$

 

Foodservice

 

(30,019

)

(29,059

)

Franchise

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(30,019

)

$

(29,059

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

External revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

104,353

 

$

103,168

 

Foodservice

 

23,343

 

23,267

 

Franchise

 

3,058

 

2,255

 

Total

 

$

130,754

 

$

128,690

 

 

17



 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

9,333

 

$

10,081

 

Foodservice

 

3,532

 

3,189

 

Franchise

 

2,091

 

1,561

 

Corporate

 

(5,412

)

(4,829

)

Gain (loss) on property and equipment, net

 

674

 

(341

)

Restructuring expenses

 

(2,627

)

 

Gain on litigation settlement

 

3,644

 

 

Less pension benefit included in reporting segments

 

(550

)

(286

)

Total

 

$

10,685

 

$

9,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net-Corporate

 

$

6,064

 

$

6,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expenses, principally debt retirement costs

 

$

6,892

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

3,851

 

$

3,799

 

Foodservice

 

856

 

736

 

Franchise

 

47

 

39

 

Corporate

 

852

 

1,053

 

Total

 

$

5,606

 

$

5,627

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension benefit

 

$

(550

)

$

(286

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before benefit from income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

5,482

 

$

6,282

 

Foodservice

 

2,676

 

2,453

 

Franchise

 

2,044

 

1,522

 

Corporate

 

(19,220

)

(11,984

)

Gain (loss) on property and equipment, net

 

674

 

(341

)

Restructuring expenses

 

(2,627

)

 

Gain on litigation settlement

 

3,644

 

 

Total

 

$

(7,327

)

$

(2,068

)

 

18



 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
March 28,
2004

 

For the Year
Ended
December 28,
2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Capital expenditures, including assets acquired under capital leases:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

3,939

 

$

25,024

 

Foodservice

 

518

 

4,862

 

Corporate

 

78

 

1,830

 

Total

 

$

4,535

 

$

31,716

 

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

$

151,298

 

$

152,228

 

Foodservice

 

44,146

 

39,404

 

Franchise

 

7,673

 

8,644

 

Corporate

 

92,756

 

52,176

 

Total

 

$

295,873

 

$

252,452

 

 

19



 

6. RESTRUCTURING RESERVES

 

During the quarter ended March 28, 2004, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $2,627,000 for severance and outplacement services associated with reduction in force actions taken during the first quarter of 2004 that reduced headcount by approximately 20 permanent positions.

 

On October 10, 2001, the Company eliminated approximately 70 positions at corporate headquarters. In addition, approximately 30 positions in the restaurant construction and fabrication areas were eliminated by December 30, 2001. The purpose of the reduction was to streamline functions and reduce redundancy among its business segments. As a result of the elimination of the positions and the outsourcing of certain functions, the Company reported a pre-tax restructuring charge of $2,536,000 for severance, rent and unusable construction supplies in the year ended December 30, 2001.

 

In March 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan that provided for the immediate closing of 81 restaurants at the end of March 2000 and the disposition of an additional 70 restaurants over the next 24 months. As a result of this plan, the Company reported a pre-tax restructuring charge of $12,056,000 for severance, rent, utilities and real estate taxes, demarking, lease termination costs and certain other costs associated with the closing of the locations, along with a pre-tax write-down of property and equipment for these locations of approximately $17,000,000 in the year ended December 31, 2000. The Company reduced the restructuring reserve by $400,000 and $1,900,000 during the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively, since the reserve exceeded estimated remaining payments.

 

20



 

The following represents the reserve and activity associated with the March 2004, October 2001 and March 2000 restructurings (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 28, 2004

 

 

 

Restructuring
Reserves as of
December 28, 2003

 

Expense

 

Costs Paid

 

Restructuring
Reserves as of
March 28, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rent

 

$

319

 

$

 

$

(65

)

$

254

 

Utilities and real estate taxes

 

40

 

 

(14

)

26

 

Severence pay

 

 

2,549

 

(295

)

2,254

 

Outplacement services

 

 

78

 

(13

)

65

 

Other

 

82

 

 

(15

)

67

 

Total

 

$

441

 

$

2,627

 

$

(402

)

$

2,666

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 30, 2003

 

 

 

Restructuring
Reserves as of
December 29, 2002

 

Expense

 

Costs Paid

 

Restructuring
Reserves as of
March 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rent

 

$

679

 

$

 

$

(64

)

$

615

 

Utilities and real estate taxes

 

121

 

 

(23

)

98

 

Equipment

 

77

 

 

(31

)

46

 

Other

 

60

 

 

(1

)

59

 

Total

 

$

937

 

$

 

$

(119

)

$

818

 

 

Based on information currently available, management believes that the restructuring reserves as of March 28, 2004 were adequate and not excessive.

 

7. GAIN ON LITIGATION SETTLEMENT

 

In January 2004, a settlement was reached in a lawsuit filed by the Company against a former administrator of one of the Company’s benefit plans.  The settlement was based on the administrator’s alleged failure to adhere to the terms of a contract and resulted in a one-time payment to the Company of $3,775,000, which was received on April 2, 2004. As a result of this lawsuit, the Company incurred professional fees of approximately $500,000 which were included in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 28, 2003 and an additional $131,000 in professional fees, which were offset against the payment in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 28, 2004.

 

21



 

8. FRANCHISE TRANSACTIONS

 

On March 5, 2004, the Company sold the real property and equipment for one franchised location and assigned the lease and sold the equipment for a second franchised location to the existing franchisee. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $485,000, of which $70,000 was for franchise fees and $415,000 was for the sale of assets and lease assignment. In March 2004, the Company recorded $70,000 as franchise fee revenue and recognized a gain of approximately $248,000 related to the sale of assets.

 

On January 15, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement granting Central Florida Restaurants LLC (“Central Florida”) certain limited exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly’s full-service restaurants in designated areas within the Orlando, Florida market (the “Central Florida Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Central Florida Agreement, Central Florida purchased certain equipment assets, lease and sublease rights and franchise rights in 10 existing Friendly’s restaurants and committed to open an additional 10 restaurants over the next six years with an option for 15 more restaurants in the following five years. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $3,150,000 of which $310,000 was for franchise fees for the initial 10 restaurants. In January 2004, the Company recorded $310,000 as franchise fee revenue and recognized a gain of approximately $658,000 related to the sale of the assets for the 10 locations.

 

During July 2003, the Company entered into a development agreement granting Jax Family Rest., Inc. (“Jax”) certain limited exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly’s full-service restaurants in designated areas within Baker, Clay, Nassau, Putnam and St. John’s counties, Florida (the “Jax Agreement”). Pursuant to the Jax Agreement, Jax agreed to open 10 new restaurants over the next seven years. The Company received development fees of $155,000, which represent one-half of the initial franchise fees. The $155,000 will be recognized into income as restaurants are opened.

 

In December 2000, the Company and its first franchisee, Friendco Restaurants Inc. (“Friendco”), a subsidiary of Davco Restaurants, Inc. (“Davco”), agreed to terminate Friendco’s rights as the exclusive developer of new Friendly’s restaurants in Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia and northern Virginia. Friendco also obtained the right to close existing franchised locations subject, however, to liquidated damages on 22 of its 48 franchise agreements. During the year ended December 30, 2001, Friendco transferred its rights to three franchised locations to a third party and closed two restaurants.  During the year ended December 29, 2002, Friendco transferred its rights to 24 additional franchised locations to six separate third parties and closed six restaurants. During the year ended December 28, 2003, Friendco closed five restaurants, transferred its rights to three additional franchised locations to two third parties and at March 28, 2004, retained five franchised restaurants. During June 2003, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release with Davco releasing Davco from all obligations and guarantees related to leases associated with the franchised locations and providing for a payment of $250,000 to the Company, which was recorded as revenue in the year ended December 28, 2003.

 

22


 

9. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

FICC’s obligations related to the New Senior Notes are guaranteed fully and unconditionally by one of FICC’s wholly owned subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on FICC’s ability to obtain dividends or other distributions of funds from this subsidiary, except those imposed by applicable law. The following supplemental financial information sets forth, on a condensed consolidating basis, balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows for FICC (the “Parent Company”), Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. (the “Guarantor Subsidiary”) and Friendly’s International, Inc., Restaurant Insurance Corporation, Friendly’s Realty I, LLC, Friendly’s Realty II, LLC and Friendly’s Realty III, LLC (collectively, the “Non-guarantor Subsidiaries”). All of the LLCs’ assets were owned by the LLCs, which are separate entities with separate creditors which will be entitled to be satisfied out of the LLCs’ assets. Separate complete financial statements and other disclosures of the Guarantor Subsidiary as of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003 and for the three months ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003 were not presented because management has determined that such information is not material to investors.

 

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company on the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings of the subsidiaries are, therefore, reflected in the Parent Company’s investment accounts and earnings. The principal elimination entries eliminate the Parent Company’s investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

 

23



 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of March 28, 2004

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiary

 

Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

53,659

 

$

1,071

 

$

1,920

 

$

 

$

56,650

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

1,290

 

 

1,290

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

14,590

 

1,591

 

 

 

16,181

 

Inventories

 

16,815

 

 

 

 

16,815

 

Deferred income taxes

 

6,559

 

18

 

 

70

 

6,647

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

9,628

 

598

 

7,777

 

(13,102

)

4,901

 

Total current assets

 

101,251

 

3,278

 

10,987

 

(13,032

)

102,484

 

Deferred income taxes

 

774

 

205

 

 

(70

)

909

 

Property and equipment, net

 

117,485

 

 

46,837

 

 

164,322

 

Intangibles and deferred costs, net

 

19,841

 

 

2,440

 

 

22,281

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

5,824

 

 

 

(5,824

)

 

Other assets

 

4,962

 

9,601

 

915

 

(9,601

)

5,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

250,137

 

$

13,084

 

$

61,179

 

$

(28,527

)

$

295,873

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term obligations

 

$

57,227

 

$

 

$

1,167

 

$

(7,776

)

$

50,618

 

Accounts payable

 

21,905

 

 

 

 

21,905

 

Accrued expenses

 

39,161

 

2,398

 

6,153

 

(5,215

)

42,497

 

Total current liabilities

 

118,293

 

2,398

 

7,320

 

(12,991

)

115,020

 

Long-term obligations, less current maturities

 

182,428

 

 

51,640

 

 

234,068

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

51,994

 

823

 

6,258

 

(9,712

)

49,363

 

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 

(102,578

)

9,863

 

(4,039

)

(5,824

)

(102,578

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 

$

250,137

 

$

13,084

 

$

61,179

 

$

(28,527

)

$

295,873

 

 

24



 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended March 28, 2004

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiary

 

Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

128,190

 

$

2,564

 

$

 

$

 

$

130,754

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

45,588

 

 

 

 

45,588

 

Labor and benefits

 

39,934

 

 

 

 

39,934

 

Operating expenses

 

26,788

 

 

(1,736

)

 

25,052

 

General and administrative expenses

 

9,542

 

1,155

 

 

 

10,697

 

Restructuring expenses

 

2,627

 

 

 

 

2,627

 

Gain on litigation settlement

 

(3,644

)

 

 

 

(3,644

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,043

 

 

563

 

 

5,606

 

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties

 

(906

)

 

 

 

(906

)

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

168

 

 

3

 

 

171

 

Interest expense, net

 

4,933

 

 

1,131

 

 

6,064

 

Other expenses, principally debt retirement costs

 

6,892

 

 

 

 

6,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before benefit from (provision for) income taxes and equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(8,775

)

1,409

 

39

 

 

(7,327

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

 

2,825

 

(578

)

(49

)

 

2,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(5,950

)

831

 

(10

)

 

(5,129

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

821

 

 

 

(821

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(5,129

)

$

831

 

$

(10

)

$

(821

)

$

(5,129

)

 

25



 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 28, 2004

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiary

 

Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

$

(9,362

)

$

(1,102

)

$

945

 

$

(381

)

$

(9,900

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(2,255

)

 

 

 

(2,255

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

2,897

 

 

 

 

2,897

 

Return of investment in subsidiary

 

183

 

 

 

(183

)

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

825

 

 

 

(183

)

642

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

 

175,000

 

 

 

 

175,000

 

Repayments of obligations

 

(128,063

)

 

(279

)

 

(128,342

)

Payments related to deferred financing costs

 

(6,625

)

 

 

 

(6,625

)

Stock options exercised

 

244

 

 

 

 

244

 

Reinsurance payments made from deposits

 

 

 

(381

)

381

 

 

Dividends paid

 

 

 

(183

)

183

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

40,556

 

 

(843

)

564

 

40,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

32,019

 

(1,102

)

102

 

 

31,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

21,640

 

2,173

 

1,818

 

 

25,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

53,659

 

$

1,071

 

$

1,920

 

$

 

$

56,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

3,794

 

$

 

$

1,133

 

$

 

$

4,927

 

Income taxes (refunded) paid

 

(1,502

)

1,460

 

49

 

 

7

 

Capital lease obligations incurred

 

2,280

 

 

 

 

2,280

 

 

26



 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of December 28, 2003

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiary

 

Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

21,640

 

$

2,173

 

$

1,818

 

$

 

$

25,631

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

1,671

 

 

1,671

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

9,163

 

1,221

 

 

 

10,384

 

Inventories

 

15,669

 

 

 

 

15,669

 

Deferred income taxes

 

6,559

 

18

 

 

70

 

6,647

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

7,148

 

1,469

 

7,778

 

(14,856

)

1,539

 

Total current assets

 

60,179

 

4,881

 

11,267

 

(14,786

)

61,541

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

205

 

 

(205

)

 

Property and equipment, net

 

119,759

 

 

47,350

 

 

167,109

 

Intangibles and deferred costs, net

 

15,396

 

 

2,494

 

 

17,890

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

5,187

 

 

 

(5,187

)

 

Other assets

 

4,997

 

8,582

 

915

 

(8,582

)

5,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

205,518

 

$

13,668

 

$

62,026

 

$

(28,760

)

$

252,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term obligations

 

$

8,687

 

$

 

$

1,127

 

$

(7,776

)

$

2,038

 

Accounts payable

 

22,475

 

 

 

 

22,475

 

Accrued expenses

 

38,076

 

3,893

 

6,146

 

(6,910

)

41,205

 

Total current liabilities

 

69,238

 

3,893

 

7,273

 

(14,686

)

65,718

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,424

 

 

 

(135

)

1,289

 

Long-term obligations, less current maturities

 

181,750

 

 

51,960

 

 

233,710

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

51,132

 

743

 

6,638

 

(8,752

)

49,761

 

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 

(98,026

)

9,032

 

(3,845

)

(5,187

)

(98,026

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity

 

$

205,518

 

$

13,668

 

$

62,026

 

$

(28,760

)

$

252,452

 

 

27



 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended March 30, 2003

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiary

 

Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

126,700

 

$

1,990

 

$

 

$

 

$

128,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

45,977

 

 

 

 

45,977

 

Labor and benefits

 

38,128

 

 

 

 

38,128

 

Operating expenses and write-downs of property and equipment

 

26,037

 

 

(1,749

)

 

24,288

 

General and administrative expenses

 

8,904

 

1,159

 

 

 

10,063

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,052

 

 

575

 

 

5,627

 

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

511

 

 

62

 

 

573

 

Interest expense, net

 

4,954

 

 

1,148

 

 

6,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before benefit from (provision for) income taxes and equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(2,863

)

831

 

(36

)

 

(2,068

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

 

969

 

(341

)

(49

)

 

579

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

(1,894

)

490

 

(85

)

 

(1,489

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

 

405

 

 

 

(405

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(1,489

)

$

490

 

$

(85

)

$

(405

)

$

(1,489

)

 

28



 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 30, 2003

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Parent
Company

 

Guarantor
Subsidiary

 

Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

2,029

 

$

(533

)

$

605

 

$

(535

)

$

1,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(5,157

)

 

 

 

(5,157

)

Return of investment in subsidiary

 

179

 

 

 

(179

)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4,978

)

 

 

(179

)

(5,157

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of obligations

 

(482

)

 

(267

)

 

(749

)

Stock options exercised

 

127

 

 

 

 

127

 

Reinsurance payments made from deposits

 

 

 

(535

)

535

 

 

Dividends paid

 

 

 

(179

)

179

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(355

)

 

(981

)

714

 

(622

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(3,304

)

(533

)

(376

)

 

(4,213

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

29,717

 

1,944

 

2,680

 

 

34,341

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

26,413

 

$

1,411

 

$

2,304

 

$

 

$

30,128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

175

 

$

 

$

1,150

 

$

 

$

1,325

 

Income taxes paid

 

675

 

11

 

 

 

686

 

 

29



 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Statements contained herein that are not historical facts constitute “forward looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated. These factors include the Company’s highly competitive business environment, exposure to commodity prices, risks associated with the foodservice industry, the ability to retain and attract new employees, government regulations, the Company’s high geographic concentration in the Northeast and its attendant weather patterns, conditions needed to meet restaurant re-imaging and new opening targets and costs associated with improved service and other initiatives. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward looking statements contained herein and that may affect the Company’s prospects in general are included in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Overview

 

The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from the operation of full-service restaurants, the distribution and sale of premium ice cream desserts through retail and institutional locations and franchising. As of March 28, 2004, Friendly’s operated 362   full-service restaurants, franchised 176 full-service restaurants and six non-traditional units and manufactured a full line of premium ice cream desserts distributed through more than 4,500 supermarkets and other retail locations in 13 states.

 

Following is a summary of the Company-operated and franchised units:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company Units:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

380

 

387

 

Openings

 

 

 

Refranchised closings

 

(17

)

 

Closings

 

(1

)

(2

)

End of period

 

362

 

385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchised Units:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

163

 

162

 

Refranchised openings

 

17

 

 

Openings

 

2

 

2

 

Closings

 

 

 

End of period

 

182

 

164

 

 

30



 

Three months ended March 28, 2004 compared with three months ended March 30, 2003

 

Revenues:

 

Total revenues increased $2.1 million, or 1.6%, to $130.8 million for the first quarter ended March 28, 2004 from $128.7 million for the same quarter in 2003. Restaurant revenues increased $1.2 million, or 1.1%, to $104.4 million for the three months ended March 28, 2004 from $103.2 million for the same period in 2003. Comparable company-operated restaurant revenues increased 4.2% from the 2003 quarter to the 2004 quarter as increases occurred in all dayparts. Record snowfall during the first quarter of 2003 had a favorable impact on restaurant revenues when compared to the current year, as operating days lost due to weather closings were minimal in 2004. Eleven locations were re-imaged during the quarter ended March 30, 2003 while no locations were re-imaged during the quarter ended March 28, 2004.  The opening of three new restaurants over the past 15 months increased restaurant revenues by $1.1 million. The closing of 11 locations and the re-franchising of 17 locations over the past 15 months resulted in declines of $1.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, in restaurant revenues in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. Foodservice (product sales to franchisees and retail customers) revenues were $23.3 million for the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003. Franchised restaurant product revenues increased by $1.5 million while sales to foodservice retail supermarket customers declined by $1.5 million. During the quarter ended March 28, 2004, the Company reduced the size of its retail supermarket ice cream container to a 56-ounce product from a 64-ounce product.  Case volume in the Company’s retail supermarket business fell by 10.2% for the quarter ended March 28, 2004 when compared to the quarter ended March 30, 2003. Franchise royalty and fee revenues increased $0.9 million, or 35.6%, to $3.1 million for the three months ended March 28, 2004 compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2003. Royalties on franchised sales increased $0.3 million as comparable franchised revenues grew 6.5% from the quarter ended March 30, 2003 to the quarter ended March 28, 2004. The opening of eight new franchise restaurants and 17 re-franchised restaurants during the last 15 months increased royalty revenues by $0.1 million each while the closing of five under-performing locations during the same period had little impact.  Initial franchise fees were higher by $0.3 million during the three months ended March 28, 2004 when compared to the same period in 2003 due to the refranchising of 17 company-operated locations and the opening of one new location during the quarter ended March 28, 2004 versus two new openings during the quarter ended March 30, 2003. Additionally, an increase in rental income for leased and subleased franchise locations of $0.2 million contributed to the higher revenues. There were 182 and 164 franchise units open at March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, respectively.

 

31



 

Cost of sales:

 

Cost of sales decreased $0.4 million, or 0.8%, to $45.6 million for the first quarter ended March 28, 2004 from $46.0 million for the same period in 2003. Cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues was 34.9% and 35.7% for the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, respectively. A shift in sales mix to company-operated restaurant sales from foodservice sales and the growth in franchise royalty and fee revenues were largely responsible for the favorable decline in cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues. Foodservice sales to franchisees and retail supermarket customers (17.9% and 18.1% of total revenues for the three months ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, respectively) have a higher food cost as a percentage of revenue than sales in company-operated restaurants to restaurant patrons. Foodservice retail sales promotional allowances, recorded as offsets to revenues, were increased by 1.9% in the 2004 quarter as a percentage of gross retail sales when compared to the 2003 quarter as a result of a change in mix of promotional activities. This increase had an unfavorable impact on the overall cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues. Distribution costs were higher in the quarter ended March 28, 2004 when compared to the same quarter in 2003 as a result of the unfavorable impact of new federal restrictions imposed on driver hours, higher fuel costs and increases in liability insurance. Restaurant cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant revenues increased to 27.0% in the first quarter of 2004 from 26.9% in the first quarter of 2003. The increase in the 2004 quarter when compared to the 2003 quarter was in part due to stronger lunch and dinner sales when compared to breakfast in the current period. Breakfast products have a lower food cost than lunch and dinner products. Cream prices in the first quarter of 2004 were higher than the first quarter of 2003. The conversion during the first quarter of 2004  from a 64-ounce container to a 56-ounce container and market gains realized due to favorable positions on options for butter futures contracts more than offset higher prices for cream and other commodities. The Company expects that cream prices will continue to increase and exceed prices experienced in 2003.  Additionally, the benefits derived from options for butter futures contracts are likely not to continue.

 

The table below shows the average monthly price of a pound of AA butter. The prices represented were obtained from market quotes provided by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

 

Month:

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

January

 

$

1.4320

 

$

1.0815

 

$

1.3454

 

$

1.2531

 

$

0.9090

 

$

1.4222

 

February

 

1.7132

 

1.0405

 

1.2427

 

1.3852

 

0.9245

 

1.3153

 

March

 

2.1350

 

1.0915

 

1.2473

 

1.5708

 

1.0200

 

1.2927

 

April

 

 

 

1.0906

 

1.1712

 

1.8217

 

1.0691

 

1.0298

 

May

 

 

 

1.0919

 

1.0590

 

1.8713

 

1.2450

 

1.1289

 

June

 

 

 

1.1142

 

1.0427

 

1.9783

 

1.2440

 

1.4931

 

July

 

 

 

1.1985

 

1.0302

 

1.8971

 

1.1790

 

1.3444

 

August

 

 

 

1.1708

 

0.9752

 

2.0880

 

1.1933

 

1.3963

 

September

 

 

 

1.1731

 

0.9635

 

2.0563

 

1.1727

 

1.3393

 

October

 

 

 

1.1846

 

1.0315

 

1.4070

 

1.1462

 

1.1248

 

November

 

 

 

1.2057

 

1.0425

 

1.3481

 

1.6490

 

1.0675

 

December

 

 

 

1.2969

 

1.1198

 

1.2793

 

1.3700

 

0.9163

 

Mathematical Avg

 

 

 

$

1.1450

 

$

1.1059

 

$

1.6630

 

$

1.1768

 

$

1.2392

 

 

The cost of cream, the principal ingredient used in making ice cream, affects cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues, especially in foodservice’s retail business. A $0.10 increase in the cost of a pound of AA butter adversely affects the Company’s annual cost of sales by approximately $1.1 million. This adverse impact may be offset by price increases or other factors. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to offset any cost increases in the future and future increases in cream prices could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. To minimize risk, alternative supply sources continue to be pursued.

