-----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, PEh1dfFk5nT7nGU1ctWlexC9rTTINXOEmrnW1nEvMTYmcv7f78U4XijrwbVo3xIQ C9AMvy9t/XKROQFJSzWUFg== 0000043300-01-500006.txt : 20010524 0000043300-01-500006.hdr.sgml : 20010524 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000043300-01-500006 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20010224 FILED AS OF DATE: 20010523 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA CO INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000043300 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-GROCERY STORES [5411] IRS NUMBER: 131890974 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 0228 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-04141 FILM NUMBER: 1646452 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2 PARAGON DR CITY: MONTVALE STATE: NJ ZIP: 07645 BUSINESS PHONE: 2015739700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2 PARAGON DRIVE CITY: MONTVALE STATE: NJ ZIP: 07645 EX-13 1 ex13501.txt ANNUAL REPORT The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Comparative Highlights (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts, financial ratios and store data) 52 Weeks Ended --------------------------------------------------- Feb. 24, 2001 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 27, 1999 -------------- ---------------- ------------------ Sales $10,622,866 $10,151,334 $10,179,358 Income (loss) from operations 50,193 104,830 (164,391) Net (loss) income (25,068) 14,160 (67,164) Net (loss) income per share - basic and diluted (0.65) 0.37 (1.75) Cash dividends per share 0.30 0.40 0.40 Expenditures for property 415,842 479,572 438,345 Depreciation and amortization 255,771 232,712 233,663 Working capital 94,370 98,305 109,047 Stockholders' equity 797,297 846,192 837,257 Debt to total capitalization 57% 54% 51% Book value per share 20.79 22.07 21.87 New store openings 47 54 46 Number of stores at year end 752 750 839 Number of franchised stores served at year end 68 65 55 NOTE: Reference should be made to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section contained herein for details of non-recurring charges recorded in each of the fiscal years. Company Profile - --------------- The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. ("the Company"), based in Montvale, New Jersey, operates combination food and drug stores, conventional supermarkets and limited assortment food stores in 16 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada, under the A&P, Waldbaum's, Super Foodmart, Food Emporium, Super Fresh, Farmer Jack, Kohl's, Sav-A-Center, Dominion, Ultra Food & Drug, Food Basics and The Barn Markets trade names. As of the fiscal year ended February 24, 2001, the Company operated 752 stores and served 68 franchised stores. Through its Compass Foods Division, the Company also manufactures and distributes a line of whole bean coffees under the Eight O'Clock, Bokar and Royale labels, both for sale through its own stores as well as other food and convenience retailers. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Management's Discussion and Analysis OPERATING RESULTS - ----------------- Fiscal 2000 Compared with 1999 - ------------------------------ Sales for the 52 weeks ended February 24, 2001 of $10.6 billion increased $471.5 million or 4.6% from the prior year. The increase in sales is primarily attributable to continued focus on the development of larger stores and comparable store sales increases. Retail square footage increased by approximately 1.0 million or 3.8% to 27.9 million square feet during fiscal 2000. This increase was accomplished primarily by opening 47 new stores adding 2.2 million retail square feet partially offset by closing 49 stores, reducing retail square footage by 1.4 million. Comparable store sales, which include replacement stores, increased 2.2% in fiscal 2000 (1.6% in the U.S. and 4.9% in Canada). Average weekly sales per supermarket were approximately $263,000 for the 52 week period of fiscal 2000 versus $245,700 for the corresponding period of the prior year, an increase of 7.0%. Sales in the U.S. increased by $266.1 million or 3.3% compared to fiscal 1999. Sales in Canada increased $205.4 million or 9.5% from fiscal 1999. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 13 basis points to 28.51% for the 52 week period of fiscal 2000 from 28.64% for the 52 week period of fiscal 1999. The gross margin dollar increase of $120.8 million resulted from an increase in sales volume partially offset by decreases in the gross margin rate and the Canadian exchange rate. The U.S. operations gross margin increase of $92.5 million resulted from increases of $80.4 million due to higher sales volume and $12.1 million due to a higher gross margin rate. The Canadian operations gross margin increase of $28.3 million resulted from an increase of $54.1 million due to higher sales volume partially offset by a decrease of $18.9 million due to a lower gross margin rate and a decrease of $6.9 million from fluctuations in the Canadian exchange rate. Store operating, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") was $3.0 billion for the 52 week period of fiscal 2000 compared to $2.8 billion for the corresponding period of the prior year. As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased from 27.61% in fiscal 1999 to 28.04% in fiscal 2000. The SG&A expense for the 52 week period of fiscal 2000 included $68.4 million relating to the Great Renewal - Phase II supply chain and business process initiative ("GR II"). Such costs primarily included professional consulting fees and salaries, including related benefits, of employees working full-time on the initiative. Also included in fiscal 2000 SG&A was $4.3 million of estimated environmental clean up costs for a non-retail property. Partially offsetting fiscal 2000 SG&A was a reversal of $3.1 million of charges related to the Great Renewal - Phase I store closure initiative ("GR I") originally recorded in fiscal 1998, resulting primarily from a change in estimate related to the sale of a warehouse sold during the first quarter of fiscal 2000. The SG&A expense for the 52 week period of fiscal 1999 included $121.5 million relating to GR I, including $74.6 million of costs related to the store exiting charges and $68.8 million of store operating, general and administrative expense incurred by the stores identified for closure prior to ceasing operations. This was partially offset by reversals of previously recorded restructuring charges due to favorable progress in marketing and subleasing the closed stores of $21.9 million. Excluding the non-recurring charges and the results of the stores identified for closure previously noted, as a percentage of sales, SG&A increased from 26.83% for the 52 week period of fiscal 1999 to 27.38% for the 52 week period of fiscal 2000. The increase of 55 basis points is primarily due to higher labor, occupancy and store closing costs in fiscal 2000. Interest expense for fiscal 2000 increased $12.0 million or 14.3% from fiscal 1999 due to the increase in average borrowings, as well as an increase in interest rates primarily associated with the 9.375% Senior Quarterly Interest Bonds issued in August, 1999. The loss before income taxes for the 52 week period of fiscal 2000 was $39.7 million compared to income before income taxes of $27.0 million for the comparable period in the prior year, a decrease of $66.7 million. The loss is attributable principally to the increases in SG&A and interest expense partially offset by higher gross margin. The income tax benefit/provision recorded in fiscal 2000 and 1999 reflect the estimated expected annual tax rates applied to its respective domestic and foreign financial results. In fiscal 2000, an income tax benefit amounting to $14.6 million was recorded as compared to an income tax provision of $12.8 million for fiscal 1999. The effective tax rates for fiscal 2000 and 1999 were 36.8% and 47.6%, respectively. Based on these overall results, the net loss for fiscal 2000 was $25.1 million or $0.65 per share - basic and diluted, as compared to net income of $14.2 million or $0.37 per share - basic and diluted. The decrease in net income of $39.2 million from fiscal 1999 to fiscal 2000 is attributable principally to the increases in SG&A and interest expense partially offset by higher gross margin. Fiscal 1999 Compared with 1998 - ------------------------------ Sales for the 52 weeks ended February 26, 2000 of $10.2 billion decreased $28.0 million or 0.3% from the prior year. The decrease in sales is primarily attributable to the closure of 249 stores, excluding replacement stores, since the beginning of fiscal 1998 including 165 stores relating to GR I. Retail square footage decreased by approximately 1.8 million or 6.4% to 26.9 million square feet during fiscal 1999. This decrease was caused primarily by the closure of 142 stores reducing retail square footage by 4.4 million square feet partially offset by the addition of 52 new stores which increased retail square footage by 2.5 million square feet. Comparable store sales, which include replacement stores, increased 4.4% in fiscal 1999 (4.1% in the U.S. and 6.2% in Canada). Average weekly sales per supermarket were approximately $245,700 in fiscal 1999 versus $210,500 in fiscal 1998, reflecting a 16.7% increase. Sales in the U.S. decreased by $295.3 million or 3.6% compared to fiscal 1998. Sales in Canada increased $267.3 million or 14.0% from fiscal 1998. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 4 basis points to 28.64% for the 52 week period of fiscal 1999 from 28.68% for the 52 week period of fiscal 1998. Margins were negatively impacted by accelerated inventory markdowns in stores that were identified for closure under GR I and the exit of the Atlanta market during the first quarter of fiscal 1999. The gross margin dollar decrease of $11.6 million resulted predominantly from lower sales volume. The U.S. operations gross margin decrease of $56.2 million resulted from lower sales volume, which impacted gross margin by $88.1 million, partially offset by an increase of $31.9 million from a higher gross margin rate. The Canadian operations gross margin increase of $44.6 million resulted from higher sales volume, which impacted gross margin by $56.7 million, and an increase of $6.4 million from fluctuations in the Canadian exchange rate. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $18.5 million due to a lower gross margin rate. The SG&A expense decreased $280.9 million from fiscal 1998. As a percentage of sales, SG&A for fiscal 1999 decreased to 27.61% from 30.29% for the prior year. Fiscal 1998 SG&A includes charges of $224.6 million recorded in the third and fourth quarters to establish reserves relating to GR I. Also included in SG&A for fiscal 1998 are shut-down costs of stores and facilities amounting to $9.1 million relating to 66 stores and three facilities closed in the third and fourth quarters and $5.9 million of incurred professional fees associated with the identification and implementation of the store and facilities exit program. Further, SG&A for fiscal 1998 includes a $7.0 million write-down of property no longer held for a potential store site and a $4.0 million litigation charge. Fiscal 1999 SG&A includes additional GR I related costs totaling $74.6 million, including severance of $11.1 million which could not be accrued in fiscal 1998 because it did not meet the criteria under Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 94-3, professional fees of $16.2 million associated with the implementation of the store exit program, transitionally higher labor costs of $14.0 million, costs of $19.7 million for the conversion of additional stores to the Food Basics format and $8.5 million of other miscellaneous operating costs incurred in connection with the closures. The $74.6 million also includes the costs of exiting the Atlanta market consisting of severance of $5.5 million and store occupancy cost of $11.5 million which relates principally to the present value of future lease obligations, partially offset by a gain of $11.9 million that resulted from the disposition of fixed and intangible assets. The total fiscal 1999 charge of $74.6 million is partially offset by a $21.9 million reversal of GR I charges originally recorded in fiscal 1998. Reference should be made to the "Store and Facilities Exiting Program - Great Renewal - Phase I" section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis for further details of the Company's exiting program. Excluding the non-recurring charges under GR I discussed above, fiscal 1999 SG&A decreased $82.6 million from fiscal 1998. As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased from 27.83% to 27.09%. Fiscal 1999 results included higher SG&A of the stores identified for closure under GR I of $68.8 million, which represented 43.4% of the sales of those stores. Excluding the results of stores identified for closure and the non-recurring charges under GR I, fiscal 1999 SG&A as a percentage of sales was 26.83%. Interest expense increased $12.5 million from the previous year, primarily due to the additional present value interest related to the future lease obligations of the store exit programs as well as the issuance of $200 million of 9.375% senior quarterly interest bonds on August 6, 1999. Interest income decreased $0.4 million from the previous year, primarily due to a lower amount of short-term investments. For fiscal 1999, income before income taxes was $27.0 million compared to a loss of $229.3 million in fiscal 1998, an increase of $256.3 million. Income before taxes for U.S. operations was virtually break even compared to a loss of approximately $244 million in fiscal 1998. The Canadian income before taxes for fiscal 1999 amounted to $27.1 million, which was an increase of $12.3 million from the fiscal 1998 amount of approximately $14.8 million. The Company recorded an income tax provision amounting to $12.8 million in fiscal 1999 as compared to an income tax benefit of $162.1 million for fiscal 1998. The fiscal 1999 income tax provision of $12.8 million reflects the Company's estimated annual tax rates applied to its respective domestic and foreign operations. The effective tax rate for fiscal 1999 was 47.6%. The fiscal 1998 benefit of $162.1 million includes the reversal of the Canadian operation's deferred tax valuation allowance. During the first three quarters of fiscal 1998, the Company reversed approximately $9 million of the Canadian valuation allowance to the extent that the Canadian operations had taxable income. At the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, based upon Management's plan to close underperforming stores in Canada, the implementation of certain tax strategies and the continued performance improvements of the Canadian operations, Management concluded that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets related to the Canadian operations would be realized. Accordingly, the Company reversed the remaining portion of the Canadian deferred tax valuation allowance amounting to approximately $60 million (see Note 8 - Income Taxes for further discussion). The deferred tax benefit recorded during fiscal 1998 for U.S. operations of approximately $103 million relates primarily to book and tax differences of the store and facilities exit costs. Based on these overall results, net income for fiscal 1999 was $14.1 million or $0.37 per share - basic and diluted, as compared to a net loss of $67.2 million or $1.75 per share - basic and diluted. The increase in net income of $81.3 million in fiscal 1999 from a net loss of $67.2 million in fiscal 1998 is primarily the result of improved same store sales, reduced operating costs and the decrease in the store and facilities exit costs. The increase is partially offset by a reduction in the number of open stores. STORE AND FACILITIES EXITING PROGRAM - GREAT RENEWAL - PHASE I In May 1998, a sole Chief Executive Officer was named for the Company. Following the appointment, the Company initiated a vigorous assessment of all aspects of its business operations in order to identify the factors that were impacting the performance of the Company. As a result of the above assessment, in the third quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company decided to exit two warehouse facilities and a coffee plant in the U.S., and a bakery plant in Canada. In connection with the exit plan, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $11 million which is included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in the Statements of Consolidated Operations for fiscal 1998. The $11 million charge was comprised of $7 million of severance, $3 million of facilities occupancy costs for the period subsequent to closure and $1 million to write-down the facilities to their estimated fair value. As of February 27, 1999, the Company had closed and terminated operations with respect to the two warehouses and the coffee plant. The volume associated with the warehouses was transferred to other warehouses in close geographic proximity. Further, the manufacturing processes of the coffee plant have been transferred to the Company's remaining coffee processing facility. The processing associated with the Canadian bakery was outsourced in January 1999. In addition, in December 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan which included the exit of 127 underperforming stores throughout the United States and Canada and the disposal of two other properties. Included in the 127 stores were 31 stores representing the entire Richmond, Virginia market. Further, in January 1999, the Board of Directors approved the closure of five additional underperforming stores. In connection with the Company's plan to exit these 132 stores and the write-down of two properties, the Company recorded a charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 of approximately $215 million. This $215 million charge consisted of $8 million of severance (including pension withdrawal obligations), $1 million of facilities occupancy costs, $114 million of store occupancy costs, which principally relates to the present value of future lease obligations, net of anticipated sublease recoveries, which extend through fiscal 2028, an $83 million write-down of store fixed assets and a $9 million write-down to estimated fair value of two properties. To the extent fixed assets included in stores identified for closure could be utilized in other continuing stores, the Company transferred those assets to continuing stores. The Company planned to scrap fixed assets that could not be transferred, and accordingly, the write-down was calculated based upon an estimated scrap value. This fourth quarter charge of $215 million was reduced by approximately $2 million in fiscal 1998 due to changes in estimates of pension withdrawal liabilities and fixed asset write-downs from the time the original charge was recorded. The net charge of $213 million is included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in the Company's Statements of Consolidated Operations for fiscal 1998. In addition to the charges recorded in fiscal 1998, there were other charges related to the plan which could not be accrued for at February 27, 1999 because they did not meet the criteria for accrual under EITF 94-3 "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)". Such costs have been expensed as incurred as the plan was being executed. During fiscal 1999, the Company recorded an additional pretax charge of $11 million for severance related to the 132 stores. No additional expense was recorded during fiscal 2000. In April 1999, the Company announced that it had reached definitive agreements to sell 14 stores in the Atlanta, Georgia market, two of which were previously included in the Company's