 

The Company purchases butter option contracts to minimize the impact of increases in the cost of cream. When available, options on butter futures are purchased to cover up to 50% of the cream needs of the manufacturing plant.  Option contracts are offered in the months of March, May, July, September, October and December; however, there is often not enough open interest in them to allow the Company to buy even very limited coverage without paying an exorbitant premium.

 

32



 

Labor and benefits:

 

Labor and benefits increased $1.8 million, or 4.7%, to $39.9 million for the three months ended March 28, 2004 from $38.1 million for the three months ended March 30, 2003. Labor and benefits as a percentage of total revenues increased to 30.5% in the 2004 quarter from 29.6% in the 2003 quarter. As a percentage of restaurant revenues, labor and benefits increased to 38.3% in the 2004 quarter from 37.0% in the 2003 quarter. The increase in labor and benefits was due to training costs associated with the rollout of a new point of sale register system in 142 restaurants during the quarter and declines in labor scheduling efficiencies, especially during off meal periods. Day to day weather changes, particularly in the winter months, can result in over scheduling labor when daypart sales fall short of expectations. In April 2004, the Company initiated a program to reinforce proper labor scheduling techniques. Payroll taxes and group insurances costs also increased in the 2004 period when compared to the 2003 period. Revenue increases derived from franchised locations and retail supermarket customers, which do not have any associated restaurant labor and benefits, reduced the impact of the higher restaurant labor and benefits as a percentage of total revenues.

 

Operating expenses:

 

Operating expenses increased $0.8 million, or 3.1%, to $25.1 million in the three months ended March 28, 2004 from $24.3 million for the three months ended March 30, 2003. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 19.2% and 18.9% in the 2004 and 2003 periods, respectively. The increase in dollars resulted from higher general liability insurance, restaurant supply costs and utility costs in the 2004 period when compared to the 2003 period.

 

General and administrative expenses:

 

General and administrative expenses were $10.7 million and $10.1 million for the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, respectively. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 8.2% in the 2004 period from 7.8% in the 2003 period. The dollar increase is primarily the result of higher costs for computer equipment rentals and legal and professional fees. The 2004 period also included a charge for future rents associated with a vacated training facility.

 

Restructuring expenses:

 

Restructuring expenses of $2.6 million related to severance and other benefits associated with reduction in force actions taken during the first quarter of 2004 that reduced headcount by approximately 20 permanent positions.

 

Gain on litigation settlement:

 

In January 2004, a settlement was reached in a lawsuit filed by the Company against a former administrator of one of the Company’s benefit plans.  The settlement was based on the administrator’s alleged failure to adhere to the terms of a contract and resulted in a one-time payment to the Company of approximately $3.8 million, which was received on April 2, 2004. As a result of this lawsuit, the Company incurred professional fees of approximately $0.5 million which were included in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 28, 2003 and an additional $0.2 million in professional fees, which were offset against the payment in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 28, 2004.

 

33



 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

Depreciation and amortization was $5.6 million for the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenues was 4.3% and 4.4% in the 2004 and 2003 quarters, respectively.

 

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties:

 

Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties was $0.9 million in the quarter ended March 28, 2004. During the first quarter ended March 28, 2004, the Company recognized a gain of approximately $0.7 million associated with the sale of certain equipment assets, lease and sublease rights and franchise rights in 10 existing Friendly’s restaurants.  Additionally, the Company sold the real property and equipment for one franchised location and assigned the lease and sold the equipment for a second franchised location to the existing franchisee, resulting in a gain of approximately $0.2 million.

 

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net:

 

The loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net, was $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, respectively.  The table below identifies the components of the loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net as shown on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 28,
2004

 

March 30,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant assets retired due to remodeling

 

$

 

$

(442

)

Restaurant equipment assets retired due to replacement

 

(72

)

(107

)

Loss due to restaurant fire

 

(14

)

 

All other

 

(85

)

(24

)

Loss on disposals of other property and equipment, net

 

$

(171

)

$

(573

)

 

Other expenses, principally debt retirement costs:

 

Other expenses, principally debt retirement costs represents the $5.1 million premium and the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $1.8 million in connection with the cash tender offer for the $176.0 million of Senior Notes. In March 2004, $127.8 million of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes were purchased pursuant to the tender offer and in April 2004, the remaining $48.2 million of Senior Notes were redeemed in accordance with the Senior Notes indenture at 103.5% of the principal amount.

 

34



 

Interest expense, net:

 

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest and interest income was $6.1 million for the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003. Total outstanding debt, including capital lease and finance obligations, increased from $238.5 million at March 30, 2003 to $284.7 million at March 28, 2004. The increase in the total outstanding debt is related to the refinancing of $176.0 million of Senior Notes. In March 2004, $127.8 million of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes were purchased in a cash tender offer with the proceeds from the issuance of $175.0 million of New Senior Notes with a lower interest rate and in April 2004, the remaining $48.2 million of Senior Notes were redeemed in accordance with the Senior Notes indenture at 103.5% of the principal amount.

 

Benefit from income taxes:

 

The benefit from income taxes was $2.2 million, or 30.0%, for the three months ended March 28, 2004. At this time, the Company estimates that the effective tax rate for 2004 will be 30.0%. The Company records income taxes based on the effective rate expected for the year with any changes in the valuation allowance reflected in the period of change. The benefit from income taxes was $0.6 million, or 28.0%, for the three months ended March 30, 2003. The rate in 2003 was increased in the fourth quarter due to a one-time pension curtailment gain of $8.1 million in 2003. The tax rate for the 2003 fiscal year was 32.5%.

 

Net loss:

 

Net loss was $5.1 million and $1.5 million for the first quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, respectively, for the reasons discussed above.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash generated from operations and, if needed, borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Net cash used in operating activities was $9.9 million for the three months ended March 28, 2004 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.6 million for the three months ended March 30, 2003. Additional sources of liquidity consist of capital and operating leases for financing leased restaurant locations (in malls and shopping centers and land or building leases), restaurant equipment, manufacturing equipment, distribution vehicles and computer equipment. Additionally, sales of under-performing existing restaurant properties and other assets (to the extent FICC’s and its subsidiaries’ debt instruments permit) are sources of cash. The amount of debt financing that FICC will be able to incur is limited by the terms of its New Credit Facility and New Senior Notes Indenture. Below was the financing status of the Company’s operating restaurants at March 28, 2004:

 

Owned and mortgaged

 

72

 

Sold and leased back

 

61

 

Owned land and building

 

36

 

Leased land, owned building

 

82

 

Leased land and building

 

111

 

Total Company-operated restaurants

 

362

 

 

35



 

The restaurants above not identified as owned and mortgaged or sold and leased back secure the Company’s obligations under the New Credit Facility. In addition to the 72 properties identified as owned and mortgaged, the Company owns an additional three properties in this category that are now operated by a franchisee. Of the 36 restaurant properties identified as owned land and building, seven were available to be sold, if necessary, and of the 82 restaurant properties identified as leased land, owned building, one was available to be mortgaged, if necessary.

 

The Company’s cash flows were used primarily to pay expenses associated with the cash tender offer for the Senior Notes, to maintain existing restaurant and plant facilities, to continue to renovate and re-image existing restaurants and for general corporate purposes. During the three months ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, the Company spent $2.3 million and $5.2 million, respectively, on capital expenditures, of which $0.1 million and $1.5 million was for the renovation of restaurants under its revitalization and re-imaging programs. Capital expenditures were offset by proceeds from the sales of property and equipment of $2.9 million for the quarter ended March 28, 2004.  There were no proceeds from the sales of property and equipment during the quarter ended March 30, 2003.

 

The Company had a working capital deficit of $12.5 million and $4.2 million as of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, respectively. The working capital needs of companies engaged in the restaurant industry are generally low and as a result, restaurants are frequently able to operate with a working capital deficit because: (i) restaurant operations are conducted primarily on a cash (and cash equivalent) basis with a low level of accounts receivable; (ii) rapid turnover allows a limited investment in inventories; and (iii) cash from sales is usually received before related expenses for food, supplies and payroll are paid.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $40.2 million for the first quarter ended March 28, 2004 as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $0.6 million for the first quarter ended March 30, 2003.

 

In November 1997, FICC entered into a credit facility that included revolving credit loans, term loans and letters of credit (the “Old Credit Facility”).  Also in November 1997, FICC completed a public offering of $200 million of senior notes (the “Senior Notes”). In December 2001, the Company completed a financial restructuring plan (the “Refinancing Plan”) which included the repayment of the $64.5 million outstanding under the Old Credit Facility and the purchase of approximately $21.3 million in Senior Notes with the proceeds from $55.0 million in long-term mortgage financing (the “Mortgage Financing”) and a $33.7 million sale and leaseback transaction (the “Sale/Leaseback Financing”). In addition, FICC secured a new $30.0 million revolving credit facility (the “New Credit Facility”) of which up to $20.0 million is available to support letters of credit.  On July 3, 2003, FICC obtained a limited waiver to the New Credit Facility allowing the purchase of certain of the Senior Notes in an amount up to $3.0 million, subject to certain conditions. In July 2003, FICC purchased approximately $2.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes for approximately $2.8 million, the then current market value.

 

36



 

In February 2004, the Company announced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for the $176.0 million of Senior Notes to be financed with the proceeds from a private offering of new senior notes (the “New Senior Notes”), available cash and an amended New Credit Facility (the “2004 Refinancing”).  In March 2004, $127.4 million of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes were purchased at the tender offer and consent solicitation price of 104% of the principal amount and $0.4 million of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes were purchased at the tender offer price of 102% of the principal amount. In April 2004, the remaining $48.2 million of Senior Notes were redeemed in accordance with the Senior Notes indenture at 103.5% of the principal amount.  The Senior Notes would have matured on December 1, 2007.  Interest on the Senior Notes was payable at 10.5% per annum semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.  In connection with the tender offer, the Company wrote off unamortized deferred financing costs and incurred other direct expenses of $6.9 million that were included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the first quarter ended March 28, 2004.  In April 2004, the Company wrote off unamortized deferred financing costs and incurred other direct expenses of $2.3 million that will be included in the results for the second fiscal quarter ending June 27, 2004.

 

The $175 million of New Senior Notes issued in March 2004 are unsecured senior obligations of FICC, guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by FICC’s Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. subsidiary, but are effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of FICC, including the indebtedness incurred under the New Credit Facility. The New Senior Notes mature on June 15, 2012. Interest on the New Senior Notes is payable at 8.375% per annum semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year commencing June 15, 2004.  The New Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2008 at FICC’s option at redemption prices from 104.188% to 100.00%, based on the redemption date.  In addition, at any time prior to June 15, 2007, FICC may redeem, subject to certain conditions, up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Notes with the proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings, as defined, at a redemption price of 108.375% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

 

In connection with the 2004 Refinancing, the New Credit Facility was amended in March 2004.  The total commitment amount was increased from $30.0 million to $35.0 million and the maturity date was extended from December 17, 2005 to June 30, 2007, in addition to other changes.

 

The New Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of FICC and two of its six subsidiaries, Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise Inc. and Friendly’s International Inc. These two subsidiaries also guarantee FICC’s obligations under the New Credit Facility.

 

The New Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants including limitations on indebtedness, restricted payments such as dividends and stock repurchases and sales of assets and of subsidiary stock. Additionally, the New Credit Facility limits the amount which the Company may spend on capital expenditures, restricts the use of proceeds, as defined, from asset sales and requires the Company to comply with certain financial covenants. The Company is in compliance with these covenants.

 

The New Credit Facility has an annual “clean-up” provision, commencing in 2005, which obligates the Company to repay in full all revolving credit loans on or before September 30 (or, if September 30 is not a business day, as defined, then the next business day) of each year and maintain a zero balance on such revolving credit for at least 30 consecutive days, to include September 30, immediately following the date of such repayment.

 

37



 

The $35.0 million revolving credit commitment less outstanding letters of credit is available for borrowing to provide working capital and for other corporate needs. As of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, total letters of credit outstanding were approximately $14.0 million and $13.6 million, respectively. During the first quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, there were no drawings against the letters of credit.

 

The revolving credit loans bear interest at the Company’s option at either (a) the Base Rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the “Base Rate”) (6.50% at March 28, 2004) or (b) the Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the “Eurodollar Rate”) (5.52% at March 28, 2004).  As of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding and $21.0 million and $16.4 million, respectively, was available for borrowing.

 

The Company anticipates requiring capital in the future principally to maintain existing restaurant and plant facilities and to continue to renovate and re-image existing restaurants. Capital expenditures for 2004, including assets to be acquired under capital leases, are anticipated to be between $30.0 million and $35.0 million in the aggregate, of which $25.0 million to $30.0 million is expected to be spent on restaurant operations. The Company’s actual 2004 capital expenditures may vary from these estimated amounts. The Company believes that the combination of the funds anticipated to be generated from operating activities and borrowing availability under the New Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet the Company’s anticipated operating requirements, capital requirements and obligations associated with the restructurings.

 

In January 2004, a settlement was reached in a lawsuit filed by the Company against a former administrator of one of the Company’s benefit plans.  The settlement was based on the administrator’s alleged failure to adhere to the terms of a contract and resulted in a one-time payment to the Company of approximately $3.8 million, which was received on April 2, 2004. As a result of this lawsuit, the Company incurred professional fees of approximately $0.5 million which were included in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 28, 2003 and an additional $0.2 million in professional fees, which were offset against the payment in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 28, 2004. The net cash proceeds were used in April 2004 in connection with the redemption of the remaining $48.2 million of Senior Notes.

 

On March 5, 2004, the Company sold the real property and equipment for one franchised location and assigned the lease and sold the equipment for a second franchised location to the existing franchisee. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $0.5 million, of which $0.1 million was for franchise fees and $0.4 million was for the sale of assets and lease assignment.

 

On January 15, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement granting Central Florida Restaurants LLC (“Central Florida”) certain limited exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly’s full-service restaurants in designated areas within the Orlando, Florida market (the “Central Florida Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Central Florida Agreement, Central Florida purchased certain equipment assets, lease and sublease rights and franchise rights in 10 existing Friendly’s restaurants and committed to open an additional 10 restaurants over the next six years with an option for 15 more restaurants in the following five years. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $3.2 million of which approximately $0.3 million was for franchise fees for the initial 10 restaurants.

 

38



 

During July 2003, the Company entered into a development agreement granting Jax Family Rest., Inc. (“Jax”) certain limited exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly’s full-service restaurants in designated areas within Baker, Clay, Nassau, Putnam and St. John’s counties, Florida (the “Jax Agreement”). Pursuant to the Jax Agreement, Jax agreed to open 10 new restaurants over the next seven years. The Company received development fees of $0.2 million, which represent one-half of the initial franchise fees. The development fees will be recognized into income as restaurants are opened.

 

The following represents the contractual obligations and commercial commitments of the Company as of March 28, 2004 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Payments due by Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Years

 

 

 

 

 

Remainder of

 

Fiscal Years

 

Fiscal Years

 

Beyond

 

Contractual Obligations:

 

Total

 

2004

 

2005 & 2006

 

2007 & 2008

 

2008

 

Short-term and long-term debt

 

$

275,952

 

$

48,992

 

$

2,636

 

$

3,179

 

$

221,145

 

Capital lease and finance obligations

 

12,329

 

1,568

 

3,834

 

3,359

 

3,568

 

Operating leases

 

146,604

 

13,157

 

31,257

 

23,598

 

78,592

 

Purchase commitments

 

90,308

 

90,235

 

65

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Years

 

 

 

 

 

Remainder of

 

Fiscal Years

 

Fiscal Years

 

Beyond

 

Other Commercial Commitments:

 

Total

 

2004

 

2005 & 2006

 

2007 & 2008

 

2008

 

Letters of credit

 

$

14,012

 

$

 

$

 

$

14,012

 

$

 

 

Seasonality

 

Due to the seasonality of ice cream consumption, and the effect from time to time of weather on patronage of the restaurants, the Company’s revenues and operating income are typically higher in its second and third quarters.

 

Geographic Concentration

 

Approximately 93% of the company-operated restaurants are located, and substantially all of its retail sales are generated, in the Northeast. As a result, a severe or prolonged economic recession or changes in demographic mix, employment levels, population density, weather, real estate market conditions or other factors specific to this geographic region may adversely affect the Company more than certain of its competitors which are more geographically diverse.

 

39



 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

Financial Reporting Release No. 60 issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission requires all companies to include a discussion of critical accounting policies or methods used in the preparation of financial statements. The following is a brief discussion of the more significant accounting policies and methods used by the Company. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, which are included elsewhere herein, should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements -

 

The preparation of 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 of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The critical accounting policies and most significant estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition, insurance reserves, recoverability of accounts receivable, valuation allowances and pension and other post-retirement benefits expense. Actual amounts could differ significantly from the estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition -

 

The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from the operation of full-service restaurants, the distribution and sale of premium ice cream desserts through retail and institutional locations and franchising. The Company recognizes restaurant revenue upon receipt of payment from the customer and retail revenue, net of discounts and allowances, upon delivery of product. Reserves for discounts and allowances from retail sales are estimated and accrued when revenue is recorded based on promotional planners prepared by the Company’s retail sales force. Actual amounts could differ materially from the estimates. Franchise royalty income, generally calculated as 4% of net sales of franchisees, is recorded monthly based upon the actual sales reported by each franchisee for the month just completed. Franchise fees are recorded as revenue upon completion of all significant services, generally upon opening of the restaurant.

 

Insurance Reserves -

 

The Company is self-insured through retentions or deductibles for the majority of its workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability, employer’s liability, product liability and group health insurance programs. Self-insurance amounts vary up to $0.5 million per occurrence. Insurance with third parties, some of which is then reinsured through Restaurant Insurance Corporation (“RIC”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, is in place for claims in excess of these self-insured amounts. RIC reinsures 100% of the risk from $0.5 million to $1.0 million per occurrence through September 2, 2000 for FICC’s workers’ compensation, general liability, employer’s liability and product liability insurance. Subsequent to September 2, 2000, the Company discontinued its use of RIC as a captive insurer for new claims.

 

40



 

The Company’s liabilities for estimated ultimate losses for workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability, employer’s liability and product liability are actuarially determined and recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on an undiscounted basis. The projections of estimated ultimate losses are based on commonly used actuarial procedures.  These procedures take into consideration certain actuarial assumptions or management judgments regarding economic conditions, the frequency and severity of claims and claim settlement practices.  While the estimated ultimate losses are reasonable, any actuarial estimate is subject to uncertainty due to the volatility inherent in casualty exposures and changes in the assumptions.  The Company’s provision for insurance expense reflects estimated amounts for the current year as well as revisions in estimates to prior years.  Actual losses could vary significantly from the estimated losses and would have a material affect on the Company’s insurance expense.

 

The Company records a liability for its group health insurance programs for all estimated unpaid claims based primarily upon loss development analyses derived from actual claim payment experience provided by the Company’s third party administrators.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk -

 

Financial instruments, which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally requires no collateral to secure accounts receivable. The credit review is based on both financial and non-financial factors. The Company maintains a reserve for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable based on its assessment of the collectibility of accounts receivable.

 

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits -

 

Certain of the Company’s employees are covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. The determination of the Company’s obligation and expense for pension and other post-retirement benefits is dependent upon the selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include, among other things, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation and health care costs. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect the recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future periods. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions may materially affect the future pension and other post-retirement obligations and expense.

 

41



 

Long-Lived Assets -

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company reviews its Non-Friendly Marks, which were assigned to the Company by Hershey in September 2002, for impairment on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes impairment has occurred when the carrying value of the Non-Friendly Marks exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the trademarked products. Additionally, the Company reviews long-lived assets related to each restaurant to be held and used in the business quarterly for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates restaurants using a “two-year history of cash flow” as the primary indicator of potential impairment. Based on the best information available, the Company writes down an impaired restaurant to its estimated fair market value, which becomes its new cost basis. Estimated fair market value is based on the Company’s experience selling similar properties and local market conditions, less costs to sell for properties to be disposed of. In addition, restaurants scheduled for closing are reviewed for impairment and depreciable lives are adjusted. The impairment evaluation is based on the estimated cash flows from continuing use through the expected disposal date and the expected terminal value.

 

Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use, terminal value, closure costs and sublease income. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from these estimates.

 

Income Taxes -

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Management records deferred tax assets to the extent it believes there will be sufficient future taxable income to utilize those assets prior to their expiration. To the extent deferred tax assets may be unable to be utilized, the Company records a valuation allowance against the unrealizable amount and records a charge against earnings.

 

The Company records income taxes based on the effective rate expected for the year with any changes in the valuation allowance reflected in the period of change. As of March 28, 2004 and December 28, 2003, a valuation allowance of $10.1 million existed related to state NOL carryforwards due to restrictions on the usage of state NOL carryforwards and short carryforward periods for certain states. Due to ever-changing tax laws and income tax rates, significant judgment is required to estimate the effective tax rate expected to apply to tax differences that are expected to reverse in the future. Management must also make estimates about the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to offset any deductions related to deferred tax assets currently recorded. Accordingly, management believes estimates related to income taxes are critical.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Agreements - -

 

The Company purchases butter option contracts to minimize the impact of increases in the cost of cream. When available, options on butter futures are purchased to cover up to 50% of the cream needs of the manufacturing plant.  Option contracts are offered in the months of March, May, July, September, October and December; however, there is often not enough open interest in them to allow the Company to buy even very limited coverage without paying an exorbitant premium.

 

42



 

In addition to hedging, the Company pursues fixed price cream contracts to manage dairy cost pressures. The Company was unable to find a supplier interested in an agreement for a fixed-price load of cream for part of the year or the full year of 2003 or 2004. The situation surrounding the supply of cream (which depends on milk production, milk per cow, number of cows, butter inventories, etc.) is very uncertain in the wake of the National Milk Producers Federation’s “Cooperatives Working Together” program.

 

The Company’s commodity option contracts do not meet hedge accounting criteria as defined by SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and, accordingly, are marked to market each period, with the resulting gains or losses recognized in cost of sales. For the quarters ended March 28, 2004 and March 30, 2003, gains of approximately $0.8 million and losses of approximately $0.3 million, respectively, were included in cost of sales related to these option contracts.

 

Contingencies -

 

From time to time the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that the resolutions of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or consolidated results of operations.

 

Stock-Based Compensation -

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for employees under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and elected the disclosure-only alternative under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”  Stock-based compensation cost of approximately $0.2 million related to modified option awards was included in net loss for the three months ended March 28, 2004 for the Company’s Stock Option Plan and the Company’s 2003 Incentive Plan. No stock-based compensation cost was included in net loss for the three months ended March 30, 2003 for the Company's Stock Option Plan or the Company's 2003 Incentive Plan, as all options granted during this period had an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant. In accordance with SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure,” the Company will continue to disclose the required pro-forma information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There has been no material change in the Company’s market risk exposure since the filing of the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

As of March 28, 2004, an evaluation was performed 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 the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 28, 2004.

 

43



 

PART II - - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 6.  Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

 

The exhibit index is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

Date Filed

 

Event Reported

March 8, 2004

 

Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits

March 2, 2004

 

Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure

February 24, 2004

 

Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure

February 24, 2004

 

Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/PAUL V. HOAGLAND

 

 

 

Name:   Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

Title:     Executive Vice President of Administration
and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Date:

April 26, 2004

 

44



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

4.1

 

Amended and Restated Amendment No. 4 to Revolving Credit Agreement among the Company, Fleet National Bank and certain other banks and financial institutions (“Credit Agreement”) dated as of December 17, 2001.

4.2

 

Indenture Dated as of March 8, 2004, among Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.

10.1

 

Memorandum of Agreement Between Michael A. Maglioli and Friendly Ice Cream Corporation effective March 25, 2004.*

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by John L. Cutter.

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by Paul V. Hoagland.

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by John L. Cutter and Paul V. Hoagland.

 


 

* - Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement

 

45


EX-4.1 2 a04-4511_1ex4d1.htm EX-4.1

Exhibit 4.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED AMENDMENT NO. 4

TO REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is dated as of February 27, 2004, by and among (a) FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation (the “Borrower”), (b) the Lenders and (c) FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as administrative agent for the Lenders a party to the Revolving Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).  Capitalized terms as used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are parties to that certain Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2001 (as heretofore amended or otherwise amended, modified, or amended and restated and in effect immediately prior to the date hereof, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”; the Revolving Credit Agreement as further amended by this Amendment, the “Amended Revolving Credit Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the parties hereto that this Amendment amend and restate in its entirety that certain Amendment No. 4 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2004, between the Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (the “Existing Amendment No. 4”) and that from the date hereof, the Existing Amendment No. 4 be amended and restated in its entirety as set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders (a) amend the Revolving Credit Agreement to increase the Total Commitment, (b) extend the Revolving Credit Loan Maturity Date, (c) permit the 2004 Refinancing (as defined below) and (d)  agree to certain other amendments and modifications to the Revolving Credit Agreement, in each case as set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms, subject to the conditions and in reliance on the representations and warranties contained in this Amendment, the undersigned Lenders are prepared to (a) amend the Revolving Credit Agreement to increase the Total Commitment, (b) extend the Revolving Credit Loan Maturity Date, (c) permit the 2004 Refinancing and (d)  agree to certain other amendments and modifications to the Revolving Credit Agreement, in each case as set forth herein;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained in this Amendment, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1.  Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

1.1.         Amendment to Schedules.

 

(a)           Schedule 1(a) to the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amended and restating in its entirety by replacing the table located therein as follows:

 



 

LENDER

 

COMMITMENT ($)

 

 

 

FLEET NATIONAL BANK

 

15,000,000

100 Federal Street

 

 

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

 

 

 

 

CITIZEN’S BANK

 

12,000,000

28 State Street

 

 

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

 

 

 

 

 

BANKNORTH, N.A.

 

 

1441 Main Street

 

8,000,000

Springfield, Massachusetts 01103

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

 

35,000,000

 

1.2.         Certain Defined Terms.  Section 1.1 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

(a)           by inserting the following new defined term in the appropriate alphabetical sequence in such Section 1.1:

 

Deferred Compensation.  Payments of salary and compensation by Borrower in connection with Borrower’s deferred compensation plan.”

 

Fourth Amendment Effective Date.  The date on which all conditions precedent to the Fourth Amendment hereto shall have been satisfied or waived by the Lenders.”

 

New Senior Notes.  The senior notes issued pursuant to the New Senior Note Indenture.”

 

New Senior Note Indenture. The indenture by and among the Borrower and an indenture trustee, pursuant to which up to $175,000,000 of New Senior Notes have been issued or will be issued on terms no less favorable to the Borrower than the Senior Note Indenture.”

 

Initial Closing Date.  December 17, 2001.”

 

Rabbi Trust.  Any trust established for the satisfaction of obligations of any of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries for Deferred Compensation, the terms of which trust will not, at any time, result in obligations being treated as funded under applicable Department of Labor or Internal Revenue guidelines as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date.”

 

Refinancing Indebtedness.  Indebtedness that refunds, refinances, replaces, renews, repays or extends (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) (collectively, “refinances,” and “refinanced” shall have a correlative meaning) any Indebtedness including Indebtedness that refinances other Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that (1) the Refinancing Indebtedness has a stated maturity no earlier than the stated maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced, (2) such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred in an aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the sum of the aggregate

 

2



 

principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding of the Indebtedness being refinanced plus the amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the Indebtedness being refinanced, any premium paid to the holders of the Indebtedness being refinanced and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the incurrence of the Refinancing Indebtedness and (3) the material terms of such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be on terms which are not materially more onerous on the Borrower than the terms in the Indebtedness being refinanced.”

 

2004 Refinancing.  The refinancing of the Senior Notes issued with the proceeds of the New Senior Notes and not more than $13,000,000 of Revolving Credit Loans.”

 

(b)           by amending and restating in their entirety the definitions of “Consolidated Net Income (or Deficit)”, “Change of Control”, “Excess Cash Flow”, “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”, “Revolving Credit Loan Maturity Date” and “Total Commitment” as follows:

 

Consolidated Net Income (or Deficit).  The consolidated net income (or deficit) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, after deduction of all expenses, taxes, and other proper charges, after eliminating therefrom all extraordinary nonrecurring items of income, each as determined in accordance with GAAP and excluding therefrom any charges associated with the 2004 Refinancing.”

 

Excess Cash Flow.  For each fiscal year of the Borrower commencing with the Borrower’s 2004 fiscal year, the excess (if any), of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for such fiscal year, less, (b) the sum (for such fiscal year) of (i) Consolidated Total Interest Expense actually paid in cash by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (ii) actual and accrued scheduled principal repayments, (iii) all income taxes actually paid in cash by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (iv) (A) Capital Expenditures and (B) Growth Capital Expenditures made in connection with any Permitted Acquisition (excluding Growth Capital Expenditures in an amount equal to such portion of such Permitted Acquisition paid for with the proceeds of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to §9.1(c)(ii)), in each case actually made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in such fiscal year, and (v) any net increase (or, minus, any net decrease) in Consolidated Working Capital from the end of the prior fiscal year.”

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  As of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDAR, minus, the sum of (b)(i) Capital Expenditures (excluding Capital Expenditures made during the Borrower’s 2003 and 2004 fiscal years in connection with the lease of a new Micros POS system not to exceed $5,000,000), and (ii) cash income tax expense, to, the sum of (w) Consolidated Total Interest Expense payable in cash, (x) actual and accrued scheduled principal repayments of Indebtedness made or accrued during such period, (y) Rental Expense and (z) mandatory cash contributions made by the Borrower to any of its pension plans due to changes in fair market value of pension plan assets (to the extent not already deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA).”

 

Revolving Credit Loan Maturity Date.  June 30, 2007.”

 

3



 

Total Commitment.  The sum of the Commitments of the Lenders, as in effect from time to time, and which shall be in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $35,000,000.”

 

(c)           by deleting in its entirety the definition of “Permitted Excess Cash Flow Prepayments”.

 

1.3.         Mandatory Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans.  Section 3.2(c) of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “2002 calendar year” located therein and replacing it with the phrase “2005 calendar year”.

 

1.4.         Use of Proceeds.  Section 7.17.1 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating such Section in its entirety as follows:

 

7.17.1.                  General. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used for working capital, capital expenditures (to the extent permitted in §10.2 of this Credit Agreement) and general corporate purposes.  For the avoidance of doubt, proceeds of the Loans shall not be used for the repurchase of more than $13,000,000 of the New Senior Notes.”

 

1.5.         Restrictions on Indebtedness.

 

(a)           Section 9.1 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating clause (c) in its entirety with the following:

 

“(c) Indebtedness incurred in connection with (i) the acquisition after the Initial Closing Date of any real or personal property by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or under any Capitalized Lease, provided that (A) the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date shall not exceed the aggregate amount of $10,000,000 at any one time during the period beginning on the Fourth Amendment Effective Date and ending on the Revolving Credit Loan Maturity Date and (B) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not incur such Indebtedness in an aggregate amount greater than $4,000,000 per fiscal year, and (ii) a Permitted Acquisition;”.

 

(b)           Section 9.1 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting the following additional clauses at the end of such Section:

 

“(o)               Indebtedness pursuant to the New Senior Notes and guarantees thereof by Subsidiaries and Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the foregoing.”

 

1.6.         Restricted Payments.  Section 9.4 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating such Section in its entirety as follows:

 

9.4.       Restricted Payments. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any Restricted Payments other than (a) payments of salary and compensation to employees and members of the Board of Directors of the Borrower and its

 

4



 

Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices or as Deferred Compensation, (b) payments of Fees and expenses payable pursuant to this Credit Agreement, and (c) payments to suppliers and customers in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices.”

 

1.7.         Permitted Liens.  Section 9.2.1 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting the following additional clause at the end of such Section:

 

“(xx) transfers to any Rabbi Trust in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding.”

 

1.8.         Restrictions on Investments.  Section 9.3(b) of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating it in its entirety as follows:

 

“(b) Investments with respect to Indebtedness permitted by §§ 9.1(d), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), and (o) and transfers permitted by §9.2.1(xx);”.

 

1.9.         Prepayments; Modification of Certain Documents.  Section 9.8 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating such Section in its entirety as follows:

 

9.8. Prepayments; Modification of Certain Documents.

 

(a)   The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, prepay, redeem or repurchase any of the Indebtedness outstanding under the New Senior Note Indenture, other than in connection with a refinancing thereof with Refinancing Indebtedness.

 

(b)   The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, consent to or enter into any amendment, supplement or other modification of any of the terms or provisions contained in, or applicable to, (i) the New Senior Note Indenture, other than any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification for which no fee is payable to the holders of the New Senior Notes and which (A) extends the date or reduces the amount of any required repayment, prepayment or redemption of the principal of such New Senior Note Indenture, (B) reduces the rate or extends the date for payment of the interest, premium (if any) or fees payable on such New Senior Note Indenture or (C) makes the covenants, events of default or remedies in such New Senior Note Indenture less restrictive on the Borrower, or (ii) any Sale-Leaseback Transaction Documents or FFCA Mortgage Financing Documents, in each case in any manner that is adverse in any respect to the Lenders unless consented to in writing prior thereto by the Required Lenders.”

 

1.10.       Interest Coverage.  Section 10.1 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating in its entirety the table set forth at the end of such Section 10.1 as follows:

 

5



 

“Period

 

Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

Second and Third Fiscal Quarters of 2004

 

2.20:1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Fiscal Quarter of 2004 and First Fiscal Quarter of 2005

 

2.25:1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Second and Third Fiscal Quarters of 2005

 

2.30:1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Fiscal Quarter of 2005 through the Third Fiscal Quarter of 2006

 

2.50:1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Fiscal Quarter of 2006 and each fiscal quarter thereafter

 

2.75:1.00

 

 

1.11.       Capital Expenditures.  Section 10.2 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating in its entirety such Section as follows:

 

10.2.     Capital Expenditures.  The Borrower will not make, or permit any Subsidiary of the Borrower to make (a) Growth Capital Expenditures that exceed, in the aggregate, $7,000,000 per fiscal year, or (b) Capital Expenditures in any fiscal year that exceed, in the aggregate, the amount set forth below opposite such fiscal year and such amount shall include any Growth Capital Expenditures during such fiscal year (provided, that if the Borrower and its Subsidiaries do not utilize the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any one fiscal year (beginning with unutilized Capital Expenditures permitted in fiscal year 2003), so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would be caused thereby, the Borrower may carry forward to the immediately succeeding fiscal year $1,000,000 of such unutilized amount (with Capital Expenditures made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower in such succeeding fiscal year applied last to such unutilized amount)):

 

Fiscal Year

 

Capital Expenditures

 

2003

 

$

21,000,000

 

2004

 

$

32,000,000

 

2005

 

$

30,000,000

 

2006

 

$

30,000,000

 

2007

 

$

30,000,000

 

 

1.12.       Minimum EBITDA.  Section 10.3(a) of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating in its entirety the table set forth at the end of such Section 10.3(a) as follows:

 

“Period

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

Second Fiscal Quarter of 2004 through the Fourth Fiscal Quarter of 2005

 

$

52,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Fiscal Quarter of 2006 and each fiscal quarter thereafter

 

$

55,000,000”

 

 

6



 

1.13.       Leverage Ratio.  Section 10.4 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating in its entirety the table set forth at the end of Section 10.4 as follows:

 

“Period

 

Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

Second and Third Fiscal Quarters of 2004

 

4.75:1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Fiscal Quarter of 2004 and First and Second Fiscal Quarters of 2005

 

4.50:1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Third Fiscal Quarter of 2005 through the Second Fiscal Quarter of 2006

 

4.25:1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Third Fiscal Quarter of 2006 and each fiscal quarter thereafter

 

4.00:1.00”

 

 

1.14.       Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  Section 10.6 of the Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating in its entirety the table set forth at the end of Section 10.6 as follows:

 

“Period

 

Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

Second Fiscal Quarter of 2004 through the First Fiscal Quarter of 2005

 

1.00:1.00

 

 

 

 

 

Second Fiscal Quarter of 2005 and each fiscal quarter thereafter

 

1.05:1.00’

 

 

1.15.       Replacement of Senior Note Indenture with New Senior Note Indenture.  The Revolving Credit Agreement is hereby amend by replacing each reference to “Senior Note Indenture” contained in Sections 8.5.1 and 13.1(f)  with the term “New Senior Note Indenture”.

 

SECTION 2.  Representations and Warranties.  The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, on and as of the date hereof, as follows:

 

(a)           This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower.  The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment and the performance by the Borrower of this Amendment and the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement have been duly authorized by proper corporate or other proceedings by the Borrower, and this Amendment and the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof,

 

7



 

except as enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights and general principles of equity and except to the extent that availability of the remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

 

(b)           No Default or Event of Default exists on the date hereof after giving effect to the amendments to the Revolving Credit Agreement effected hereby.

 

SECTION 3.  Effectiveness.  This Amendment shall be deemed to be effective as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date only upon satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent to the Administrative Agent’s reasonable satisfaction, in each case on or prior to (or contemporaneously with) the Fourth Amendment Effective Date:

 

(a)           Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement.  The Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed counterpart signature pages to (1) this Amendment from each of the Borrower and the Lenders and (2) the amended and restated Revolving Credit Notes from the Borrower in favor of each of the Lenders, dated as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date and reflecting the amended amounts set forth on Schedule 1(a) of the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Amended Notes”; together with this Amendment shall be referred to herein as the “Amendment Documents”).  The prior Revolving Credit Notes executed by the Borrower in favor of each of the Lenders, dated as of the Initial Closing Date, shall be exchanged for the Amended Notes in a manner, and on terms and conditions, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.  The Amendment Documents shall be in full force and effect and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(b)           Costs and Expenses.  The Borrower shall pay, in accordance with Section 16.2 of the Revolving Credit Agreement, all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and enforcement of this Amendment, including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of Bingham McCutchen LLP.

 

(c)           2004 Refinancing.  (i) The New Senior Notes shall have been issued by the Borrower pursuant to the New Senior Notes Indenture for gross proceeds of not less than $175,000,000 and (ii) the Senior Notes shall have been repurchased on the Fourth Amendment Effective Date (or, to the extent not repurchased on such date, a notice of redemption shall have been delivered to the trustee for the Senior Notes calling the remaining Senior Notes for redemption within 60 days of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date).

 

(d)           Opinion of Counsel.  The Administrative Agent shall have received from each of (i) Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP, counsel to the Borrower, and (ii) Choate, Hall & Stewart, counsel to the Borrower, a favorable legal opinion addressed to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders and dated the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, which opinions shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(e)           Fees.  The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Borrower the (1)  fee (the “Amendment Fee”) in the amount of (A) $225,000 for the pro rata account of the

 

8



 

Lenders based upon their Commitments immediately prior to the Fourth Amendment Effective Date and (B) $50,000 for the pro rata account of the Lenders based upon their increase in Commitment in connection with this Amendment and (2) the arrangement fee for the Administrative Agent’s own account as set forth in that certain letter agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Borrower and Administrative Agent.

 

(f)            Certified Copies of Governing Documents and New Senior Note Indenture. The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Borrower a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Borrower, dated as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, certifying that no amendments to any of (1) its charter or other organizational documents as in effect on such date of certification, (2) its by-laws or limited liability company agreement (as the case may be), have occurred since the Initial Closing Date and (3) the New Senior Note Indenture and documents executed in connection therewith.

 

(g)           Corporate or Other Action; Corporate Structure. All corporate (or other) action necessary for the valid execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Amendment Documents shall have been duly and effectively taken, and evidence thereof satisfactory to the Lenders shall have been provided to each of the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied with the New Senior Note Indenture and all aspects of the transactions contemplated by the Amendment Documents.

 

(h)           Incumbency Certificates. Each of the Lenders shall have received from the Borrower an incumbency certificate, dated as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, signed by a duly authorized officer of the Borrower, and giving the name and bearing a specimen signature of each individual who shall be authorized to sign, in the name and on behalf of the Borrower, each of the Amendment Documents to which the Borrower is or is to become a party.

 

(i)            Minimum EBITDA.  The Borrower’s Consolidated EBITDA for the fiscal year ending December 28, 2003 shall not be less than $54,000,000.

 

(j)            Leverage Ratio.  The Leverage Ratio for the Reference Period ending December 28, 2003 shall not exceed 4.5:1.00.

 

SECTION 4.  Applicable Law.  THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.

 

SECTION 5.  Ratification by Guarantors.  By their signatures below, Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. and Friendly’s International, Inc. (collectively, the “Guarantors”) (a) ratify and confirm that certain Guaranty dated as of the Initial Closing Date delivered by Guarantors in connection with the Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Guaranty”), (b) represent the Guaranty is in full force and effect and (c) acknowledge that the obligations and liability of the Guarantors thereunder have not been affected, diminished or impaired in any manner.

 

9



 

SECTION 6.  Miscellaneous.

 

6.1.         From and after the date hereof, this Amendment shall be deemed a Loan Document for all purposes of the Revolving Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and each reference to Loan Documents in the Revolving Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be deemed to include this Amendment.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute but one agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.

 

6.2.         Except as expressly provided herein, (a) this Amendment shall not limit the rights of or otherwise adversely affect the Lenders under the Revolving Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and (b) the Lenders reserve the right to insist on strict compliance with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the Borrower expressly acknowledges such reservation of rights.  The grant of the consent and waiver herein will not, either alone or taken with other waivers of provisions of the Revolving Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or consents with respect thereto, be deemed to create or be evidence of a course of conduct.  Any future or additional waiver of any provision of the Revolving Credit Agreement, or of any other Loan Document to which the Lenders are a party or have consented, or consent with respect thereto shall be effective only if set forth in a writing separate and distinct from this Amendment and duly executed by such parties as are required by Section 16.12 of the Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

10



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Amendment to be executed and delivered as an agreement as of the date first written above.

 

 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

 

Name: Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

Title: Executive Vice President of Administration

 

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FLEET NATIONAL BANK,

 

 

individually and as Administrative Agent

 

 

and as Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/: Robert W. MacEthiney

 

 

 

Name: Robert W. MacEthiney

 

 

Title: Director

 

 

 

CITIZENS BANK,

 

 

individually and as Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Cindy Chen

 

 

 

Name: Cindy Chen

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

BANKNORTH, N.A.,

 

 

individually and as Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Maria P. Goncalves

 

 

 

Name: Maria P. Goncalves

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

11



 

SECTION 6 AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:

 

FRIENDLY’S RESTAURANTS FRANCHISE, INC.,

 

as Guarantor

 

 

By:

/s/ Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

Name: Paul V. Hoagland

 

Title: Executive Vice President of Administration

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

FRIENDLY’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.,

 

as Guarantor

 

 

By:

/s/ Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

Name: Paul V. Hoagland

 

Title: Executive Vice President of Administration

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

12


EX-4.2 3 a04-4511_1ex4d2.htm EX-4.2

Exhibit 4.2

 

 

 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION

 

8 3/8% Senior Notes Due 2012

 


 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of March 8, 2004

 


 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,

 

as Trustee

 

 

 



 

CROSS REFERENCE TABLE

 

TIA Section

 

Indenture
Section

310

(a)(1)

 

7.10

 

(a)(2)

 

7.10

 

(a)(3)

 

N.A.

 

(a)(4)

 

N.A.

 

(b)

 

7.8; 7.10

 

(c)

 

N.A.

311

(a)

 

7.11

 

(b)

 

7.11

312

(a)

 

2.5

 

(b)

 

2.5; 11.3

 

(c)

 

11.3

313

(a)

 

11.3

 

(b)(1)

 

7.6

 

(b)(2)

 

N.A.

 

(c)

 

11.2

 

(d)

 

7.6

314

(a)

 

4.2; 4.14; 11.2

 

(b)

 

N.A.

 

(c)(1)

 

11.4

 

(c)(2)

 

11.4

 

(c)(3)

 

N.A.

 

(d)

 

N.A.

 

(e)

 

11.5

 

(f)

 

4.14

315

(a)

 

7.1

 

(b)

 

7.5; 11.2

 

(c)

 

7.1

 

(d)

 

7.1

 

(e)

 

6.11

316

(a)(last sentence)

 

11.6

 

(a)(1)(A)

 

6.5

 

(a)(1)(B)

 

6.4

 

(a)(2)

 

N.A.

 

(b)

 

6.7

317

(a)(1)

 

6.8

 

(a)(2)

 

6.9

 

(b)

 

2.4

318

(a)

 

11.1

 


N.A. means Not Applicable.

 

Note: This Cross-Reference Table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE 1

 

 

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

 

 

SECTION 1.1.

Definitions

1

SECTION 1.2.

Other Definitions

15

SECTION 1.3.

Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act

16

SECTION 1.4.

Rules of Construction

16

 

 

ARTICLE 2

 

 

 

THE SECURITIES

 

 

 

SECTION 2.1.

Form and Dating

17

SECTION 2.2.

Execution and Authentication; Additional Securities; Exchange Securities

17

SECTION 2.3.

Registrar and Paying Agent

18

SECTION 2.4.

Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust

18

SECTION 2.5.

Securityholder Lists

18

SECTION 2.6.

Transfer and Exchange

18

SECTION 2.7.

Replacement Securities

20

SECTION 2.8.

Outstanding Securities

21

SECTION 2.9.

Temporary Securities

21

SECTION 2.10.

Cancellation

21

SECTION 2.11.

Defaulted Interest

21

SECTION 2.12.

CUSIP and ISIN Numbers

21

SECTION 2.13.

Special Transfer Provisions

22

 

 

ARTICLE 3

 

 

 

REDEMPTION

 

 

 

SECTION 3.1.

Notices to Trustee

24

SECTION 3.2.

Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed

24

SECTION 3.3.

Notice of Redemption

24

SECTION 3.4.

Effect of Notice of Redemption

25

SECTION 3.5.

Deposit of Redemption Price

25

SECTION 3.6.

Securities Redeemed in Part

25

 

 

 

ARTICLE 4

 

 

 

 

COVENANTS

 

 

 

SECTION 4.1.

Payment of Securities

26

SECTION 4.2.

SEC Reports

26

SECTION 4.3.

Limitation on Indebtedness and Preferred Stock

26

SECTION 4.4.

Limitation on Restricted Payments

29

 

i



 

SECTION 4.5.

Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries

31

SECTION 4.6.

Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock

32

SECTION 4.7.

Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates

34

SECTION 4.8.

Change of Control

35

SECTION 4.9.

Limitation on Liens

36

SECTION 4.10.

Limitation on Sale of Subsidiary Capital Stock

36

SECTION 4.11.

Limitations on Sale/Leaseback Transactions

36

SECTION 4.12.

Limitation on Conduct of Business of Insurance Subsidiary

37

SECTION 4.13.

Future Guarantors

37

SECTION 4.14.

Compliance Certificate

37

SECTION 4.15.

Further Instruments and Acts

37

SECTION 4.16.

Maintenance of Office or Agency

37

SECTION 4.17.

Corporate Existence

37

SECTION 4.18.

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims

37

SECTION 4.19.

Maintenance of Properties and Insurance

38

SECTION 4.20.

Compliance with Laws

38

 

 

ARTICLE 5

 

 

 

SUCCESSOR COMPANY

 

 

 

SECTION 5.1.

When the Company May Merge or Transfer Assets

38

SECTION 5.2.

When Subsidiary Guarantor May Merge or Transfer Assets

39

 

 

 

ARTICLE 6

 

 

 

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

 

 

SECTION 6.1.

Events of Default

40

SECTION 6.2.

Acceleration

41

SECTION 6.3.

Other Remedies

42

SECTION 6.4.

Waiver of Past Defaults

42

SECTION 6.5.

Control by Majority

42

SECTION 6.6.