store exit program. In conjunction with the sale, the Company decided to exit the entire Atlanta market and close the remaining 22 stores, as well as the distribution center and administrative office. Accordingly, at the time of the announcement, the Company recorded a fiscal 1999 first quarter net pretax charge of approximately $5 million. This charge was comprised of severance of $6 million and future lease commitments of $11 million, partially offset by a $12 million gain related to the disposition of fixed and intangible assets. The net charge is included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in the Company's Statements of Consolidated Operations for fiscal 1999. As of February 24, 2001, the Company has closed 165 stores, including 34 stores in the Atlanta, Georgia market and 31 stores in the Richmond, Virginia market. From the time of the original charges through the end of fiscal 2000, $28 million of the total severance charges had been paid, which resulted from the termination of approximately 3,400 employees. The remaining severance liability relates to future obligations for early withdrawals from multi-employer union pension plans. At each balance sheet date, Management assesses the adequacy of the reserve balance to determine if any adjustments are required as a result of changes in circumstances and/or estimates. The Company has made favorable progress to date in marketing and subleasing the closed stores. As a result, in the third quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company recorded a net reduction in SG&A of $21.9 million to reverse a portion of the $215 million restructuring charge recorded in fiscal 1998. This amount represents a $22.2 million reduction in SG&A for lower store occupancy costs resulting primarily from earlier than anticipated lease terminations and subleases. The credit is partially offset by $0.3 million of additional fixed asset write-downs resulting from lower than anticipated proceeds from the sale of fixed assets. Additionally, in fiscal 2000, the Company recorded a net reduction in SG&A of $3.1 million to reverse a portion of the $215 million restructuring charge recorded in fiscal 1998. The reversal is primarily the result of a change in estimate resulting from the sale of one of the Company's warehouses sold during the first quarter of fiscal 2000. Based upon current available information, Management evaluated the reserve balance of $85.6 million as of February 24, 2001 and has concluded that it is adequate. The Company will continue to monitor the status of the vacant properties and further adjustments to the reserve balance may be recorded in the future, if necessary. SUPPLY CHAIN INITIATIVE - GREAT RENEWAL - PHASE II On March 13, 2000, the Company announced GR II, a major initiative to develop a state-of-the-art supply chain and business management infrastructure. Overall, the Company expects to achieve substantial cash benefits resulting from improved margins, lower operating expenses, reduced working capital and better product availability. After implementation, the Company expects to significantly raise the level of ongoing annual operating income. Costs related to implementing GR II reduced net earnings for fiscal 2000 by $1.15 per share. The Company expects the cost of implementing GR II to reduce net earnings for fiscal 2001 by approximately $1.50 per share. A team of A&P executives representing all key business functions is working with a team of strategic alliance consultants concentrating on the food and drug retailing industry formed by information technology industry leaders. This combined team is upgrading all processes and business systems related to the flow of information and products between A&P-operated offices, distribution points and stores; and between the Company and its suppliers. Such business processes support Store Operations, Marketing and Merchandising, Supply and Logistics, People Resources & Services, Finance and the enabling technologies. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company had working capital of $94.4 million at February 24, 2001 compared to $98.3 million at February 26, 2000. The Company had cash and short-term investments aggregating $131.6 million at the end of fiscal 2000 compared to $124.6 million as of fiscal 1999 year end. The Company had no short-term investments at February 24, 2001 compared to $26.9 million at February 26, 2000. Working capital of $94.4 million at February 24, 2001 includes approximately $28 million of assets held for sale within "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets relating to assets to be sold and leased back in early fiscal 2001 (see Note 14 - - Sale-Leaseback Transaction for further details). Excluding the assets held for sale, the decrease in working capital is attributable primarily to decreases in short-term investments, accounts receivable and inventories partially offset by an increase in cash and a decrease in accounts