Limitation on Suits

42

SECTION 6.7.

Rights of Holders To Receive Payment

43

SECTION 6.8.

Collection Suit by Trustee

43

SECTION 6.9.

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

43

SECTION 6.10.

Priorities

43

SECTION 6.11.

Undertaking for Costs

43

SECTION 6.12.

Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws

43

 

 

 

ARTICLE 7

 

 

 

 

TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 7.1.

Duties of Trustee

44

SECTION 7.2.

Rights of Trustee

45

SECTION 7.3.

Individual Rights of Trustee

45

SECTION 7.4.

Trustee’s Disclaimer

46

SECTION 7.5.

Notice of Defaults

46

 

ii



 

SECTION 7.6.

Reports by Trustee to Holders

46

SECTION 7.7.

Compensation and Indemnity

46

SECTION 7.8.

Replacement of Trustee

47

SECTION 7.9.

Successor Trustee by Merger

47

SECTION 7.10.

Eligibility; Disqualification

48

SECTION 7.11.

Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company

48

 

 

 

ARTICLE 8

 

 

 

 

DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

 

 

 

SECTION 8.1.

Discharge of Liability on Securities; Defeasance

48

SECTION 8.2.

Conditions to Defeasance

49

SECTION 8.3.

Application of Trust Money

50

SECTION 8.4.

Repayment to Company

50

SECTION 8.5.

Indemnity for Government Obligations

50

SECTION 8.6.

Reinstatement

50

 

 

 

ARTICLE 9

 

 

 

 

AMENDMENTS

 

 

 

SECTION 9.1.

Without Consent of Holders

51

SECTION 9.2.

With Consent of Holders

51

SECTION 9.3.

Compliance with Trust Indenture Act

52

SECTION 9.4.

Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers

52

SECTION 9.5.

Notation on or Exchange of Securities

52

SECTION 9.6.

Trustee To Sign Amendments

52

 

 

 

ARTICLE 10

 

 

 

 

SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

 

 

 

SECTION 10.1.

Subsidiary Guarantees

53

SECTION 10.2.

Limitation on Liability

54

SECTION 10.3.

Successors and Assigns

54

SECTION 10.4.

No Waiver

54

SECTION 10.5.

Right of Contribution

54

SECTION 10.6.

No Subrogation

55

SECTION 10.7.

Modification

55

SECTION 10.8.

Release of Subsidiary Guarantor

55

 

 

 

ARTICLE 11

 

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

 

SECTION 11.1.

Trust Indenture Act Controls

55

SECTION 11.2.

Notices

55

SECTION 11.3.

Communication by Holders with Other Holders

56

SECTION 11.4.

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

56

SECTION 11.5.

Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

56

 

iii



 

SECTION 11.6.

When Securities Disregarded

57

SECTION 11.7.

Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar

57

SECTION 11.8.

Legal Holidays

57

SECTION 11.9.

Governing Law

57

SECTION 11.10.

No Recourse Against Others

57

SECTION 11.11.

Successors

57

SECTION 11.12.

Multiple Originals

57

SECTION 11.13.

Table of Contents; Headings

58

SECTION 11.14.

Severability Clause

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A — Form of Note

 

Exhibit B — Form of Private Placement Legend

 

Exhibit C — Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with Transfers to Non-QIB Accredited Investors

 

Exhibit D — Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S

 

 

iv



 

INDENTURE dated as of March 8, 2004, among FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation (the “Company”), FRIENDLY’S RESTAURANTS FRANCHISE, INC., a Delaware corporation, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, a New York banking corporation (the “Trustee”).

 

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other party and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company’s 8 3/8% Senior Notes Due 2012:

 

ARTICLE 1

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

SECTION 1.1.                                                    Definitions.

 

Acquired Indebtedness” of any specified Person means Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person’s becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person.

 

Additional Assets” means (i) any property or assets (other than Indebtedness and Capital Stock) in a Related Business; (ii) the Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock by the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; or (iii) Capital Stock constituting a minority interest in any Person that at such time is a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), such Restricted Subsidiary is primarily engaged in a Related Business.

 

Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.  For purposes of Article 4, Donald N. Smith shall be deemed to be an “Affiliate” so long as he is the beneficial owner of shares representing 5% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully diluted basis) of the Company or of rights or warrants to purchase such Voting Stock (whether or not currently exercisable).

 

Asset Disposition” means any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition (or series of related sales, leases, transfers or dispositions) of shares of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares), property or other assets (including sales and other dispositions of tangible assets to franchisees and licensees and tangible assets at underperforming restaurants, but excluding sales, dispositions or licenses of trademarks, service marks, trade names and other intangibles), including by way of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”), by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction) other than (i) a disposition to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) a disposition of property or assets in the ordinary course of business, (iii) dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business, (iv) for purposes of Section 4.6 only, a disposition that constitutes a Permitted Investment or a Restricted Payment permitted by Section 4.4, (v) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Company as permitted under Article 5, (vi) the grant of Liens permitted by Section 4.9 and (vii) sales of obsolete or worn-out equipment, and (viii) dispositions of assets, in any transaction or series of related transactions, with a fair market value of not more than $2.5 million.

 



 

Average Life” means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any Indebtedness or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the product of the numbers of years from the date of determination to the dates of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment by (ii) the sum of all such payments.

 

Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors or equivalent governing body of a Person (or the general partner of such Person, as the case may be) or, other than for purposes of the definition of “Change of Control,” any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board or equivalent governing body.

 

Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in New York State are authorized or required by law to close.

 

Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participation or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.

 

Capitalized Lease Obligation” of a Person means an obligation of such Person that is required to be classified and accounted for on the balance sheet of such Person as a capitalized lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease.

 

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Company:

 

(i)                           any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than one or more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company;

 

(ii)                        during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors of the Company then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office;

 

(iii)                     any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or substantially all, the assets of the Company to any person or group of persons (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than to any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company);

 

(iv)                    the Company merges or consolidates with or into another Person or another Person merges with or into the Company,  and, in any such case, the securities of the Company that are outstanding immediately prior to such transaction and that represent 100% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company are changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or property, unless pursuant to such transaction such securities of the Company are changed into or

 

2



 

exchanged for, in addition to any other consideration, securities of the surviving corporation that represent immediately after such transaction, at least a majority of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person or transferee; or

 

(v)                                 the adoption of a plan of liquidation of the Company.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Commodity Agreement” means any commodity swap agreement, commodity future agreement, commodity hedge agreement or other similar agreement relating to commodities, in each case relating to those commodities used in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

Consolidated Coverage Ratio” as of any date of determination means the ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of EBITDA for the period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters for which internal financial information is available prior to such date of determination to (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for such four fiscal quarters; provided, however, that (1) if the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has Incurred any Indebtedness since the beginning of such period that remains outstanding or if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio is an Incurrence of Indebtedness, or both, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such Indebtedness as if such Indebtedness had been Incurred on the first day of such period and the discharge of any other Indebtedness repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with the proceeds of such new Indebtedness as if such discharge had occurred on the first day of such period, (2) if since the beginning of such period the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have made any Asset Disposition or if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio is an Asset Disposition, the EBITDA for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable to the assets which are the subject of such Asset Disposition for such period, or increased by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if negative) directly attributable thereto for such period and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with respect to the Company and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such Asset Disposition for such period (or, if the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary is sold, the Consolidated Interest Expense for such period directly attributable to the Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the Company and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Indebtedness after such sale), (3) if since the beginning of such period the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (by merger or otherwise) shall have made an Investment in any Restricted Subsidiary (or any Person which becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) or an acquisition of assets, including any acquisition of assets occurring in connection with a transaction causing a calculation to be made hereunder, which constitutes all or substantially all of an operating unit of a business, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the Incurrence or retirement of any Indebtedness) as if such Investment or acquisition occurred on the first day of such period and (4) if since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period) shall have made any Asset Disposition or any Investment that would have required an adjustment pursuant to clause (2) or (3) above if made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Asset Disposition or Investment occurred on the first day of such period.  For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to an acquisition of assets, the amount of income or earnings relating thereto and the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense associated with any Indebtedness Incurred in connection therewith, the pro forma calculations shall be made on a basis consistent with

 

3



 

Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.  If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Interest Rate Agreement applicable to such Indebtedness).

 

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the total interest expense of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (net of interest income), plus, to the extent not included in such interest expense, (i) interest expense attributable to capital leases, (ii) amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost, (iii) capitalized interest, (iv) non-cash interest expense, (v) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing, (vi) interest on Indebtedness referred to in clause (vii) or (viii) of the definition of “Indebtedness,” (vii) interest with respect to discontinued operations; (viii) Preferred Stock dividends in respect of all Preferred Stock of the Company and its Subsidiaries held by Persons other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary and (ix) the cash contributions to any employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such contributions are used by such plan or trust to pay interest or fees to any Person (other than the Company) in connection with Indebtedness Incurred by such plan or trust; provided, however, that there shall be excluded therefrom any such interest expense of any Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the related Indebtedness is not Guaranteed or paid by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries; provided, however, that there shall not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:

 

(i)                           any net income (loss) of any Person (other than the Company) if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that (A) subject to the limitations contained in clause (iii) below, the Company’s equity in the net income of any such Person for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Person during such period to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (ii) below) and (B) the Company’s equity in a net loss of any such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income,

 

(ii)                        any net income (but not loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary if such Restricted Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Company, except that (A), subject to the exclusion contained in clause (iii) below, the Company’s equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend paid to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause) and (B) the Company’s equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income,

 

(iii)                     any gain or loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of any property, plant or equipment of the Company or its consolidated Subsidiaries (including pursuant to any Sale/Leaseback Transaction) which is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business and any gain (or loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person,

 

4



 

(iv)                              any extraordinary gain or loss,

 

(v)                                 the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles, and

 

(vi)                              foreign currency exchange gains and losses.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.4 only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets from Unrestricted Subsidiaries to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such dividends, repayments or transfers increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such covenant pursuant to clause (3)(D) of paragraph (a) thereof.

 

Credit Facility” means that certain credit facility, dated as of December 17, 2001, as amended through the Issue Date, among the Company, Fleet National Bank, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto, including any collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and the term “Credit Facility” shall also include any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refundings thereof and any credit facilities that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility that increases the amount borrowable thereunder or alters the maturity thereof.

 

Currency Agreement” means in respect of a Person any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement as to which such Person is a party or a beneficiary.

 

Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

Depositary” shall mean The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or a successor thereto registered under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute or regulation.

 

Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event (i) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, (ii) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or (iii) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to the 91st day after the Stated Maturity of the Securities.

 

EBITDA” for any period means the Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) income tax expense, (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense, (iii) depreciation expense, (iv) amortization expense and (v) all other non-cash items reducing such Consolidated Net Income (excluding any such non-cash item that results in an accrual of or a reserve for a cash expense or charge in any future period), minus all non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income, in each case for such period.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the income tax expense, depreciation expense and amortization expense of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company shall be included in EBITDA only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the net income of such Subsidiary was included in calculating Consolidated Net Income and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be distributable to the Company by such Subsidiary as a dividend.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

5



 

“Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement” means (i) the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the Issue Date among the Company, Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. and the Initial Purchasers and (ii) any other exchange and registration rights agreement entered into in connection with an issuance of Additional Securities in a private offering after the Issue Date.

 

“Exchange Offer” means the offer than may be made by the Company pursuant to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement to exchange Securities bearing the Private Placement Legend for the Exchange Securities.

 

“Exchange Securities” has the meaning set forth in the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which is incorporated or otherwise organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the date of this Indenture, including those set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession.  All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in this Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP.

 

 “Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.  The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

Hedging Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to a counterparty (net of amounts receivable from such counterparty) pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement, Currency Agreement or Commodity Agreement.

 

Holder” or “Securityholder” means the Person in whose name a Security is registered on the Registrar’s books.

 

IAI Global Note” means a permanent global security in registered form bearing the legend in Exhibit B and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee representing the Securities sold to Institutional Accredited Investors following the Issue Date in compliance with this Indenture.

 

Incur” means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that (i) any Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be incurred by such Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary and (ii) neither the accrual of interest or the accretion of original issue discount shall be deemed to be an Incurrence.

 

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Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication),

 

(i)                                     the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money,

 

(ii)                                  the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,

 

(iii)                               all obligations of such Person in respect of unreimbursed drawings under letters of credit or other similar instruments (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto),

 

(iv)                              all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services (except Trade Payables and accrued expenses), which purchase price is due more that six months after the date of placing such property in service or taking delivery and title thereto or the completion of such services,

 

(v)                                 all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person,

 

(vi)                              the amount of all non-contingent obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock or, with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, any Preferred Stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends),

 

(vii)                           all Indebtedness of other Persons secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; provided, however, that the amount of such Indebtedness shall be the lesser of (A) the fair market value of such asset at such date of determination and (B) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person,

 

(viii)                        all Indebtedness of other Persons to the extent Guaranteed by such Person,

 

(ix)                                to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, net Hedging Obligations, and

 

(x)                                   Acquired Indebtedness.

 

The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum liability, upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation, of any contingent obligations at such date.

 

Indenture” means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time by one or more supplemental indentures entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof or otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

“Initial Purchasers” means Goldman, Sachs & Co., Banc of America Securities LLC and SG Cowen Securities Corporation.

 

“Institutional Accredited Investor” or “IAI” means an “accredited investor” with the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.

 

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interest” means, with respect to any Security, interest on such Security plus any Special Interest, if any, under the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Interest Rate Agreement” means with respect to any Person any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement as to which such Person is party or a beneficiary.

 

Investment” in any Person means any direct or indirect advance, loan (other than advances to customers in the ordinary course of business that are recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of such Person) or other extension of credit (including by way of Guarantee or similar arrangement) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other similar instruments issued by such Person.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, purchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of Capital Stock of the Company shall be deemed not to be Investments.  For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 4.4, (i) “Investment” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of any Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to (x) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less (y) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time that such Subsidiary is so redesignated a Restricted Subsidiary; and (ii) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors and evidenced by a resolution of such Board of Directors certified in an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee.  For the purposes of calculating the amount of other “Investments,” including Permitted Investments, the amount of any Investment shall be the original cost of such Investment plus the cost of all additional Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, without any adjustments for increases or decreases in value, or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs with respect to such Investment, reduced by the payment of dividends or distributions in connection with such Investment or any other amounts received in respect of such Investment; provided that no such payment of dividends or distributions or receipt of any such other amounts shall reduce the amount of any Investment if such payment of dividends or distributions or receipt of any such amounts would be included in Consolidated Net Income.  If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or other disposition equal to the fair market value of the Capital Stock of and all other Investments in such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of, which amount shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Issue Date” means the date on which the Initial Securities are first issued under this Indenture.

 

Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof).

 

Net Available Cash” from an Asset Disposition means cash payments received (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to such

 

8



 

properties or assets or received in any other non cash form) therefrom, in each case net of (i) all legal, accounting, investment banking, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be paid or accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such Asset Disposition, (ii) all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition, or by applicable law be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition, (iii) all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition and (iv) the deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the assets disposed of in such Asset Disposition and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Disposition.

 

Net Cash Proceeds,” with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, underwriters’ or placement agents’ fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultants’ and other fees actually incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.

 

Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness (i) as to which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary (a) provides any Guarantee or credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, Guarantee, indemnity, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly or indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise) and (ii) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders thereof may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to declare a default under such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity.

 

“Non-U.S. Person” has the meaning assigned to such term in Regulation S.

 

“Offering Circular” means the Offering Circular dated March 3, 2004 relating to the Initial Securities issued on the Issue Date.

 

Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, any Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, the Treasurer or the Clerk.

 

Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers, one of which is the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, the Treasurer or the Clerk.

 

144A Global Note” means a permanent global security in registered form representing the Securities sold in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

 

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.  The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Trustee.  Opinions of Counsel required to be delivered under this Indenture may have qualifications customary for opinions of the type required and counsel delivering such Opinions of Counsel may rely on certificates of the Company or government or other officials customary for opinions of the type required, including certificates certifying as to matters of fact.

 

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Pari Passu Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor that ranks pari passu in right of payment with the Securities or the Subsidiary Guarantees, as applicable.

 

Permitted Holders” means (1) Donald N. Smith, John L. Cutter, Paul V. Hoagland, Lawrence A. Rusinko, Michael A. Maglioli, Garret J. Ulrich and Allan J. Okscin and (2) Related Parties of any of the foregoing.

 

Permitted Investment” means an Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in (i) the Company, or a Restricted Subsidiary or a Person which will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the primary business of such Restricted Subsidiary is a Related Business; (ii) another Person if as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Person’s primary business is a Related Business; (iii) Temporary Cash Investments; (iv) accounts and receivables owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided, however, that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances; (v) payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business; (vi) loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business; (vii) stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments; (viii) franchisees of the Company in an amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $10 million; (ix) Unrestricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $10 million; (x) Guarantees permitted to be made pursuant to Section 4.3; (xi) securities of account debtors received in settlement of obligations or pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any account debtors or customers, (xii) Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements and Commodity Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; provided that such agreements are entered into for bona fide hedging purposes, are not for speculation or trading purposes and are designed to protect against fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices, as the case may be, and, in the case of Interest Rate Agreements, any such Interest Rate Agreement has a notional amount corresponding to the Indebtedness being hedged thereby, (xiii) accounts and notes receivable from franchisees, customers, suppliers and others in the ordinary course of business, (xiv) in connection with an Asset Disposition made in compliance with Section 4.6, (xv) Investments made in the form of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; and (xvi) other Investments in an aggregate amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $10 million (with each Investment being valued as of the date made and without regard to subsequent changes in value).

 

Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person, (a) pledges or deposits by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or cash equivalents to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business; (b) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review; (c) Liens for taxes, assessments, governmental charges or claims not yet subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (d) Liens in favor of issuers of surety bonds or

 

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letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person, and Liens to secure bankers’ acceptances, in each case in the ordinary course of its business; (e) survey exceptions, encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person; (f) Liens (A) securing obligations under Interest Rate Agreements so long as the related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under the Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such obligations and (B) securing obligations under Currency Agreements and Commodity Agreements, provided that such Liens shall not encumber any assets or property of the Company other than the underlying contracts and the rights thereunder; (g) Liens existing as of the Issue Date and Liens created by the Indenture; (h) Liens created solely for the purpose of securing the payment of all or a part of the purchase price or construction cost of assets or property acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of business after the Issue Date; provided, however, that (A) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens shall not exceed the cost of the assets or property so acquired or constructed, (B) the Indebtedness secured by such Liens shall have otherwise been permitted to be issued under the Indenture and (C) such Liens shall not encumber any other assets or property of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than assets or property affixed or appurtenant thereto) and shall attach to such assets or property within 180 days of the construction or acquisition of such assets or property; (i) Liens on the assets or property of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company existing at the time such Restricted Subsidiary became a Subsidiary of the Company and not incurred as a result of (or in connection with or in anticipation of) such Restricted Subsidiary becoming a Subsidiary of the Company; provided, however, that (A) any such Lien does not by its terms cover any categories of property or assets after the time such Restricted Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary which were not covered immediately prior to such transaction, (B) the incurrence of the Indebtedness secured by such Lien shall have otherwise been permitted to be issued under the Indenture, and (C) such Liens do not extend to or cover any other categories of property or assets (other than assets or property affixed or appurtenant thereto) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; (j) Liens to secure Capitalized Lease Obligations permitted to be Incurred under the Indenture; (k) Liens on assets existing at the time such assets are acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (and not created in anticipation or contemplation thereof); (l) Liens securing Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facility; (m) any interest or title of a lessor under any lease, whether or not characterized as an operating or capital lease; (n) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, including rights of set-off; (o) leases or subleases granted in the ordinary course of business; (p) Liens arising out of consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods; (q) rights of set-off on bank accounts and Liens of securities intermediaries arising on accounts maintained in the ordinary course of business; (r) Liens in addition to the foregoing; provided that the amount of the obligations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by such Liens does not exceed in the aggregate $2 million at any one time outstanding; and (s) Liens extending, renewing or replacing in whole or in part a Lien permitted by clause (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k) above; provided, however, that (A) such Liens do not extend beyond the property subject to the existing Lien and improvements and construction on such property and proceeds thereof and (B) the Indebtedness secured by the Lien may not exceed the Indebtedness secured at the time by the existing Lien, plus an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses relating to such extension, renewal or replacement (including premiums related thereto).

 

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

 

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Preferred Stock,” as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

 

principal” of a Security means the principal of the Security plus the premium, if any, payable on the Security which is due or overdue or is to become due at the relevant time.

 

Private Placement Legend” means the legends initially set forth on the Securities in the form set forth in Exhibit B.

 

Qualified Equity Offering” means (i) an underwritten primary public offering of common stock of the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or (ii) a private offering of common stock other than issuances of common stock pursuant to employee benefit plans or as compensation to employees.

 

“Qualified Institutional Buyer” or “QIB” shall have the meaning specified in Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

 

Refinancing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness that refunds, refinances, replaces, renews, repays or extends (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) (collectively, “refinances,” and “refinanced” shall have a correlative meaning) any Indebtedness existing on the date of the Indenture or Incurred in compliance with the Indenture (including Indebtedness of the Company that refinances Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of another Restricted Subsidiary) including Indebtedness that refinances other Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that (i) the Refinancing Indebtedness has a Stated Maturity no earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced, (ii) the Refinancing Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness being refinanced, (iii) if the Indebtedness being refinanced was subordinated to the Securities or any Subsidiary Guaranty, as the case may be, then such Refinancing Indebtedness, by its terms, is subordinate in right of payment to the Securities or such Subsidiary Guaranty, as the case may be, at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced and (iv) such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred in an aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the sum of the aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding of the Indebtedness being refinanced plus the amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the Indebtedness being refinanced, any premium paid to the holders of the Indebtedness being refinanced and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the incurrence of the Refinancing Indebtedness; provided further, however, that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include (x) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary Guarantor) that refinances Indebtedness of the Company or (y) Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary (unless such Unrestricted Subsidiary is concurrently redesignated a Restricted Subsidiary).

 

Regulation S Global Note” means a permanent global security in registered form representing the Securities sold in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

 

Related Business” means the businesses of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of the Indenture and any business related, ancillary or complementary thereto, in each case as determined by the Company in good faith.

 

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Related Party” means, with respect to any Person, (1) the spouse or immediate family member of such Person, (2) any estate, trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners or owners of which consist solely of one or more Permitted Holders and/or such other persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (1), or (3) any executor, administrator, trustee, manager, director or other similar fiduciary of any Person referred to in the immediately preceding clause (2), acting solely in such capacity.

 

“Responsible Officer” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any vice president, any assistant vice president, any senior trust officer or assistant trust officer, any trust officer, or any other officer associated with the corporate trust department of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

 

“Restricted Security” means a Security that constitutes a “Restricted Security” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act; provided, however, that the Trustee shall be entitled to request and conclusively rely on an Opinion of Counsel with respect to whether any Security constitutes a Restricted Security.

 

Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Sale/Leaseback Transaction” means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired whereby the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.

 

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Securities” means, collectively, the Company’s 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2012 issued in accordance with Section 2.2 (whether issued on the Issue Date, issued as Additional Securities, issued as Exchange Securities or otherwise issued after the Issue Date) treated as a single class of securities under this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

 

“Special Interest” has the meaning provided in the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the issuer unless such contingency has occurred).

 

Subordinated Obligation” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is subordinate or junior in

 

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right of payment to the Securities or the Subsidiary Guaranty of such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, pursuant to a written agreement.

 

Subsidiary” of any Person means any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) such Person, (ii) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (iii) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

Subsidiary Guarantor” means Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. and each Future Guarantor, in each case, until such Person is released from its Subsidiary Guaranty in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

Subsidiary Guaranty” means the Guaranty by a Subsidiary Guarantor of the Company’s obligations with respect to the Securities.