payable. On August 6, 1999, the Company issued $200 million aggregate principal amount 9.375% senior quarterly interest bonds due August 1, 2039. The Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of the bonds to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility, to finance the purchase of 16 stores, (6 in the United States and 10 in Canada) and for working capital and general corporate purposes. At February 24, 2001, the Company had an unsecured five year $498 million revolving credit agreement (the "Unsecured Credit Agreement") which was to expire June 10, 2002 with a syndicate of banks, enabling it to borrow funds on a revolving basis sufficient to refinance short-term borrowings. This agreement was subsequently replaced by a secured revolving credit agreement described below. As of February 24, 2001, the Unsecured Credit Agreement was comprised of the U.S. credit agreement amounting to $415 million and the Canadian credit agreement amounting to C$121 million (U.S. $83 million). As of February 24, 2001, the Company had $190 million of borrowings under the Unsecured Credit Agreement consisting of $145 million under the U.S. credit agreement and C$69 million (U.S. $45 million) under the Canadian credit agreement. This compared to borrowings of $60 million under the U.S. credit agreement and no borrowings under the Canadian credit agreement at February 26, 2000. On February 23, 2001, the Company executed an agreement with a syndicate of banks to replace the Unsecured Credit Agreement with a $425 million secured revolving credit agreement (the "Secured Credit Agreement") expiring December 31, 2003. The outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Credit Agreement were refinanced with this new facility. This agreement is secured primarily by inventory and company-owned real estate. The Secured Credit Agreement was comprised of a U.S. credit agreement amounting to $340 million and a Canadian credit agreement amounting to C$131 million (U.S. $85 million). Upon execution of the Secured Credit Agreement, the syndicate was instructed to fund the Company in an amount sufficient to repay the entire outstanding balance on the Unsecured Credit Agreement. Such funding took place on February 28, 2001. If the repayment of the Unsecured Credit Agreement had been funded on February 24, 2001, after reducing availability for outstanding letters of credit, availability under the new facility would have been $183 million. The Company's loan agreements and certain of its notes contain various financial covenants which require, among other things, minimum fixed charge coverage and maximum levels of leverage and capital expenditures. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company negotiated the aforementioned Secured Credit Agreement to replace its prior facility. This agreement includes covenants, terms and conditions which reflect the Company's current operating performance and capital programs. At February 24, 2001, the Company was in compliance with the covenants on the notes and the Secured Credit Agreement. As described in Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended February 24, 2001, during fiscal 2000, an agreement was entered into which provides financing for software purchases and hardware leases primarily relating to the GR II. Presently, software purchases and hardware leases will be financed at an effective rate of 8.49% per annum. Software purchases and hardware leases will occur from time to time over the next four years. Equal monthly payments of $1.4 million are currently being made. Such payments are subject to change based upon the timing and amount of such funding. As of February 24, 2001, $26.8 million was funded for software purchases and hardware with a total fair market value of $10.7 million had been leased. On November 1, 2000, the Company's Canadian subsidiary, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company of Canada, Limited, repaid its outstanding $75 million 5 year Notes denominated in U.S. dollars. The repayment of these Notes was funded by the Unsecured Credit Agreement at an average rate of 6.55%. The Company has filed two Shelf Registration Statements dated January 23, 1998 and June 23, 1999, allowing it to offer up to $350 million of debt and/or equity securities as of February 24, 2001 at terms determined by market conditions at the time of sale. As described in Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended February 24, 2001, on December 29, 2000 and February 16, 2001, the Company sold 12 properties and simultaneously leased them back from the purchaser. Net proceeds received by the Company relating to this transaction amounted to $113 million. The Company has or expects to enter into similar transactions with six other owned properties in fiscal 2001 with expected gross proceeds of $30-$40 million. During fiscal 2000, the Company funded its capital expenditures, debt repayments, cash dividends and GR II expenses through