 

Temporary Cash Investments” means any of the following: (i) any investment in direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency thereof or obligations Guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof, in each case maturing within 360 days of the date of acquisition thereof, (ii) investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and money market deposits maturing within 360 days of the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust company which is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America having capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in excess of $250,000,000 (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) and whose long-term debt is rated “A” (or such similar equivalent rating) or higher by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities Act), (iii) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 60 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) above entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (ii) above, (iv) investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 270 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Company) organized and in existence under the laws of the United States of America or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America with a rating at the time as of which any investment therein is made of “P-1” (or higher) according to Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or “A-1” (or higher) according to Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, (v) investments in securities with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and rated at least “A” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or “A” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and (vi) investments in shares of money market funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture except as provided in Section 9.3.

 

Trade Payables” means, with respect to any Person, any accounts payable or any indebtedness or monetary obligation to trade creditors created, assumed or Guaranteed by such Person arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the acquisition of goods or services.

 

Trustee” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

 

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Uniform Commercial Code” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time.

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means (i) Friendly’s International, Inc., Friendly’s Realty I, LLC, Friendly’s Realty II, LLC and Friendly’s Realty III, LLC, (ii) any Subsidiary of the Company that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors in the manner provided below and (iii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.  The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of the Company) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any property of, the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided, however, that either (A) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total consolidated assets of $1,000 or less or (B) if such Subsidiary has consolidated assets greater than $1,000, then such designation would be permitted under Section 4.4.  The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation (x) the Company could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under Section 4.3(a) and (y) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.  Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the Board of Directors resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

 

U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the issuer’s option.

 

Voting Stock” of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors (or functional equivalent).

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company all the Capital Stock of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares and, in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries, shares required to be held by foreign nationals representing not more than 2% of such Capital Stock) is owned by the Company or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 1.2.                                                    Other Definitions.

 

 

Term

 

Defined in
Section

“Additional Securities”

 

 

2.2

“Affiliate Transaction”

 

 

4.7

“Authentication Order”

 

 

2.2

“Bankruptcy Law”

 

 

6.1

“covenant defeasance option”

 

 

8.1(b)

“Change of Control Offer”

 

 

4.8(b)

“Custodian”

 

 

6.1

“Event of Default”

 

 

6.1

“Global Securities”

 

 

2.1

“Initial Securities”

 

 

2.2

“legal defeasance option”

 

 

8.1(b)

“Legal Holiday”

 

 

11.8

“Notice of Default”

 

 

6.1

“Offer”

 

 

4.6(b)

“Participants”

 

 

2.6

“Paying Agent”

 

 

2.3

“Physical Securities”

 

 

2.1

“Registrar”

 

 

2.3

“Restricted Payment”

 

 

4.4(a)

“Securities Register”

 

 

2.3

“Successor Company”

 

 

5.1

 

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SECTION 1.3.                                 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.  This Indenture is subject to the mandatory provisions of the TIA which are incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.  The following TIA terms have the following meanings:

 

Commission” means the SEC.

 

indenture securities” means the Securities.

 

indenture security holder” means a Securityholder.

 

indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture.

 

indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee.

 

obligor” on the indenture securities means the Company and any other obligor on the indenture securities.

 

All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule have the meanings assigned to them by such definitions.

 

SECTION 1.4.                                 Rules of Construction.  Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(1)                                  a term has the meaning assigned to it;
 
(2)                                  an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
 
(3)                                  “or” is not exclusive;
 
(4)                                  “including” means including without limitation;
 
(5)                                  words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;
 
(6)                                  unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinate or junior to secured Indebtedness merely by virtue of its nature as unsecured Indebtedness;
 
(7)                                  the principal amount of any non-interest bearing or other discount security at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the issuer dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP;

 

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(8)                                  the principal amount of any Preferred Stock shall be (i) the maximum liquidation value of such Preferred Stock or (ii) the maximum mandatory redemption or mandatory repurchase price with respect to such Preferred Stock, whichever is greater; and
 
(9)                                  all references to $, US$, dollars or United States dollars shall refer to the lawful currency of the United States.
 

ARTICLE 2

 

THE SECURITIES

 

SECTION 2.1.                                 Form and Dating.  The Securities shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global securities (“Global Securities”) in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons in substantially the form of Exhibit A, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Securities represented thereby with the Trustee, at its principal corporate trust office in New York City, as custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.  The aggregate principal amount of the Global Securities may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depositary or its nominee in the limited circumstances hereinafter provided.

 

The Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Company is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company).  Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.  The terms of the Securities set forth in Exhibit A are part of the terms of this Indenture.

 

Except as provided in Section 2.6, owners of beneficial interests in Global Securities will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated securities (the “Physical Securities”).

 

SECTION 2.2.                                 Execution and Authentication; Additional Securities; Exchange Securities.  An Officer of the Company shall sign the Securities for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Security, the Security shall be valid nevertheless.

 

A Security shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Security.  The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.

 

The Trustee shall authenticate (i) on the Issue Date, Securities for original issue in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $175,000,000 (the “Initial Securities”), (ii) additional Securities (the “Additional Securities”) in an unlimited amount (so long as not otherwise prohibited by the terms of this Indenture, including, without limitation, Section 4.3) and (iii) Exchange Securities (x) in exchange for a like principal amount of Initial Securities or (y) in exchange for a like principal amount of Additional Securities, in each case, upon a written order of the Company signed by an Officer of the Company (an “Authentication Order”).  Each such Authentication Order shall specify the amount of Securities to be authenticated and the date on which the Securities are to be authenticated, whether the Securities are to be Initial Securities, Exchange Securities or Additional Securities and such other information as the Trustee

 

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may reasonably request.  The Initial Securities authenticated on the Issue Date shall consist of one or more Global Securities, each bearing the Private Placement Legend set forth in Exhibit B.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate the Securities, upon the consent of the Company to such appointment.  Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

 

SECTION 2.3.                                 Registrar and Paying Agent.  The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Securities may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”) and an office or agency where Securities may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”).  The Registrar, acting on behalf of and as agent for the Company, shall keep a register (the “Securities Register”) of the Securities and of their transfer and exchange.  The Company may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.  The term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent.

 

The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar not a party to this Indenture, which shall incorporate the terms of the TIA.  The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent.  The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent.  If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.7.  The Company or any of its domestically incorporated Wholly Owned Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or transfer agent, except that for purposes of Article 8, neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates shall act as Paying Agent.

 

The Company initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar and Paying Agent in connection with the Securities.

 

SECTION 2.4.                                 Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust.  Prior to 10:00 a.m. New York Time on each due date of the principal and interest on any Security, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such principal and interest when so becoming due.  The Company shall require each Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Securityholders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of or interest on the Securities and shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment.  If the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund.  The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent.  Upon complying with this Section, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.

 

SECTION 2.5.                                 Securityholder Lists.  The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Securityholders.  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee, in writing at least five Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Securityholders; provided that as long as the Trustee is the Registrar, no such list need be furnished.

 

SECTION 2.6.                                 Transfer and Exchange.  The Securities shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Security for registration of transfer.  When a

 

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Security is presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Registrar shall record in the Securities Register the transfer as requested if the requirements of Section 8-401(1) of the Uniform Commercial Code are met, and thereupon one or more new Securities in the same aggregate principal amount shall be issued to the designated assignee or transferee and the old Security will be returned to the Company.  When Securities are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of other denominations, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested, in the same manner, if the same requirements are met.  To permit registration of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Securities at the Registrar’s or co-registrar’s request.  The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to pay all taxes, assessments or other governmental charges in connection with any transfer or exchange pursuant to this Section.  The Company shall not be required to make and the Registrar need not register transfers or exchanges of Securities selected for redemption (except, in the case of Securities to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed) or any Securities for a period of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed or 15 days before an interest payment date.

 

Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Security, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any co-registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Security is registered as the absolute owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security is overdue, and none of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any co-registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

All Securities issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture will evidence the same debt and will be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.

 

With respect to Global Securities:

 

(1)                                  Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and deposited with such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.
 
(2)                                  A Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary.  A Global Security is exchangeable for certificated Securities only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a notice that such Global Security shall be so transferable, registrable, and exchangeable, and such transfers shall be registrable or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default or an event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Securities represented by such Global Security.  Any Global Security that is exchangeable for certificated Securities pursuant to the preceding sentence will be transferred to, and registered and exchanged for, certificated Securities in authorized denominations, without legends applicable to a Global Security, and registered in such names as the Depositary holding such Global Security may direct.  Subject to the foregoing, a Global Security is not exchangeable, except for a Global Security of like denomination to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.  In the event that a Global Security becomes exchangeable for certificated Securities, (i) certificated Securities will

 

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be issued only in fully registered form in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof, (ii) payment of principal, any repurchase price, and interest on the certificated Securities will be payable, and the transfer of the certificated Securities will be registrable, at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purposes, and (iii) no service charge will be made for any registration or transfer or exchange of the certificated Securities, although the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge imposed in connection therewith.
 
(3)                                  Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall have an aggregate principal amount equal to that of such Global Security or portion thereof to be so exchanged, shall be registered in such names and be in such authorized denominations as the Depositary shall designate and shall bear the applicable legends provided for herein.  Any Global Security to be exchanged in whole shall be surrendered by the Depositary to the Trustee.  With respect to any Global Security to be exchanged in part, either such Global Security shall be so surrendered for exchange or, if the Trustee is acting as custodian for the Depositary or its nominee with respect to such Global Security, the principal amount thereof shall be reduced, by an amount equal to the portion thereof to be so exchanged, by means of an appropriate adjustment made on the records of the Trustee.  Upon any such surrender or adjustment, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver the Security issuable on such exchange to or upon the order of the Depositary or an authorized representative thereof.
 
(4)                                  Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion mutilated thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 2.7 or 2.9 or otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.
 
(5)                                  Any Physical Security constituting a Restricted Security delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall, except as otherwise provided by Section 2.13, bear the Private Placement Legend.
 

Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“Participants”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Security held on their behalf by the Depositary or by the Trustee as the custodian of the Depositary or under such Global Security, and the Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Participants, the operation of customary practices of such Depositary governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Security.

 

SECTION 2.7.                                 Replacement Securities.  If a mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee or Registrar or if the Holder of a Security claims that the Security has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Security if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code are met and the Holder satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee and the Company.  Such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Company and the Trustee to protect the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar and any co-registrar from any loss which any of them may suffer if a security is replaced.  The Company and the Trustee may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Security.

 

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Every replacement Security is an obligation of the Company under this Indenture.

 

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

 

SECTION 2.8.                                 Outstanding Securities.  Securities outstanding at any time are all Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section as not outstanding.  A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the security.

 

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security is held by a bona fide purchaser.

 

If the Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or maturity date or, pursuant to Section 8.1(a), within 91 days prior thereto, money sufficient to pay all principal and interest payable on that redemption or maturity date with respect to the Securities (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, then on and after such date such Securities (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and on and after such redemption or maturity date interest on them ceases to accrue.

 

SECTION 2.9.                                 Temporary Securities.  Until definitive Securities are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities.  Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities.  Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Securities and deliver them in exchange for temporary Securities.

 

SECTION 2.10.                           Cancellation.  The Company at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment.  The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Securities surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and deliver such canceled Securities to the Company.  The Trustee shall from time to time provide the Company a list of all Securities that have been canceled as requested by the Company.  The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities it has redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

SECTION 2.11.                           Defaulted Interest.  If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities, the Company shall pay defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) in any lawful manner.  The Company may pay the defaulted interest to the persons who are Securityholders on a subsequent special record date.  The Company shall fix or cause to be fixed any such special record date and payment date to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee and shall promptly mail to each Securityholder a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest to be paid.

 

SECTION 2.12.                           CUSIP and ISIN Numbers.  The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP”  and “ISIN” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other

 

21



 

identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP and ISIN numbers.

 

SECTION 2.13.                           Special Transfer Provisions.

 

(a)                                  Transfers to Non-QIB Institutional Accredited Investors and Non-U.S. Persons.  The following provisions shall apply with respect to the registration of any proposed transfer of a Restricted Security to any Institutional Accredited Investor which is not a QIB or to any Non-U.S. Person:

 

(i)                                     the Registrar shall register the transfer of any Restricted Security, whether or not such Security bears the Private Placement Legend, if (x) the requested transfer is after the second anniversary of the Issue Date; provided, however, that neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company has held any beneficial interest in such Security, or portion thereof, at any time on or prior to the second anniversary of the Issue Date or (y) (1) in the case of a transfer to an Institutional Accredited Investor which is not a QIB (excluding Non-U.S. Persons), the proposed transferee has delivered to the Registrar a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto and any legal opinions and certifications required thereby and (2) in the case of a transfer to a Non-U.S. Person, the proposed transferor has delivered to the Registrar a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto;

 

(ii)                                  if the proposed transferee is a Participant and the Securities to be transferred consist of Physical Securities which after transfer are to be evidenced by an interest in the IAI Global Note or Regulation S Global Note, as the case may be, upon receipt by the Registrar of the Physical Security and (x) written instructions given in accordance with the Depositary’s and the Registrar’s procedures and (y) the appropriate certificate, if any, required by clause (y) of paragraph (i) above, the Registrar shall register the transfer and reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the IAI Global Note or Regulation S Global Note, as the case may be, in an amount equal to the principal amount of Physical Securities to be transferred, and the Registrar shall cancel the Physical Securities so transferred; and

 

(iii)                               if the proposed transferor is a Participant seeking to transfer an interest in a Global Security, upon receipt by the Registrar of (x) written instructions given in accordance with the Depositary’s and the Registrar’s procedures and (y) the appropriate certificate, if any, required by clause (y) of paragraph (i) above, the Registrar shall register the transfer and reflect on its books and records the date and (A) a decrease in the principal amount of the Global Security from which such interests are to be transferred in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Securities to be transferred and (B) an increase in the principal amount of the IAI Global Note or the Regulation S Global Note, as the case may be, in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Securities to be transferred.

 

(b)                                 Transfers to QIBs.  The following provisions shall apply with respect to the registration of any proposed transfer of a Restricted Security to a QIB:

 

(i)                                     the Registrar shall register the transfer of any Restricted Security, whether or not such Security bears the Private Placement Legend, if (x) the requested transfer is after the second anniversary of the Issue Date; provided, however, that neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company has held any beneficial interest in such Security, or portion thereof, at any time on or prior to the second anniversary of the Issue Date or (y) such transfer is being made by a proposed transferor who has checked the box provided for on the form of Security stating, or has otherwise advised the Company and the Registrar in writing, that the sale has been made in compliance

 

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with the provisions of Rule 144A to a transferee who has signed the certification provided for on the form of Security stating, or has otherwise advised the Company and the Registrar in writing, that it is purchasing the Security for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a QIB within the meaning of Rule 144A, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company as it has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A;

 

(ii)                                  if the proposed transferee is a Participant and the Securities to be transferred consist of Physical Securities which after transfer are to be evidenced by an interest in the 144A Global Note, upon receipt by the Registrar of the Physical Security and written instructions given in accordance with the Depositary’s and the Registrar’s procedures, the Registrar shall register the transfer and reflect on its book and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the 144A Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of Physical Securities to be transferred, and the Registrar shall cancel the Physical Securities so transferred; and

 

(iii)                               if the proposed transferor is a Participant seeking to transfer an interest in the IAI Global Note or the Regulation S Global Note, upon receipt by the Registrar of written instructions given in accordance with the Depositary’s and the Registrar’s procedures, the Registrar shall register the transfer and reflect on its books and records the date and (A) a decrease in the principal amount of the IAI Global Note or the Regulation S Global Note, as the case may be, in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Securities to be transferred and (B) an increase in the principal amount of the 144A Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Securities to be transferred.

 

(c)                                  Exchange Offer.  Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.2, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Global Securities not bearing the Private Placement Legend in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Global Securities tendered for acceptance in accordance with the Exchange Offer and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer.

 

(d)                                 Private Placement Legend.  Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Securities not bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Registrar or co-Registrar shall deliver Securities that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.  Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Securities bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Registrar or co-Registrar shall deliver only Securities that bear the Private Placement Legend unless (i) there is delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act or (ii) such Security has been offered and sold (including pursuant to the Exchange Offer) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

 

(e)                                  General.  By its acceptance of any Security bearing the Private Placement Legend, each Holder of such a Security acknowledges the restrictions on transfer of such Security set forth in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend and agrees that it will transfer such Security only as provided in this Indenture.

 

The Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to this Section 2.13.  The Company shall have the right to inspect and make copies of

 

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all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable written notice to the Registrar.

 

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security (including any transfers between or among Participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Security) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

The Trustee shall have no responsibility for the actions or omissions of the Depositary, or the accuracy of the books and records of the Depositary.

 

ARTICLE 3

 

REDEMPTION

 

SECTION 3.1.                                 Notices to Trustee.  If the Company elects to redeem Securities pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Securities, it shall notify the Trustee in writing of the redemption date, the principal amount of Securities to be redeemed and the paragraph of the Securities pursuant to which the redemption will occur.

 

The Company shall give each notice to the Trustee provided for in this Section at least 45 days before the redemption date unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period.  Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate from the Company to the effect that such redemption will comply with the provisions herein.

 

SECTION 3.2.                                 Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed.  If fewer than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by a method that complies with applicable legal and securities exchange requirements, if any, and that the Trustee considers in its sole discretion to be fair and appropriate and in accordance with methods generally used at the time of selection by fiduciaries in similar circumstances; provided, however, that, in the case of such redemption pursuant to paragraph 5(b) of the Securities, the Trustee will select the Securities on a pro rata basis or on as nearly a pro rata basis as practicable (subject to the procedures of the Depositary) unless that method is otherwise prohibited.  The Trustee shall make the selection from outstanding Securities not previously called for redemption.  The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities that have denominations larger than $1,000.  Securities and portions of them the Trustee selects shall be in amounts of $1,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for redemption.  The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of the Securities or portions of Securities to be redeemed.  In the event the Company is required to make an offer to redeem Securities pursuant to Sections 4.6 or 4.8 and the amount available for such offer is not evenly divisible by $1,000, the Trustee shall promptly refund to the Company any remaining funds, which in no event will exceed $1,000.

 

SECTION 3.3.                                 Notice of Redemption.  At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Securities, the Company shall mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to the registered address appearing in the Security Register of each Holder of Securities to be redeemed.

 

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The notice shall identify the Securities (including CUSIP or ISIN numbers, if any) to be redeemed and shall state:

 

(1)                                  the redemption date;
 
(2)                                  the redemption price;
 
(3)                                  the name and address of the Paying Agent;
 
(4)                                  that Securities called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;
 
(5)                                  if fewer than all the outstanding Securities are to be redeemed, the identification and principal amounts of the particular Securities to be redeemed;
 
(6)                                  that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest on Securities (or portion thereof) called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
 
(7)                                  the paragraph of the Securities pursuant to which the Securities called for redemption are being redeemed; and
 
(8)                                  that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Securities.
 

At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense.  In such event, the Company shall provide the Trustee with the information required by this Section.

 

SECTION 3.4.                                 Effect of Notice of Redemption.  Once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price stated in the notice.  Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Securities shall be paid at the redemption price stated in the notice, plus accrued interest to the redemption date.  Such notice if mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.  Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder shall not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.

 

SECTION 3.5.                                 Deposit of Redemption Price.  Prior to 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or Paying Agent (or, if the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest (if any) on all Securities or portions thereof to be redeemed on that date other than Securities or portions of Securities called for redemption which have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

SECTION 3.6.                                 Securities Redeemed in Part.  Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered, except that if a

 

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Global Security is so surrendered, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Depositary for such Global Security, without service charge, a new Global Security in denomination equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Global Security so surrendered.

 

ARTICLE 4

 

COVENANTS

 

SECTION 4.1.                                 Payment of Securities.  The Company shall promptly pay the principal of and interest on the Securities on the dates and in the manner provided in the Securities and in this Indenture.  Principal and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal and interest then due.

 

The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the Securities, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

SECTION 4.2.                                 SEC Reports.  The Company shall file with the Trustee and provide Holders, as their names appear in the Security Register, within 15 days after it files them with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports which it is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Notwithstanding that the Company may not be required to be or remain subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall continue to file with the SEC and provide the Trustee and Holders with the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports which are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  The Company also shall comply with the other provisions of TIA §314(a).

 

Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

 

SECTION 4.3.                                 Limitation on Indebtedness and Preferred Stock.  (a)(i) The Company will not Incur, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to Incur, any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue Disqualified Stock and (ii) the Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue Disqualified Stock if on the date thereof (and after giving effect to the application of proceeds therefrom) the Consolidated Coverage Ratio would be greater than 2.00:1.00.

 

(b)                                 Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph (a), the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur the following Indebtedness:

 

(i)                                     Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (including any Guarantees thereof) under the Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $60 million;

 

(ii)                                  Indebtedness of the Company owing to and held by any Wholly Owned Subsidiary or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to and held by the Company or any Wholly

 

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Owned Subsidiary; provided, however, that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Wholly Owned Subsidiary ceasing to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary) will be deemed, in each case, to constitute the Incurrence of such Indebtedness by the issuer thereof not permitted by this clause (ii);

 

(iii)                               (A) Indebtedness represented by the Securities (including Subsidiary Guarantees) issued on the Issue Date, (B) any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Indebtedness described in clause (i) or (ii) above) outstanding on the Issue Date and (C) any Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred in respect of any Indebtedness described in this clause (iii) or Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 4.3;

 

(iv)                              (A) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was otherwise acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary); provided, however, that at the time such Restricted Subsidiary is acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company would have been able to Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a) above after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (iv) and such transaction or series of related transactions and (B) Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to this clause (iv);

 

(v)                                 Indebtedness (A) represented by letters of credit (and reimbursement obligations with respect thereto) to secure the purchase price of inventory and/or equipment in the ordinary course of business or to secure Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) otherwise permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture, (B) in respect of performance bonds (and letters of credit in respect thereof), bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit for workers’ compensation claims, and surety or appeal bonds (and letters of credit in respect thereof) provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of its business and which do not secure other Indebtedness and (C) under Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements and Commodity Agreements Incurred which, at the time of Incurrence, is in the ordinary course of business; provided that such agreements are entered into in the ordinary course of business and not for speculation or trading purposes and, in the case of Interest Rate Agreements, any such Interest Rate Agreement has a notional amount corresponding to the Indebtedness being hedged thereby;

 

(vi)                              Indebtedness represented by Guarantees by the Company of Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred pursuant to this Section 4.3 and Indebtedness represented by Guarantees by a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Company or of another Restricted Subsidiary otherwise permitted to be Incurred pursuant to this Section 4.3;

 

(vii)                           obligations with respect to customary provisions regarding post-closing purchase price adjustments and indemnification in agreements for the purchase or sale of a business or assets otherwise permitted by the Indenture;

 

(viii)                        Guarantees of Indebtedness of franchisees of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $20 million, provided that any such Guarantees shall be deemed to be Indebtedness Incurred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary not permitted by this clause (viii) at the time any such franchisee ceases to be a franchisee of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary;

 

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(ix)                                Indebtedness Incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to finance the payment of property, casualty and specialty insurance premiums in the ordinary course of the Company’s business which is repaid within 18 months of its Incurrence, provided that such Indebtedness does not exceed $7.5 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

 

(x)                                   Indebtedness of the Company Incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of fixed or capital assets, and Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $25 million, provided that such Indebtedness is Incurred within 360 days after the date of such acquisition, construction or improvement and does not exceed the fair market value of such acquired, constructed or improved assets as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors;

 

(xi)                                Indebtedness represented by Capitalized Lease Obligations in respect of Sale/Leaseback Transactions involving the sale of restaurants within 24 months of the purchase of the associated real property, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $20 million;

 

(xii)                             Indebtedness represented by Guarantees of loans to employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries for the purpose of paying withholding taxes incurred by such employees in connection with the vesting of stock and/or stock options granted by the Company, in an aggregate amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $3 million;

 

(xiii)                          Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of Incurrence; and

 

(xiv)                         other Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $20 million.

 

(c)                                  The Company will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to Incur any Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt, except that an Unrestricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness Guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such Guarantee is permitted by Section 4.4(b)(iv); provided, however, if any such Indebtedness ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt, such event shall be deemed to constitute an Incurrence of Indebtedness by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(d)                                 The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness that is or purports to be by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) subordinated to any other Indebtedness of the Company or of such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is also by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) made expressly subordinate to the Securities or the Subsidiary Guaranty of such Subsidiary Guarantor, to the same extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to such other Indebtedness of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be.

 

(e)                                  For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.3, (i) in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Indebtedness described above, the Company will classify, in its sole discretion, such item of Indebtedness and only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of the above clauses; (ii) Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to the Credit Facility prior to or on the date of this Indenture shall be treated as Incurred pursuant

 

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to Section 4.3(b)(i); and (iii) Indebtedness permitted by this Section 4.3 need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness but may be divided and classified in more than one type and permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this Section 4.3 permitting such Indebtedness.

 

SECTION 4.4.                                 Limitation on Restricted Payments.  (a)  The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on or in respect of its Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) except dividends or distributions payable solely in its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Capital Stock and except dividends or distributions payable to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary (and, if such Restricted Subsidiary making such dividend or distribution is not wholly owned, to its other shareholders on a pro rata basis), (ii) purchase, repurchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary held by Persons other than the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) purchase, repurchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment any Subordinated Obligations (other than the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Obligations in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value) or (iv) make any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) in any Person (any such dividend, distribution, purchase, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, other acquisition, retirement, payment or Investment being herein referred to as a “Restricted Payment”) if at the time the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary makes such Restricted Payment:

 

(1)                                  a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would result therefrom);
 
(2)                                  the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries could not Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under Section 4.3(a); or
 
(3)                                  the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments (the amount so expended, if other than in cash, to be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination will be evidenced by a resolution of such Board of Directors certified in an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee) declared or made subsequent to the Issue Date would exceed the sum of:
 
(A)                              50% of the Consolidated Net Income with respect to the period (treated as one accounting period) from the beginning of the fiscal quarter in which the Issue Date occurs to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter prior to the date of such Restricted Payment for which internal financial statements are available (or, in case such Consolidated Net Income is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit);
 
(B)                                the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company from the issue or sale of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) subsequent to the Issue Date (other than an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary of the Company and other than any such proceeds which are used to redeem Securities in accordance with paragraph 5(b) of the Securities);
 
(C)                                the amount by which Indebtedness of the Company is reduced on the Company’s balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary) subsequent to the Issue Date of any Indebtedness of the Company convertible

 

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or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company (less the amount of any cash or other property distributed by the Company upon such conversion or exchange);
 
(D)                               an amount equal to the net reduction in any Investment (other than any Investment made pursuant to clause (vii) of paragraph (b) below) that was included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments resulting from repayments of the principal of loans or advances or other transfers of assets to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (valued as provided in the definition of “Investment”), not to exceed the amount that was included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments in respect of such Investment; and
 
(E)                                 upon the redesignation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, an amount not to exceed the lesser of (x) the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time that such Subsidiary is so redesignated a Restricted Subsidiary and (y) the amount of Investments previously made by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Unrestricted Subsidiary (valued as provided in the definition of “Investment”), to the extent such amount was previously included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments.
 

(b)                                 The provisions of Section 4.4(a) will not prohibit:

 

(i)                                     any purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition of Capital Stock of the Company or Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for, or out of the net proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of the Company); provided, however, that (A) such purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition will be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (3) of paragraph (a) above and (B) the Net Cash Proceeds from such sale will be excluded from clause (3)(B) of Section 4.4(a);

 

(ii)                                  any purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition of Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for, or out of the net proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Refinancing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture; provided, however, that such purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition will be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (3) of Section 4.4(a);

 

(iii)                               dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with this Section; provided, however, that the amount of such dividend will be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (3) of Section 4.4(a);

 

(iv)                              Investments in the form of Guarantees by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary solely to the extent that the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary would then be permitted to make an Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to clause (3) of Section 4.4(a); provided that the amount of any such Investment will be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (3) of Section 4.4(a);

 

(v)                                 the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of the Company held by any member of the Company’s management pursuant to employee benefit plans or agreements; provided that the aggregate price paid for all such Capital

 

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Stock shall not exceed, in any calendar year, the sum of (A) $2 million (and any portion of such $2 million not used in such calendar year may be carried forward to the next succeeding (but no other) calendar year) plus (B) the amount of any Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company from the issuance and sale after the Issue Date of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to its officers, directors or employees (provided such Net Cash Proceeds so used shall be excluded from clause (3)(B) of paragraph (a) above) plus (C) the net cash proceeds of any “key-man” life insurance policies that have not been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments pursuant to this clause (v); provided further that such amounts will be excluded from the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (3) of Section 4.4(a);

 

(vi)                              (A) repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options if the Capital Stock represents a portion of the exercise price thereof and (B) payments or distributions to dissenting holders of Capital Stock of the Company pursuant to applicable law in connection with a consolidation, merger or transfer of assets that complies with Section 5.1; provided that such amounts will be excluded from the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (3) of Section 4.4(a); and

 

(vii)                           other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5 million at any one time outstanding; provided that such amounts will be excluded from the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (3) of Section 4.4(a);

 

provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted by clauses (v) and (vii), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

SECTION 4.5.                                 Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries.  The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock or pay any Indebtedness or other obligation owed to the Company, (ii) make any loans or advances to the Company or (iii) transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, except:

 

(1)                                  any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement in effect at or entered into on the Issue Date (including pursuant to the Credit Facility);

 

(2)                                  any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement relating to any Indebtedness Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary on or prior to the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary and outstanding on such date (other than Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary);

 

(3)                                  any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement effecting a refinancing of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to an agreement referred to in clause (1) or (2) of this Section or contained in any amendment to an agreement referred to in clause (1) or (2) of this Section; provided, however, that the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such refinancing agreement or amendment are not materially less favorable to the Holders than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such agreement as determined in good faith by the Company and evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate;

 

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(4)                                  in the case of clause (iii), any encumbrance or restriction (A) that restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract, (B) by virtue of any transfer of, agreement to transfer, option or right with respect to, or Lien on, any property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture or (C) contained in security agreements securing Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such encumbrance or restriction restricts the transfer of the property subject to such security agreements;

 

(5)                                  any restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition;

 

(6)                                  any encumbrance or restriction arising under or by reason of applicable law;

 

(7)                                  any encumbrance or restriction contained in the Indenture;

 

(8)                                  customary provisions in joint venture agreements relating solely to the securities, assets and revenues of such joint venture or other business venture;

 

(9)                                  any encumbrance or restriction applicable to secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred under the Indenture that limits the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(10)                            customary net worth provisions contained in leases and other agreements entered into by a Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business; and

 

(11)                            customary restrictions with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 4.6.                                 Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock.  (a)  The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Asset Disposition unless (i) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Disposition at least equal to the fair market value, as determined in good faith by senior management for Asset Dispositions of less than $5 million and by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith for Asset Dispositions of $5 million or more (including in each case as to the value of all non-cash consideration), of the shares and assets subject to such Asset Disposition, (ii) at least 75% of the consideration thereof received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Temporary Cash Investments and (iii) an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition is applied by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, (A) within 360 days from the receipt of such Net Available Cash to the extent the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, elects (or is required by the terms of the Credit Facility or other applicable Indebtedness), to prepay, repay, purchase or otherwise acquire (1) Indebtedness under the Credit Facility (2) any other secured Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or (3) any Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor; (B) to the extent of any remaining balance of Net Available Cash after any election in accordance with clause (A), to the extent the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, elects, to the investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in Additional Assets within 360 days from the receipt of such Net Available Cash (except that the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to have so invested such Net Available Cash within 360 days if, within such 360 days, it has entered into a binding commitment to invest such Net Available Cash and such Net Available Cash is actually invested within 90 days thereafter); (C) to the extent of any remaining balance

 

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of such Net Available Cash after any election in accordance with clauses (A) and (B), to make an Offer (as defined below) to purchase Securities and, if required, any Pari Passu Indebtedness pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 4.6 within 45 days from the application of Net Available Cash in accordance with clauses (A) and (B).  Pending the final application of any such Net Available Cash, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility or otherwise invest such Net Available Cash in Temporary Cash Investments.

 

For the purposes of this Section 4.6, the following are deemed to be cash: (x) the assumption by the transferee of Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and the release of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from all liability on such Indebtedness in connection with such Asset Disposition, (y) securities received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from the transferee that are promptly converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash and (z) Additional Assets received in an exchange of assets transaction; provided that (i) in the event such exchange of assets transaction or series of related exchange of assets transactions (each, an “Exchange Transaction”) involves an aggregate value in excess of $5,000,000, the terms of such Exchange Transaction shall have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, and (ii) in the event such Exchange Transaction involves an aggregate value in excess of $10,000,000, the Company shall have received a written opinion from a nationally recognized independent investment banking, accounting or appraisal firm that the Company has received consideration equal to the fair market value of the assets disposed of.

 

(b)                                 In the event of an Asset Disposition that requires the purchase of Securities pursuant to Section 4.6(a)(iii)(C), the Company will be required to (i) purchase Securities tendered pursuant to an offer by the Company for the Securities and (ii) redeem or offer to purchase any Pari Passu Indebtedness the terms of which require the Company or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor to so redeem or repurchase such Pari Passu Indebtedness, pro rata in proportion to the respective principal amounts of the Securities and such Pari Passu Indebtedness required to be so redeemed or repurchased, the maximum principal amount of Securities and Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be redeemed or repurchased out of the amount of Net Available Cash referred to in clause (a)(iii)(C) of this Section 4.6 (the “Offer”) at a purchase price of (x) in the case of the Securities, 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to the date of purchase in accordance with the procedures (including prorating in the event of oversubscription) set forth in this Section 4.6 and (y) in the case of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, the redemption price or repurchase price, as applicable for such Pari Passu Indebtedness shall be as set forth in the related documentation governing such Pari Passu Indebtedness.  If the aggregate purchase price for the Securities and Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or redeemed pursuant to the Offer is less than the Net Available Cash allotted to the purchase of the Securities and Pari Passu Indebtedness, the Company will use the remaining Net Available Cash for general corporate purposes not prohibited by this Indenture.  The Company shall not be required to make an Offer for Securities pursuant to this covenant if the Net Available Cash available therefor (after application of the proceeds as provided in clauses (A) and (B)) is less than $10,000,000 (which lesser amounts shall be carried forward for purposes of determining whether an Offer is required with respect to the Net Available Cash from subsequent Asset Dispositions).

 

(c)                                  (1)  Promptly, and in any event within 30 days after the Company becomes obligated to make an Offer, the Company shall be obligated to deliver to the Trustee and send, by first-class mail to each Holder, at the address appearing in the Security Register, a written notice stating that the Holder may elect to have his Securities purchased by the Company either in whole or in part (subject to prorationing as hereinafter described in the event the Offer is oversubscribed) in integral multiples of $1,000 of principal amount, at the applicable purchase price.  The notice shall specify a purchase date not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the date of such notice (the “Purchase Date”) and shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to tender Securities pursuant to the Offer, together with the information contained in clause (3).

 

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(2)                                  Not later than the date upon which written notice of an Offer is delivered to the Trustee as provided above, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate as to (i) the amount of the Offer (the “Offer Amount”), (ii) the allocation of the Net Available Cash from the Asset Dispositions pursuant to which such Offer is being made and (iii) the compliance of such allocation with the provisions of Section 4.6(a).  Upon the expiration of the period for which the Offer remains open (the “Offer Period”), the Company shall deliver to the Trustee for cancellation the Securities or portions thereof which have been properly tendered to and are to be accepted by the Company.  Not later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the Purchase Date, the Company shall irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or with a paying agent (or, if the Company is acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust) an amount in cash sufficient to pay the Offer Amount for all Securities properly tendered to and accepted by the Company.  The Trustee shall, on the Purchase Date, mail or deliver payment to each tendering Holder in the amount of the purchase price.

 

(3)                                  Holders electing to have a Security purchased will be required to surrender the Security, together with all necessary endorsements and other appropriate materials duly completed, to the Company at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days prior to the Purchase Date.  Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election in whole or in part if the Trustee or the Company receives not later than one Business Day prior to the Purchase Date, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Security (which shall be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) which was delivered for purchase by the Holder, the aggregate principal amount of such Security (if any) that remains subject to the original notice of the Offer and that has been or will be delivered for purchase by the Company and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Security purchased.  If at the expiration of the Offer Period the aggregate principal amount of Securities surrendered by Holders exceeds the Offer Amount, the Company shall select the Securities to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only securities in denominations of $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, shall be purchased).  Holders whose Securities are purchased only in part will be issued new Securities equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Securities surrendered.

 

(4)                                  A Security shall be deemed to have been accepted for purchase at the time the Trustee, directly or through an agent, mails or delivers payment therefor to the surrendering Holder.

 

(d)                                 The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Securities pursuant to this Section 4.6.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 4.6, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.6 by virtue thereof.

 

SECTION 4.7.                                 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.  (a)  The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct any transaction or series of transactions (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property, or rendering of any service) with any Affiliate of the Company (an “Affiliate Transaction”) unless (i) the terms of such transaction are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could be obtained at the time of such transaction in arm’s-length dealings with a Person who is not such an Affiliate; (ii) in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500,000, the terms of such transaction shall have been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors (and such majority determines that such Affiliate Transaction satisfies the criteria in clause (i) above) and (iii) in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate amount in excess of $10,000,000, the Company has received a written opinion from a

 

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nationally recognized independent investment banking, accounting or appraisal firm that such Affiliate Transaction is fair to the Company from a financial point of view.

 

(b)                                 The foregoing provision of Section 4.7(a) shall not apply to (i) any Restricted Payment permitted to be made pursuant to Section 4.4, (ii) any issuance of equity securities (other than Disqualified Stock), or other payments, awards or grants in cash, equity securities (other than Disqualified Stock) or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Board of Directors, (iii) any fees, indemnities, loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business, and, to the extent permitted by Section 4.3(b)(xii), Guarantees, (iv) any transaction between the Company and a Restricted Subsidiary or between or among Restricted Subsidiaries, (v) any issuance of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; (vi) transactions with suppliers or purchasers of goods and services (including, without limitation, pursuant to joint venture agreements and franchise agreements) and (vii) any agreement in effect on the Issue Date or transaction contemplated thereby (and any replacement or amendment of any such agreement so long as any such amendment or replacement thereof is not materially less favorable to the Holders than the agreement in effect on the Issue Date).

 

SECTION 4.8.                                 Change of Control.  (a)  Upon a Change of Control, each Holder shall have the right to require that the Company repurchase all or any part of such Holder’s Securities at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the related interest payment date), in accordance with the terms contemplated in Section 4.8(b).

 

(b)                                 (i) Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee stating:

 

(1)                                  that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company to purchase (the “Change of Control Offer”) any or all of such Holder’s Securities in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on a record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date);
 
(2)                                  the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of Control;
 
(3)                                  the repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed); and
 
(4)                                  the instructions determined by the Company, consistent with this Section 4.8, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Securities purchased by the Company.
 

(c)                                  Holders electing to have a Security purchased will be required to surrender the Security, together with all necessary endorsements and other appropriate materials duly completed, to the Company at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days prior to the purchase date.  Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Trustee or the Company receives not later than one Business Day prior to the purchase date, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Security which was delivered for purchase by the Holder as to which such notice of withdrawal is being submitted and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Security purchased.

 

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(d)                                 On the purchase date, all Securities purchased by the Company under this Section shall be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall pay the purchase price plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Holders entitled thereto.

 

(e)                                  The Company’s obligation to make a Change of Control Offer will be satisfied if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner and at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Securities properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer.

 

(f)                                    The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Securities pursuant to this Section 4.8.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 4.8, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.8 by virtue thereof.

 

(g)                                 Notwithstanding the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company shall not be obligated to repurchase the Securities or otherwise comply with this Section 4.8 if the Company has irrevocably elected to redeem all the Securities in accordance with Article 3; provided that the Company does not default in its redemption obligations pursuant to such election.

 

SECTION 4.9.                                 Limitation on Liens.  The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist any Lien on any of its property or assets (including Capital Stock), whether owned on the Issue Date or thereafter acquired, securing any obligation, other than Permitted Liens, unless contemporaneously therewith effective provision is made to secure the Securities equally and ratably with (or on a senior basis to, in the case of Subordinated Obligations) such obligation for so long as such obligation is so secured by a Lien on property or assets of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 4.10.                           Limitation on Sale of Subsidiary Capital Stock.  The Company (i) will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to, transfer, convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary to any Person (other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary) and (ii) will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any of its Capital Stock (other than, if necessary, shares of its Capital Stock constituting directors’ qualifying shares) to any Person other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, unless, in either case, (a) after any such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease, disposition or issuance, such Subsidiary constitutes a Restricted Subsidiary and (b) the Net Available Cash from such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition is applied in accordance with Section 4.6; provided, however, that this provision shall not prohibit the transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 4.11.                           Limitations on Sale/Leaseback Transactions.  The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into any Sale/Leaseback Transaction; provided that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into a Sale/Leaseback Transaction if:

 

(1)               the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary could have (a) Incurred any Indebtedness attributable to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction pursuant to Section 4.3 and (b) Incurred a Lien to secure such Indebtedness without equally and ratably securing the Securities pursuant to Section 4.9; and
 
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(2)               the transfer of assets in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction is permitted by, and the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary applies the proceeds of such transaction in accordance with, Section 4.6.
 

SECTION 4.12.                           Limitation on Conduct of Business of Insurance Subsidiary.  Unless it is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with this Indenture, the Company shall not permit Restaurant Insurance Corporation to engage in any business or activities other than writing insurance and reinsurance with respect to liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries and activities incidental thereto.

 

SECTION 4.13.                           Future Guarantors.  The Company shall cause each new Subsidiary of the Company (other than (i) a new Subsidiary designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary and (ii) Foreign Subsidiaries), and any Unrestricted Subsidiary that is redesignated a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Restaurant Insurance Corporation, if it is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary), to become a Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture and thereby Guarantee the Securities on the terms and conditions set forth in Article 10 (each a “Future Guarantor”).

 

SECTION 4.14.                           Compliance Certificate.  The Company shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company an Officers’ Certificate, one of the signers of which shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company, stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Company they would normally have knowledge of any Default and whether or not the signers know of any Default that occurred during such period.  If they do, the certificate shall describe the Default, its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.  The Company also shall comply with TIA § 314(a)(4).

 

SECTION 4.15.                           Further Instruments and Acts.  Upon request of the Trustee, the Company will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.

 

SECTION 4.16.                           Maintenance of Office or Agency.  The Company shall maintain the office or agency required under Section 2.3.  The Company shall give prior written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the address of the Trustee set forth in Section 11.2.

 

SECTION 4.17.                           Corporate Existence.  Except as otherwise permitted by Article 5, the Company shall do or cause to be done, at its own cost and expense, all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and the corporate existence of each of its Subsidiaries in accordance with the respective organizational documents of each such Subsidiary and the material rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Company and each such Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve, with respect to itself, any material right or franchise and, with respect to any of its Subsidiaries, any such existence, material right or franchise, if the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine in good faith that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

SECTION 4.18.                           Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.  The Company shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (i) all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges (including withholding taxes and any penalties, interest and additions to taxes) levied or imposed upon it or any of its Subsidiaries or properties of it or any of its Subsidiaries

 

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and (ii) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies that, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon the property of it or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings properly instituted and diligently conducted for which adequate reserves, to the extent required under GAAP, have been taken.

 

SECTION 4.19.                           Maintenance of Properties and Insurance.  (a)  The Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain its material properties in good working order and condition (subject to ordinary wear and tear) and make all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements thereto and actively conduct and carry on its business; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 4.19 shall prevent the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from discontinuing the operation and maintenance of any of its properties, if such discontinuance is, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, desirable in the conduct of their respective businesses and is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

 

(b)                                 The Company shall provide or cause to be provided, for itself and each of its Subsidiaries, insurance (including appropriate self-insurance) against loss or damage of the kinds that, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, are adequate and appropriate for the conduct of the business of the Company and such Subsidiaries in a prudent manner, with reputable insurers or with the government of the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof, in such amounts, with such deductibles, and by such methods as shall be customary, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, for companies similarly situated in the industry.

 

SECTION 4.20.                           Compliance with Laws.  The Company shall comply, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, orders and restrictions of the United States of America, all states and municipalities thereof, and of any governmental department, commission, board, regulatory authority, bureau, agency and instrumentality of the foregoing, in respect of the conduct of their respective businesses and the ownership of their respective properties, except for such noncompliances as are not in the aggregate reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

ARTICLE 5

 

SUCCESSOR COMPANY

 

SECTION 5.1.                                 When the Company May Merge or Transfer Assets.  The Company will not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, any Person, unless:

 

(i)                                     the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) will be a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor Company (if not the Company) will expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company under the Securities, this Indenture and the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement;

 

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(ii)                                  immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Company or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing;

 

(iii)                               immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, the Successor Company would be able to Incur an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness under Section 4.3(a); and

 

(iv)                              the Company will have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the Indenture, as set forth in the Indenture.

 

Upon any consolidation or merger of the Company, or any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with the foregoing, in which the Company is not the continuing obligor under the Securities, the surviving entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person to which the conveyance, transfer or lease is made will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of the Company under this Indenture and the Securities with the same effect as if such surviving entity had been named therein as the Company and, except in the case of a lease, the Company will be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Securities and all of the Company’s other obligations and covenants under the Securities and this Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing clause (iii), any Wholly Owned Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Company.

 

SECTION 5.2.                                 When Subsidiary Guarantor May Merge or Transfer Assets.  No Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of its assets to any Person unless (i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (if not such Subsidiary Guarantor) shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction under which such Subsidiary Guarantor was organized or under the laws of the United States of America, or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and, subject to Section 10.8, such Person shall expressly assume, by a supplement to this Indenture, in a form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guaranty, this Indenture and the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or transactions on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the resulting, surviving or transferee Person as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by such Person at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (iii) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer, if any, complies with this Indenture.

 

Upon any consolidation, combination or merger of a Subsidiary Guarantor in which the Subsidiary Guarantor is not the continuing obligor under its Subsidiary Guaranty, the surviving entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Subsidiary Guarantor is merged will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture and the Subsidiary Guaranty with the same effect as if such surviving entity had been named therein as the Subsidiary Guarantor, and the Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest in respect of its Subsidiary Guaranty and all of the Subsidiary Guarantor’s other obligations and covenants under this Indenture and its Subsidiary Guaranty.

 

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ARTICLE 6

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

SECTION 6.1.                                 Events of Default.  An “Event of Default” occurs if:

 

(1)                                  the Company defaults in any payment of interest on any Security when the same becomes due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

(2)                                  the Company defaults in the payment of the principal or premium, if any, of any Security when the same becomes due and payable at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon acceleration or otherwise;

 

(3)                                  the Company fails to comply with Article 5;

 

(4)                                  the Company fails to comply with any of its agreements in the Securities or this Indenture (other than those referred to in (1), (2) or (3) above) and such failure continues for 60 days after the notice specified below;

 

(5)                                  the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company fails to pay any Indebtedness within any applicable grace period after final maturity or the final maturity of any Indebtedness of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company is accelerated by the holders thereof because of a default, and the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $10,000,000 or its foreign currency equivalent at the time;

 

(6)                                  the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

 
(A)                              commences a voluntary case;
 
(B)                                consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case in which it is the debtor;
 
(C)                                consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or
 
(D)                               makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
 
(E)                                 takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency;
 

(7)                                  a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

 
(A)                              is for relief against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company in an involuntary case;
 
(B)                                appoints a Custodian of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company or for any substantial part of the property of the Company or Significant Subsidiary; or

 

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(C)                                orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company;
 
(or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws) and the order or decree remains unstayed                and in effect for 60 days; or

 

(8)                                  any final, non-appealable judgment or decree for the payment of money in excess of $10,000,000 or its foreign currency equivalent at the time is entered against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company and such judgment or decree remains unpaid and outstanding for a period of 60 days following such judgment and is not discharged, waived or stayed; or
 
(9)                                  a Subsidiary Guaranty ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture) or a Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee.
 

The foregoing will constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.

 

The term “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, United States Code, as amended, or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.  The term “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

A Default under clause (4) is not an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities notify the Company of the Default and the Company does not cure such Default within the time specified after receipt of such notice.  Such notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that such notice is a “Notice of Default”.

 

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice in the form of an Officers’ Certificate of any Event of Default under clause (5) and any event which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time would become an Event of Default under clause (4) or (8), its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 6.2.                                 Acceleration.  If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(6) or (7) with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Securities to be due and payable.  Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately.  If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(6) or (7) with respect to the Company occurs and is continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on all the Securities shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities by notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of acceleration.  No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

 

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SECTION 6.3.                                 Other Remedies.  If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of or interest on the Securities or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Securities or this Indenture.

 

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Securityholder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy.  All available remedies are, to the extent permitted by law, cumulative.

 

SECTION 6.4.                                 Waiver of Past Defaults.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may waive any past or existing Default and its consequences except (i) a Default in the payment of the principal of or interest on a Security or (ii) a Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.2 cannot be amended without the consent of each Securityholder affected.  When a Default is waived, it is deemed cured, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any consequent right.

 

SECTION 6.5.                                 Control by Majority.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee.  However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to Section 7.1, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Securityholders or would involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction.  Prior to taking any action hereunder, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification from the Securityholders satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

 

SECTION 6.6.                                 Limitation on Suits.  A Holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Securities unless:

 

(1)                                  the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice stating that an Event of Default is continuing;
 
(2)                                  the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then outstanding make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
 
(3)                                  such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense;
 
(4)                                  the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
 
(5)                                  the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then outstanding do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request during such 60-day period.
 

A Securityholder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Securityholder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Securityholder.

 

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SECTION 6.7.                                 Rights of Holders To Receive Payment.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on the Securities held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Securities, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

SECTION 6.8.                                 Collection Suit by Trustee.  If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(1) or (2) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on any unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.7.

 

SECTION 6.9.                                 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.  The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the Securityholders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company, its creditors or its property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7.

 

SECTION 6.10.                           Priorities.  If the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order, subject to applicable law:

 

FIRST:  to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.7;

 

SECOND:  to Securityholders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities for principal and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Securities for principal and interest, respectively; and

 

THIRD:  to the Company.

 

The Trustee may, upon prior written notice to the Company, fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Securityholders pursuant to this Section.  At least 15 days before such record date, the Company shall mail to each Securityholder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.

 

SECTION 6.11.                           Undertaking for Costs.  In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.7 or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities.

 

SECTION 6.12.                           Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.  The Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) shall not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent

 

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that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

ARTICLE 7

 

TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 7.1.                                 Duties of Trustee.  (a)  If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person’s own affairs.

 

(b)                                 Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(1)                                  the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
 
(2)                                  in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture.  However, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.
 

(c)                                  The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own wilful misconduct, except that:

 

(1)                                  this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section;
 
(2)                                  the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
 
(3)                                  the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.5.
 

(d)                                 Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section.

 

(e)                                  Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

(f)                                    No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds to believe that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

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(g)                                 Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section and to the provisions of the TIA.

 

SECTION 7.2.                                 Rights of Trustee.  (a)  The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person.  The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

 

(b)                                 Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on the Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.

 

(c)                                  The Trustee may act through agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.

 

(d)                                 The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers; provided, however, that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute wilful misconduct or negligence.

 

(e)                                  The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture and the Securities shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect to any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.

 

(f)                                    The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

 

(g)                                 The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit.

 

(h)                                 The Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

(i)                                     The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder

 

SECTION 7.3.                                 Individual Rights of Trustee.  The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or its respective Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or co-paying agent may do the same with like rights.  However, the Trustee must comply with Sections 7.10 and 7.11.

 

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SECTION 7.4.                                 Trustee’s Disclaimer.  The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Securities, and it shall not be responsible for any statement of the Company in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Securities or in the Securities other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication.

 

SECTION 7.5.                                 Notice of Defaults.  If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder notice of the Default within the earlier of 90 days after it occurs or 30 days after it is actually known to a Responsible Officer or written notice of it is received by the Trustee.  Except in the case of a Default in payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on any Security, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Securityholders.

 

SECTION 7.6.                                 Reports by Trustee to Holders.  As promptly as practicable after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this Indenture, and in any event prior to July 15 in each year, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder a brief report dated as of May 15 that complies with TIA § 313(a).  The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b).  The Trustee shall promptly deliver to the Company a copy of any report it delivers to Holders pursuant to this Section 7.6.

 

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Securityholders shall be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange (if any) on which the Securities are listed.  The Company agrees to notify promptly the Trustee whenever the Securities become listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

 

SECTION 7.7.                                 Compensation and Indemnity.  The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation for its services as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing.  The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Company shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, in addition to such compensation for its services, except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise from its negligence, wilful misconduct or bad faith.  Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee’s agents, counsel, accountants and experts.  The Trustee shall provide the Company reasonable notice of any expenditure not in the ordinary course of business; provided that prior approval by the Company of any such expenditure shall not be a requirement for the making of such expenditure nor for reimbursement by the Company thereof.  The Company shall indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustees against any and all loss, damage, claim, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) (other than taxes applicable to the Trustee’s compensation hereunder) incurred by it in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder.  The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.  Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder.  The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee may have separate counsel, which counsel must be reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Company will pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel.  The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Trustee through the Trustee’s own wilful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.

 

To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Securities.

 

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The Company’s payment obligations pursuant to this Section shall survive the discharge of this Indenture.  When the Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.1(6) or (7) with respect to the Company, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Law.

 

SECTION 7.8.                                 Replacement of Trustee.  The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Company.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding, may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee.  The Company shall remove the Trustee if:

 

(1)                                  the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
 
(2)                                  the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
 
(3)                                  a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
 
(4)                                  the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.
 

If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Company or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.

 

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company.  Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Securityholders.  The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.7.

 

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the Holders of 10% in principal amount of the Securities may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Securityholder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section, the Company’s, obligations under Section 7.7 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

 

SECTION 7.9.                                 Successor Trustee by Merger.  If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee, provided that such corporation shall be eligible under this Article 7 and TIA § 3.10(a).

 

In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the

 

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Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

 

SECTION 7.10.                           Eligibility; Disqualification.  The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA § 310(a).  The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.  The Trustee shall comply with TIA § 310(b); provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of TIA § 310(b)(1) any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Company are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in TIA § 310(b)(1) are met.

 

SECTION 7.11.                           Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.  The Trustee shall comply with TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b).  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated.

 

ARTICLE 8

 

DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

 

SECTION 8.1.                                 Discharge of Liability on Securities; Defeasance.  (a)  When (i) the Company delivers to the Trustee all outstanding Securities (other than Securities replaced pursuant to Section 2.7) for cancellation or (ii) all outstanding Securities have become due and payable, whether at maturity or as a result of the mailing of a notice of redemption pursuant to Article 3 hereof or the Securities will become due and payable at their maturity within 91 days, or the Securities are to be called for redemption within 91 days under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and, in each case of this clause (ii), the Company irrevocably deposits or causes to be deposited with the Trustee funds sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all outstanding Securities, including interest thereon to maturity or such redemption date (other than Securities replaced pursuant to Section 2.7), and if in either case the Company pays all other sums payable hereunder by the Company, then this Indenture shall, subject to Section 8.1(c), cease to be of further effect.  The Trustee shall acknowledge satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture on demand of the Company accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel from the Company that all conditions precedent provided herein for relating to satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with and at the cost and expense of the Company.

 

(b)                                 Subject to Sections 8.1(c) and 8.2, the Company at any time may terminate (i) all of its obligations under the Securities and this Indenture (“legal defeasance option”) or (ii) its obligations under Sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 4.17 (other than with respect to the corporate existence of the Company), 4.18, 4.19 and 4.20 and the operation of Sections 6.1(5), 6.1(6) (but only with respect to a Significant Subsidiary), 6.1(7) (but only with respect to a Significant Subsidiary), 6.1(8) and 5.1(iii) (“covenant defeasance option”).  The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.

 

If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.  If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(5), 6.1(6) (but only with respect to a Significant Subsidiary), 6.1(7) (but only with respect to a Significant Subsidiary) or 6.1(8) or because of the failure of the Company to comply with Sections 5.1(iii).

 

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If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option, each Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from all of its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee.

 

Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Company, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Company terminates.

 

(c)                                  Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Company’s obligations in Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 4.16, 4.17 (only with respect to the corporate existence of the Company), 7.7, 7.8, 8.4, 8.5 and 8.6 shall survive until the Securities have been paid in full.  Thereafter, the Company’s obligations in Sections 7.7, 8.4 and 8.5 shall survive.

 

SECTION 8.2.                                 Conditions to Defeasance.  The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option only if:

 

(1)                                  the Company irrevocably deposits or causes to be deposited in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient (without reinvestment) to pay principal and interest when due on all outstanding Securities (except Securities replaced pursuant to Section 2.7) to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
 
(2)                                  the Company delivers to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S.  Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay principal and interest when due on all outstanding Securities (except Securities replaced pursuant to Section 2.7) to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
 
(3)                                  91 days pass after the deposit is made and during the 91-day period no Default specified in Section 6.1(6) or (7) with respect to the Company occurs which is continuing at the end of the period;
 
(4)                                  the deposit does not constitute a default under any other material agreement binding on the Company;
 
(5)                                  the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
 
(6)                                  in the case of the legal defeasance option, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Securityholders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;
 
(7)                                  in the case of the covenant defeasance option, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Securityholders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and

 

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will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance had not occurred; and
 
(8)                                  the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Securities as contemplated by this Article 8 have been complied with.
 

Opinions of Counsel required to be delivered under this Section may have qualifications customary for opinions of the type required and counsel delivering such Opinions of Counsel may rely on certificates of the Company or government or other officials customary for opinions of the type required, including certificates certifying as to matters of fact.

 

Before or after a deposit, the Company may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Securities at a future date in accordance with Article 3.

 

SECTION 8.3.                                 Application of Trust Money.  The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article 8.  It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations either directly or through the Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent as the Trustee may determine) and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of and interest on the Securities.

 

SECTION 8.4.                                 Repayment to Company.  The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly turn over to the Company upon request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.

 

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Securityholders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors.

 

SECTION 8.5.                                 Indemnity for Government Obligations.  The Company shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the defeased Securities; provided that the Trustee shall be entitled to charge any such tax, fee or other charge to such Holder’s account.

 

SECTION 8.6.                                 Reinstatement.  If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article 8 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article 8 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article 8; provided, however, that, (a) if the Company has made any payment of interest on or principal of any Securities following the reinstatement of their obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent and (b) unless otherwise required by any legal proceeding or any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall return all such money and U.S. Government Obligations to the Company promptly after receiving a written request therefor at any time, if such reinstatement of the Company’s obligations has occurred and continues to be in effect.

 

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ARTICLE 9

 

AMENDMENTS

 

SECTION 9.1.                                 Without Consent of Holders.  The Company and the Trustee may amend this Indenture or the Securities without notice to or consent of any Securityholder:

 

(1)                                  to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;
 
(2)                                  to provide for the assumption by a Successor Company of the obligations of the Company in accordance with Article 5;
 
(3)                                  to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities; provided, that the uncertificated Securities are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code or in a manner such that the uncertificated Securities are as described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code;
 
(4)                                  to add additional guarantees with respect to the Securities; including any new Subsidiary Guarantees;
 
(5)                                  to secure the Securities and the Subsidiary Guarantees;
 
(6)                                  to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;
 
(7)                                  to make any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder; or
 
(8)                                  to comply with any requirements of the SEC in connection with qualifying this Indenture under the TIA.
 

After an amendment under this Section becomes effective, the Company shall mail to Securityholders a notice briefly describing such amendment.  The failure to give such notice to all Securityholders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this section.

 

SECTION 9.2.                                 With Consent of Holders.  The Company and the Trustee may amend this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Securityholder but with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding.  However, without the consent of each Securityholder affected, an amendment may not:

 

(1)                                  reduce the amount of Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment;
 
(2)                                  reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Security;
 
(3)                                  reduce the principal of or change the Stated Maturity of any Security;
 
(4)                                  reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Security or change the time at which any Security may be redeemed in accordance with Article 3;
 
(5)                                  make any Security payable in money other than that stated in the Security;

 

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(6)                                  impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on such Holder’s Securities on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Securities;
 
(7)                                  release any Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary from its Subsidiary Guaranty, other than in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture;
 
(8)                                  subordinate the Securities or any Subsidiary Guaranty in right of payment to any other obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor; or
 
(9)                                  make any change in Section 6.4 or 6.7 or the second sentence of this Section.
 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

 

After an amendment under this Section becomes effective, the Company shall mail to Securityholders a notice briefly describing such amendment.  The failure to give such notice to all Securityholders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section.

 

SECTION 9.3.                                 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.  Every amendment to this Indenture or the Securities shall comply with the TIA as then in effect.

 

SECTION 9.4.                                 Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers.  A consent to an amendment or a waiver by a Holder of a Security shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Security or portion of the Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Security.  After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Securityholder.

 

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Securityholders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture.  If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Securityholders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date.  No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.

 

SECTION 9.5.                                 Notation on or Exchange of Securities.  If an amendment changes the terms of a Security, the Trustee may require the Holder of the Security to deliver it to the Trustee.  The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Security regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder.  Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so determine, the Company in exchange for the Security shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Security that reflects the changed terms.  Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Security shall not affect the validity of such amendment.

 

SECTION 9.6.                                 Trustee To Sign Amendments.  The Trustee shall sign any amendment authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.  If it does, the Trustee may but need not sign it.  In signing such amendment the Trustee shall be entitled to receive indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it and to receive,

 

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and (subject to Section 7.1) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment complies with the provisions of this Article 9.

 

ARTICLE 10

 

SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

 

SECTION 10.1.                           Subsidiary Guarantees.  Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably Guarantees, jointly and severally, to each Holder and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns (a) the full and punctual payment of principal of and interest on the Securities when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, and all other monetary obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Securities (including obligations to the Trustee) and (b) the full and punctual performance within applicable grace periods of all other obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Securities (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “Obligations”).  Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that the Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from such Subsidiary Guarantor, and that such Subsidiary Guarantor will remain bound under this Article 10 notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Obligation.

 

Each Subsidiary Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of, payment from and protest to the Company of any of the Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment.  Each Subsidiary Guarantor waives notice of any default under the Securities or the Obligations.  The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (a) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Company or any other Person under this Indenture, the Securities or any other agreement or otherwise; (b) any extension or renewal of any Obligation; (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment, modification or supplement of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture (other than this Article 10), the Securities or any other agreement; (d) the release of any security held by any Holder or the Trustee for the Obligations or any of them; (e) the failure of any Holder or Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of the Obligations; or (f) any change in the ownership of the Company or such Guarantor.

 

Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment, performance and compliance when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder or the Trustee to any security held for payment of the Obligations.

 

Except as expressly set forth in Sections 8.1(b), 10.2 and 10.8, the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense, setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Obligations or otherwise.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Indenture, the Securities or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any thereof, by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Obligations, or by any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Subsidiary Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of such Subsidiary Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.

 

Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of

 

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or interest on any Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or otherwise.

 

In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder or the Trustee has at law or in equity against any Subsidiary Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Company to pay principal of or interest on any Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, or to perform or comply with any other Obligation, each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby promises to and will, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holders or the Trustee an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid principal amount of such Obligations, (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Obligations (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) and (iii) all other monetary Obligations of the Company to the Holders and the Trustee.

 

Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that, as between such Subsidiary Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 for the purposes of such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Obligations as provided in Article 6, such Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by such Subsidiary Guarantor for the purposes of this Section.

 

Each Subsidiary Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section.

 

SECTION 10.2.                           Limitation on Liability.  Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the obligations guaranteed hereunder by any Subsidiary Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed without rendering this Indenture, as it relates to such Subsidiary Guarantor, void or voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally (taking into account, for purposes of such determination, the full amount, without any reduction, of such Subsidiary Guarantor’s liability under its guarantee of the Credit Facility).

 

SECTION 10.3.                           Successors and Assigns.  This Article 10 shall be binding upon each Subsidiary Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall enure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Securities shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.

 

SECTION 10.4.                           No Waiver.  Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article 10 shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article 10 at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

 

SECTION 10.5.                           Right of Contribution.  Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that to the extent that such Subsidiary Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against any other Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder who has not paid its proportionate share of such payment.

 

54



 

Each Subsidiary Guarantor’s right of contribution shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 10.6.  The provisions of this Section shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee and the Holders and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain liable to the Trustee and the Holders for the full amount guaranteed by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder.

 

SECTION 10.6.                           No Subrogation.  Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by any Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder, no Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to be subrogated to any of the rights of the Trustee or any Holders against the Company or any collateral security or guarantee or right of offset held by the Trustee or any Holder for the payment of the Obligations, nor shall any Subsidiary Guarantor seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement from the Company in respect of payments made by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder, until all amounts owing to the Trustee and the Holder by the Company on account of the Obligations are paid in full.  If any amount shall be paid to any Subsidiary Guarantor on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all of the Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held by such Subsidiary Guarantor in trust for the Trustee and the Holders, segregated from other funds of such Subsidiary Guarantor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by such Subsidiary Guarantor, be turned over to the Trustee in the exact form received by such Subsidiary Guarantor (duly indorsed by such Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee, if required), to be applied against the Obligations.

 

SECTION 10.7.                           Modification.  No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article 10, nor the consent to any departure by any Subsidiary Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  No notice to or demand on any Subsidiary Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Subsidiary Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

 

SECTION 10.8.                           Release of Subsidiary Guarantor.  Upon the sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger) of a Subsidiary Guarantor or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the assets of a Subsidiary Guarantor (in each case other than to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company), such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be deemed released and relieved from all its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee; provided that such sale or disposition shall constitute an Asset Disposition under, and the Net Available Cash from such sale or disposition shall be applied in accordance with, Section 4.6.  At the request of the Company, the Trustee shall execute and deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing such release.

 

ARTICLE 11

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 11.1.                           Trust Indenture Act Controls.  If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision which is required to be included in this Indenture by the TIA, the required provision shall control.  If this Indenture excludes any provision of the TIA that is required to be included, such provision shall be deemed included herein.

 

SECTION 11.2.                           Notices.  Any notice or communication shall be in writing and delivered in person, by overnight courier or facsimile (if to the Company, with receipt confirmed by an Officer) or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:

 

55



 

if to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor:

 

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
1855 Boston Road
Wilbraham, Massachusetts  01095
Attention:  Treasurer

 

if to the Trustee:

 

The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Corporate Trust Administration

 

The Company or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

Any notice or communication mailed or sent by overnight courier or facsimile to a Securityholder shall be sent to the Securityholder at the Securityholder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and shall be sufficiently given if so sent within the time prescribed.

 

Failure to send a notice or communication to a Securityholder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Securityholders.  If a notice or communication is sent in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

 

Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice.

 

SECTION 11.3.                           Communication by Holders with Other Holders.  Securityholders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities.  The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

 

SECTION 11.4.                           Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.  Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, each the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

 

(1)                                  an Officers’ Certificate (which in connection with the original issuance of the Securities need only be executed by one Officer for the Company) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and
 
(2)                                  an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.
 

SECTION 11.5.                           Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.  Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture shall include:

 

(1)                                  a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

 

56



 

(2)                                  a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
 
(3)                                  a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
 
(4)                                  a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with.
 

SECTION 11.6.                           When Securities Disregarded.  In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Securities owned by the Company or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.  Also, subject to the foregoing, only Securities outstanding at the time shall be considered in any such determination.

 

SECTION 11.7.                           Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Securityholders.  The Trustee shall provide the Company reasonable notice of such rules; provided that neither prior notice to the Company of such rules nor prior approval by the Company of such rules shall be a requirement for their effectiveness.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

 

SECTION 11.8.                           Legal Holidays.  A “Legal Holiday” is a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.  If a payment date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.  If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.

 

SECTION 11.9.                           Governing Law.  This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York but without giving effect to applicable principles of conflict of laws to the extent that the application of the laws of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.

 

SECTION 11.10.                     No Recourse Against Others.  A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor under the Securities or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.  By accepting a Security, each Securityholder shall waive and release all such liability.  The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.

 

SECTION 11.11.                     Successors.  All agreements of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantor in this Indenture and the Securities and Subsidiary Guarantees shall bind their respective successors.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

SECTION 11.12.                     Multiple Originals.  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.  One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.

 

57



 

SECTION 11.13.                     Table of Contents; Headings.  The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

SECTION 11.14.                     Severability Clause.  In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

58



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

 

Name: Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

Title: Executive Vice President of Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FRIENDLY’S RESTAURANTS FRANCHISE, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

Name: Paul V. Hoagland

 

 

Title: Treasurer

 

59



 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kisha A. Holder

 

 

 

Name: Kisha A. Holder

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

60



 

EXHIBIT A

 

[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

 

FACE OF SECURITY

 

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.

 

No.

 

$

8 3/8% Senior Notes Due 2012

 

 

CUSIP No.

 

 

 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation, promises to pay to [   ], or registered assigns, the principal sum of [                    ] Dollars on June 15, 2012.

 

Interest Payment Dates: June 15 and December 15

 

Record Dates: June 1 and December 1

 

A-1



 

Additional provisions of this Security are set forth on the other side of this Security.

 

 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

Dated:

 

 

A-2



 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF
AUTHENTICATION

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,

as Trustee, certifies
that this is one of
the Securities referred
to in the within-mentioned
Indenture.

 

 

By: 

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

 

A-3



 

REVERSE OF SECURITY

8 3/8% Senior Note Due 2012

 

1.                                       Interest

 

FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation (such entity, and its successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the “Company”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Security at the rate per annum shown above.  The Company will pay interest semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year commencing June 15, 2004.  Interest on the Securities will accrue from the Issue Date, or if interest has already been paid, from the date it was most recently paid.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.  The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate borne by the Securities, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

2.                                       Method of Payment

 

The Company will pay interest on the Securities (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered holders of Securities at the close of business on the June 1 or December 1 next preceding the interest payment date even if Securities are canceled after the record date and on or before the interest payment date.  Holders must surrender Securities to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments.  The Company will pay principal and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.  However, the Company may pay principal and interest by check payable in such money and may mail an interest check to a Holder’s registered address.  All payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities will be made by the Company in immediately available funds.  If a Holder has given wire transfer instructions to the Company, the Company will make all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of such Holder in accordance with these instructions.

 

3.                                       Paying Agent and Registrar

 

Initially, The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation (“Trustee”), will act as Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without notice.  The Company or any of its domestically incorporated Wholly Owned Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar.

 

4.                                       Indenture

 

The Company issued the Securities under an Indenture dated as of March 8, 2004 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. and the Trustee.  The terms of the Securities include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of the Indenture (the “TIA”).  Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture.  The Securities are subject to all such terms, and Securityholders are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of those terms.  Any conflict between this Security and the Indenture will be governed by the Indenture.

 

The Securities are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company initially issued in aggregate principal amount not to exceed $175,000,000 (the “Initial Securities”), with additional Securities

 

A-1



 

(the “Additional Securities”) authorized to be issued in an unlimited amount, so long as such issuance would not otherwise be prohibited by the terms of the Indenture.

 

The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the Incurrence of Indebtedness by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, the existence of liens, the payment of dividends on, and redemption of, the Capital Stock of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the redemption of certain subordinated obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, restricted payments, the sale or transfer of assets and Subsidiary stock, the issuance or sale of Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries, the investments of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, and transactions with Affiliates.  In addition, the Indenture limits the ability of the Company and certain of its Subsidiaries to restrict distributions and dividends from Subsidiaries.

 

5.                                       Optional Redemption

 

(a)                                  Except as set forth in the next paragraph, the Securities may not be redeemed prior to June 15, 2008.  On and after that date, the Company may redeem, as provided in and subject to the terms of, the Indenture, the Securities in whole at any time or in part from time to time at the following redemption prices (expressed in percentages of principal amount), plus accrued interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the related interest payment date) if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning June 15:

 

Period

 

Percentage

 

2008

 

104.188

%

2009

 

102.094

%

2010 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

(b)                                 In addition, at any time and from time to time prior to June 15, 2007, the Company may redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities issued under the Indenture with the proceeds of one or more Qualified Equity Offerings at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof) of 108.375% plus accrued interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the related interest payment date); provided, however, that (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities issued under the Indenture must remain outstanding after each such redemption and (ii) such redemption must occur within 90 days of the date of closing of the relevant Qualified Equity Offering.

 

6.                                       Notice of Redemption

 

Notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at his registered address.  Securities in denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000.  If money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on all Securities (or portions thereof) to be redeemed on the redemption date is deposited with the Paying Agent on or before the redemption date and certain other conditions are satisfied, on and after such date interest ceases to accrue on such Securities (or such portions thereof) called for redemption.  If a notice or communication is sent in the manner provided in the Indenture, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.  Failure to send a notice or communication to a Securityholder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Securityholders.

 

A-2



 

7.                                       Put Provisions

 

Upon a Change of Control, any Holder of Securities will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of the Securities of such Holder at a repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Securities to be repurchased plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the related interest payment date) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture.

 

In addition, in the event of certain Asset Dispositions, the Company will be required to make an offer to purchase Securities at a purchase price of 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to the date of purchase (subject to the rights of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the related interest payment date) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture.

 

8.                                       Guarantees

 

To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Securities and all other amounts payable by the Company under the Indenture and the Securities when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the Securities and the Indenture, Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc. has unconditionally guaranteed such obligations on an unsecured, senior basis pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.  In addition, the Company shall cause each new Subsidiary (other than (i) a new Subsidiary designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary and (ii) Foreign Subsidiaries), and any Unrestricted Subsidiary that is redesignated a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Restaurant Insurance Corporation, if it is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary), to become a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture and thereby Guarantee the Securities on the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture.

 

9.                                       Registration Rights.

 

Pursuant to an Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement among the Company, Friendly’s Restaurants Franchise, Inc., and the initial purchasers named therein (the “Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement”), the Company will be obligated to consummate an exchange offer pursuant to which the Holder of this Security shall have the right to exchange this Security for securities issued under the Indenture (or a trust indenture substantially identical to the Indenture in accordance with the terms of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement) which have been registered under the Securities Act, in like principal amount and having substantially identical terms as the Securities.  The Holders shall be entitled to receive certain additional interest payments in the event such exchange offer is not consummated and upon certain other conditions, all pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement. [To be included in form of Initial Securities only]

 

10.                                 Denominations; Transfer; Exchange

 

The Securities are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000.  A Holder may transfer or exchange Securities in accordance with the Indenture.  The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture, including any transfer tax or other similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith.  The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any Securities selected for redemption (except, in the case of a Security to be redeemed in part, the portion of the Security not to be redeemed) or any Securities for a period of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed or 15 days before an interest payment date.

 

A-3



 

11.                                 Persons Deemed Owners

 

The registered Holder of this Security may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

 

12.                                 Unclaimed Money

 

If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Company at its written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person.  After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look only to the Company and not to the Trustee for payment.

 

13.                                 Discharge and Defeasance

 

Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations under the Securities and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Securities to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

 

14.                                 Amendment, Waiver

 

Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, (i) the Indenture or the Securities may be amended with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount outstanding of the Securities and (ii) any default or noncompliance with any provision may be waived with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount outstanding of the Securities.  Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of any Securityholder, the Company and the Trustee may amend the Indenture or the Securities to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency, or to comply with Article 5 of the Indenture, or to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities, or to add guarantees with respect to the Securities, or to secure the Securities, or to add additional covenants or surrender rights and powers conferred on the Company, or to make any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder or to comply with any request of the SEC in connection with qualifying the Indenture under the TIA.

 

15.                                 Defaults and Remedies

 

Under the Indenture, Events of Default include (i) default for 30 days in payment of interest on the Securities; (ii) default in payment of principal on the Securities at maturity, upon redemption pursuant to paragraph 5 above, upon required repurchase, upon acceleration or otherwise; (iii) failure by the Company to comply with other agreements in the Indenture or the Securities, in certain cases subject to notice and lapse of time; (iv) certain accelerations (including failure to pay within any grace period after final maturity) of other Indebtedness of the Company and any Significant Subsidiary if the amount accelerated (or so unpaid) exceeds $10 million; (v) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company and its Significant Subsidiaries; (vi) certain judgments or decrees for the payment of money is in excess of $10 million; and (vii) any Subsidiary Guaranty ceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated in the Indenture) or any Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under the Indenture or its Subsidiary Guaranty.

 

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding may declare all the Securities to be due and payable.  Certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency are Events of Default which will result in the Securities being due and payable immediately upon the occurrence of such Events of Default.

 

A-4



 

Securityholders may not enforce the Indenture or the Securities except as provided in the Indenture.  The Trustee may refuse to enforce the Indenture or the Securities unless it receives reasonable indemnity or security.  Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power.  The Trustee may withhold from Securityholders notice of any continuing Default (except a Default in payment of principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the Holders.

 

16.                                 Trustee Dealings with the Company

 

Subject to certain limitations imposed by the TIA, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Company or any of its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Company or any of its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.

 

17.                                 No Recourse Against Others

 

A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.  By accepting a Security, each Securityholder waives and releases all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.

 

18.                                 Governing Law

 

The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York but without giving effect to applicable principles of conflict of laws to the extent that the application of the laws of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.

 

19.                                 Authentication

 

This Security shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Security.

 

20.                                 Legal Holidays

 

A “Legal Holiday” is a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.  If a payment date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.  If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.

 

21.                                 Abbreviations

 

Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Securityholder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).

 

22.                                 CUSIP Numbers

 

Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Securities and have

 

A-5



 

directed the Trustee to use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Securityholders.  No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

The Company will furnish to any Securityholder upon written request and without charge to the Securityholder a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Security in larger type.  Requests may be made as follows:

 

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
1855 Boston Road
Wilbraham, Massachusetts  01095
Attention:  Treasurer

 

A-6



 

SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE

 

For value received, the undersigned hereby unconditionally guarantees, as principal obligor and not only as a surety, to the Holder of this Security the cash payment in United States dollars of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Security in the amounts and at the times when due and interest on the overdue principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, of this Security, if lawful, and the payment or performance of all other obligations of the Company under the Indenture (as defined below) or the Securities, to the Holder of this Security and the Trustee, all in accordance with and subject to the terms and limitations of this Security, Article 10 of the Indenture and this Subsidiary Guarantee.  This Subsidiary Guaranty will become effective in accordance with Article 10 of the Indenture and its terms shall be evidenced therein.  The validity and enforceability of any Subsidiary Guaranty shall not be affected by the fact that it is not affixed to any particular Security.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture dated as of March 8, 2004, among Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation, as issuer (the “Company”), the guarantor named therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the “Trustee”), as amended or supplemented (the “Indenture”).

 

The obligations of the undersigned to the Holders of Securities and to the Trustee pursuant to this Subsidiary Guaranty and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article 10 of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Subsidiary Guaranty and all of the other provisions of the Indenture to which this Subsidiary Guaranty relates.

 

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Subsidiary Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantor under the Subsidiary Guarantor’s Subsidiary Guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.

 

This Subsidiary Guarantee shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.  The undersigned Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Subsidiary Guarantee.

 

This Subsidiary Guarantee is subject to release upon the terms set forth in the Indenture.

 

A-7



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Subsidiary Guarantor has caused this Subsidiary Guarantee to be duly executed.

 

Date:

[name of guarantor]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

A-8



 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

I or we assign and transfer this Security to

 

 

(Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee or transferee)

 

 

(Insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee or transferee)

 

and irrevocably appoint                                                                                    agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company.  The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

Signed:

 

 

 

 

(Sign exactly as name appears on
the other side of this Security)

 

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

 

Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee)

 

In connection with any transfer of this Security occurring prior to the date which is the earlier of (i) the date of the declaration by the Commission of the effectiveness of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), covering resales of this Security (which effectiveness shall not have been suspended or terminated at the date of the transfer) and (ii) the date following the second anniversary of the original issuance of this Security, the undersigned confirms that it has not utilized any general solicitation or general advertising in connection with the transfer:

 

[Check One]

 

(1)

 

to the Company or a subsidiary thereof; or

 

 

 

(2)

 

pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act; or

 

 

 

(3)

 

to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) that has furnished to the Trustee a signed letter containing certain representations and agreements (the form of which letter can be obtained from the Trustee); or

 

 

 

(4)

 

outside the United States to a “foreign purchaser” in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act; or

 

 

 

(5)

 

pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or

 

 

 

(6)

 

pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or

 

 

 

(7)

 

pursuant to another available exemption from the registration statement requirements of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

A-9



 

and unless the box below is checked, the undersigned confirms that such Security is not being transferred to an “affiliate” of the Company as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act (an “Affiliate”):

 

The transferee is an Affiliate of the Company.

 

Unless one of the items is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Securities evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if item (3), (4), (5) or (7) is checked, the Company or the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Securities, in their sole discretion, such written legal opinions, certifications (including an investment letter in the case of box (3) or (4)) and other information as the Trustee or the Company has reasonably requested to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

If none of the foregoing items are checked, the Trustee or Registrar shall not be obligated to register this Security in the name of any person other than the Holder hereof unless and until the conditions to any such transfer of registration set forth herein and in Section 2.13 of the Indenture shall have been satisfied.

 

Dated:

 

 

Signed:

 

 

 

(Sign exactly as name appears on the other
side of this Security)

 

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (2) ABOVE IS CHECKED

 

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Security for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

 

Dated:

 

 

NOTICE:   To be executed by an executive officer

 

A-10



 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have this Security purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.6 or Section 4.8 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box:

 

Section 4.6 [     ]                                                            Section 4.8 [     ]

 

If you want to elect to have only part of this Security purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.6 or Section 4.8 of the Indenture, state the amount:  $

 

Dated:

 

 

 

Signed: 

 

 

 

 

(Sign exactly as name appears on
the other side of this Security)

 

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

 

Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee)

 

A-11



 

EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT LEGEND

 

Each Global Security and Physical Security that constitutes a Restricted Security or is sold in compliance with Regulation S shall bear the following legend (the “Private Placement Legend”) on the face thereof until after the second anniversary of the Issue Date, unless otherwise agreed by the Company and the Holder thereof:

 

THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A) (1) TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (4) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OR (5) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

 

B-1



 

EXHIBIT C

 

Form of Certificate To Be

Delivered in Connection with

Transfers to Non-QIB Accredited Investors

 

[                        ], [    ]

 

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West

New York, NY  10286

Attention:  Corporate Trust Administration

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with our proposed purchase of 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2012 (the “Notes”) of FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation (the “Company”), we confirm that:

 

1.                                       We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes is subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Indenture relating to the Notes (the “Indenture”) and the undersigned agrees to be bound by, and not to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes except in compliance with, such restrictions and conditions and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and all applicable State securities laws.

 

2.                                       We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, and that the Notes may not be offered or sold except as permitted in the following sentence.  We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell any Notes, we will do so only (i) to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) inside the United States in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act), (iii) inside the United States to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined below) that, prior to such transfer, furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to the Trustee (as defined in the Indenture) a signed letter containing certain representations and agreements relating to the restrictions on transfer of the Notes (the form of which letter can be obtained from the Trustee), (iv) outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act to non-U.S. persons, (v) pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act (if available), (vi) in accordance with another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (and based upon an opinion of counsel if the Company so requests) or (vii) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to provide to any person purchasing any of the Notes from us a notice advising such purchaser that resales of the Notes are restricted as stated herein.

 

3.                                       We understand that, on any proposed resale of any Notes, we will be required to furnish to the Trustee and the Company such certification, legal opinions and other information as the Trustee and the Company may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed sale complies with the foregoing restrictions.  We further understand that the Notes purchased by us will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.

 

C-1



 

4.                                       We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act) and have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of our or their investment, as the case may be.

 

5.                                       We are acquiring the Notes purchased by us for our account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional “accredited investor”) as to each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.

 

You, the Company, the Trustee and others are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

[Name of Transferee]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

C-2



 

EXHIBIT D

 

Form of Certificate To Be Delivered in
Connection with Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S

 

[                      ], [    ]

 

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West

New York, NY  10286

Attention:  Corporate Trust Administration

 

Re:                               Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (the “Company”)
8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2012 (the “Notes”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with our proposed sale of $[            ] aggregate principal amount of the Notes, we confirm that such sale has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, we represent that:

 

(1)                                  the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;

 

(2)                                  either (a) at the time the buy offer was originated, the transferee was outside the United States or we and any person acting on our behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States, or (b) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither we nor any person acting on our behalf knows that the transaction has been prearranged with a buyer in the United States;

 

(3)                                  no directed selling efforts have been made in the United States in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S, as applicable;

 

(4)                                  the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act; and

 

(5)                                  we have advised the transferee of the transfer restrictions applicable to the Notes.

 

You, the Company and counsel for the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.  Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

[Name of Transferor]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signature

 

D-1


EX-10.1 4 a04-4511_1ex10d1.htm EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

 

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

 

Between Michael A. Maglioli and Friendly Ice Cream Corporation

 

This acknowledges and documents our mutual agreement concerning your separation from Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (“Friendly’s”) effective March 25, 2004 (“Separation Date”).  This letter will confirm various matters concerning your separation from employment so that no misunderstanding exists between you and Friendly’s.

 

SALARY CONTINUATION

 

Friendly’s will continue to pay you semimonthly for two (2) years after your Separation Date (“Salary Continuation Period”), at your current base rate of pay, including executive match.  The salary you receive will be subject to appropriate statutory deductions and such other deductions normally made for employees of Friendly’s.  In addition, any financial obligation you have to Friendly’s will be deducted.

 

From time to time after your separation, but during your Salary Continuation Period, you may be contacted with questions relating to matters you have been involved with (including litigation) while employed by Friendly’s.  You agree to provide your complete cooperation and make all pertinent information regarding these matters available upon request, as well as be personally available, at mutually convenient times, on an as-needed basis.

 

BENEFIT/RETIREMENT PLANS

 

You will be eligible to participate in the short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, pension plan, Restricted Stock Plan, Stock Option Plans and such other benefit plans in which you may currently be enrolled only through your Separation Date, and under the terms and conditions of these plans; provided however, that as part of this Agreement, and in consideration of all of its terms and conditions, management will recommend to the Board of Directors to immediately vest the balance of your unvested shares (1,943) in the Restricted Stock program.  (As in the past you will be expected to pay the taxes on this stock when it vests.)  In addition management will recommend to the Board of Directors to immediately vest, 12,177 of your stock options.  In accordance with the terms of the Stock Option Plans you will have 3 months to exercise these options, unless you retire, in which case you will have 36 months to exercise the options.  Vesting of stock and options are effective on your Separation Date.

 

Your group medical/dental insurance ends on your last day of active work.  Unless you retire, to continue medical/dental coverage beyond your Separation Date, you must complete a continuation of coverage (COBRA) application, which will be provided to you.  It is your responsibility to make all payments to the COBRA carrier.  If you elect COBRA, Friendly’s will issue a check or checks to you in order for you to pay for coverage for six (6) months.   If you elect to retire, Friendly’s will pay for six (6) months of Retiree Medical

 

You will be paid the sum of $33,667, which represents a one-third portion (at 100%) of the Performance Unit Award Target of $101,000 under the 2003-2005 Incentive Plan

 

Additional information about the effect of your separation on your benefits is contained in the Separation Information document provided to you.

 



 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

a) You will be reimbursed for the price of your wife’s airplane ticket to Orlando in April upon submission of the ticket.

b) You will be paid for four (4) weeks vacation

 

INTERFERENCE AND SOLICITATION

 

You agree that during the salary continuation period, you shall not, without the express written consent of Friendly’s:

 

a) impair or attempt to impair the relationship, contractual or otherwise, between Friendly’s or any of its restaurants and any person who is a supplier, guest or client of Friendly’s or any of its restaurants; and

b) directly or indirectly solicit or attempt to solicit for employment any employee of Friendly’s.

 

OUTPLACEMENT

 

To assist you in securing a new position, Friendly’s has engaged the services of the nationally recognized outplacement firm of Lee Hecht Harrison, Inc. for a period of one year.  They will provide the following services at any of their offices:

 

1.             Assistance with your skills analysis and preparation of your resume;

2.             Training which covers critical job search techniques and interviewing skills; and

3.             Individualized counseling.

 

You may utilize the services of another outplacement provider if you wish; however, the cost of the services may not exceed the cost of Lee Hecht Harrison’s services.  Payment will be made directly to the organization by Friendly’s, or reimbursement will be made to you upon presentation of an invoice indicating that you have already paid it.

 

Friendly’s will also provide up to 3 sessions of executive coaching to you through Woodstone Consulting.

 

COMPANY VEHICLE

 

You may continue to utilize your company vehicle (personal miles) until March 22, 2006, at which time it must be returned to Friendly’s at a mutually convenient time and place.  You will be given the opportunity to purchase your company vehicle at the current market value from Merchants Leasing Co.  You should contact Sue Frasier or Donna Sarette at Merchants Leasing directly (800/288-6999, extension 249) for the exact price if you are interested in pursuing this.

 

2



 

LIFE INSURANCE

 

The life insurance coverage that has been provided to you through Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company is unaffected by your leaving employment because it is your own personal policy.  Payments by Friendly’s on your behalf will cease as of your Separation Date.  Questions about coverage thereafter or about other matters related to this policy should be referred to Ms. Karen Socola of the AYCO Corporation at (518) 373-7725.  Friendly’s will pay for the cost of customary meetings with an AYCO representative for the sole purpose of concluding your financial planning services with AYCO, including the preparation of your 2004 individual tax return, up through April, 2005, after which Friendly’s will no longer pay for any further AYCO advisory services on your behalf.

 

COVENANTS

 

In consideration of the terms set forth in this letter, you agree to the following:

 

1.             You will forever refrain from disclosing or confirming, either directly or indirectly, any information concerning insurance, loss claims, loss payments, safety and health conditions, financial condition, strategic planning or other confidential or non-public information relating to Friendly’s or its subsidiaries, divisions, parents and affiliates, and any of their agents, employees, directors and officers which you learned or became aware of since the inception of your employment with Friendly’s except for information which is generally known by the public, without Friendly’s prior written consent.

 

2.             You will turn over to your supervisor all originals and copies of any documents, manuals, plans, equipment, business papers, computer diskettes (or copies of same) or other materials relating to Friendly’s and its subsidiaries, divisions, parents and affiliates, their agents, employees, directors and officers which are in your control or possession within seven days of the execution of this Agreement.

 

3.             You, on behalf of yourself, your spouse, heirs, agents, attorneys, representatives and assigns, hereby release and discharge forever all claims and causes of action of every name and nature that have arisen or might have arisen at any time up to and including the date on which you sign this Agreement (whether known or unknown, accrued, contingent, or liquidated) that you now have or may have against Friendly’s, any of its subsidiaries, divisions, parents and affiliates, or any of the aforementioned entities’ agents, employees, directors, and officers, including but not limited to, any claims relating to your employment with Friendly’s and the termination thereof; any claims based on statute, regulation, ordinance, contract or tort; any claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (the “ADEA”), or any other federal, state, or local law relating to employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation; any claims relating to wages, compensation, or benefits; and any related claims for attorney’s fees.

 

4.             You agree not to appeal to arbitration or file a lawsuit in any court of the United States or any State thereof concerning any matter released in this Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to prohibit you from filing an age discrimination claim with any anti-discrimination agency, or from participating in an age discrimination investigation or

 

3



 

proceeding conducted by any such agency.  However, by signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you are waiving your right to money damages and any other relief should any agency pursue claims on your behalf arising out of or relating to your employment with and/or separation from Friendly’s.

 

5.             The parties agree to forever refrain from taking any action or making any statement which brings discredit upon or disparages the other party (including, with respect to Friendly’s, its services or products, or any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents).

 

6.             Friendly’s will provide inquiring outplacement agencies, recruiters, or prospective employers with only your start date, end date, and positions held during your employment with Friendly’s.

 

7.             Friendly’s shall not contest any claims made by you for unemployment benefits administered by any governmental agency.

 

8.             If you breach any of the terms of this Agreement, Friendly’s may be entitled to recover from you all costs, fees, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) as may be awarded by a court of competent jurisdiction under applicable law and will be entitled to set off what it has paid you under this Agreement.

 

 

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

 

This is the entire agreement between us and any prior agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, are entirely superseded by this Agreement.  We each have voluntarily accepted the terms as sufficient without reservation.  This Agreement may only be modified by a written agreement signed by you and an officer of Friendly’s.

 

Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or determined by any court to be illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions shall not be affected thereby and said illegal part, term or provision shall be deemed not to be a part of this Agreement.

 

Pursuant to its obligations under the ADEA, Friendly’s advises you to consult with an attorney prior to executing this agreement.  You have 21 days from the date of receipt of this document in which to consider this agreement.  In addition, you may revoke this agreement for seven days following its execution, but only by delivering a written revocation notice to Garrett Ulrich.  This agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the seven-day revocation period has expired.

 

By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read and fully understand all of its provisions and that you are signing it voluntarily.  You also acknowledge that you are not relying on any representations by any representative of Friendly’s concerning the meaning of any aspect of this Agreement.

 

4



 

Each party hereto agrees that they are fully authorized and have all of the requisite right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement, which is fully binding upon and enforceable against the respective parties hereto in accordance with its terms.

 

This Agreement is made and entered into in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall in all respects be interpreted, enforced, and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

If the above is in agreement with your understanding, please sign and keep one copy of this document for your records and return one copy to me.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/    Garrett J. Ulrich

 

 

 

 

 

Garrett J. Ulrich

 

 

 

 

Vice President, Human Resources

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO AS OF THIS 29th DAY OF MARCH, 2004.

 

 

 

By:

       /s/ Michael A. Maglioli

 

 

 

 

Michael A. Maglioli

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5


EX-31.1 5 a04-4511_1ex31d1.htm EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, John L. Cutter, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation;

 

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(s) 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 control 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 control over financial reporting; and

 

5.               The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 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 control 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 control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 26, 2004

 

/s/  JOHN L. CUTTER

 

Chief Executive Officer and President

 


EX-31.2 6 a04-4511_1ex31d2.htm EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Paul V. Hoagland, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation;

 

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(s) 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 control 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 control over financial reporting; and

 

5.               The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 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 control 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 control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 26, 2004

 

/s/  PAUL V. HOAGLAND

 

Executive Vice President of Administration
and Chief Financial Officer

 


EX-32.1 7 a04-4511_1ex32d1.htm EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (the “Company”) for the period ended March 28, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John L. Cutter, as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, and Paul V. Hoagland, as Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 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.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ JOHN L. CUTTER

 

 

Name:

John L. Cutter

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer and President

 

Date:  April 26, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ PAUL V. HOAGLAND

 

 

Name:

Paul V. Hoagland

 

Title:

Executive Vice President of Administration and
Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:

April 26, 2004

 


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