internally generated funds combined with proceeds from disposals of property, bank borrowings, and revolving lines of credit. Capital expenditures totaled $416 million during fiscal 2000, which included 47 new supermarkets, and 45 major remodels or enlargements, and the Company's capital expenditures related to GR II. For fiscal 2001, the Company plans to incur approximately $100 million, before tax benefits, in cash expenditures relating to GR II. In addition to GR II, for fiscal 2001, the Company has planned capital expenditures of approximately $275 million which includes costs to open 25 new supermarkets. The Company currently expects to close a total of approximately 25 to 30 stores in fiscal 2001. On December 5, 2000, the Board of Directors voted to discontinue payment of the quarterly cash dividend on its common stock. Prior to that, three quarterly cash dividends of $0.10 per share amounting to $11.5 million were declared and paid in fiscal 2000. On September 7, 2000, Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") lowered its rating on the Company's debt to BB stable. On December 15, 2000, Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") lowered its rating on the Company's debt to Ba3 under continued review. On December 22, 2000, S&P lowered its rating on the Company's debt to BB with negative implications. On February 2, 2001, Moody's lowered its rating on the Company's debt to B2. Future rating changes could affect the availability and cost of financing to the Company. The Company believes that its current cash resources, including the funds available under the Secured Credit Agreement, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient for the Company's 2001 GR II and other capital expenditure programs and mandatory scheduled debt repayments throughout fiscal 2001. MARKET RISK Market risk represents the risk of loss from adverse market changes that may impact the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. Among other possible market risks, the Company is exposed to such risk in the areas of interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Interest Rates The Company's exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Company's debt obligations. The Company has no cash flow exposure due to rate changes on its $700 million in notes as of February 24, 2001 because they are at fixed interest rates. However, the Company does have cash flow exposure on its committed and uncommitted bank lines of credit due to its variable LIBOR pricing. Accordingly, as of February 24, 2001, a 1% change in LIBOR will result in interest expense fluctuating $1.9 million. Foreign Exchange Risk The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk to the extent of adverse fluctuations in the Canadian dollar. For the fiscal year ended February 24, 2001, a change in the Canadian currency of 10% would have resulted in a fluctuation in net income of $1.9 million. The Company does not believe that a change in the Canadian currency of 10% will have a material effect on the financial position or cash flows of the Company. IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"). This Statement requires that all derivative instruments be measured at fair value and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities. In addition, the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. For a derivative designated as a hedge, the change in fair value will be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income; for a derivative not designated as a hedge, the change in the fair value will be recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. In June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, "Accounting For Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133" which delayed the adoption of SFAS 133 for one year, to fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Financial Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities - An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133". This Statement amends the accounting and reporting standards of SFAS 133 for certain derivative instruments, for certain hedging activities and for decisions made by the FASB relating to the Derivatives Implementation Group ("DIG") process. Certain decisions arising from the DIG process that required specific amendments to SFAS 133 were incorporated into this Statement. The Company is required to adopt SFAS 133 as amended in the first quarter of fiscal 2001. At February 24, 2001, the Company did not have any derivative instruments that would result in a transition adjustment upon the adoption of this standard on February 25, 2001. However, the DIG is continually interpreting SFAS 133. Contracts that the Company has concluded are not derivatives could potentially be classified as derivatives based on new interpretive guidance. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" ("SAB 101"). SAB 101 was issued to provide guidance in applying generally accepted accounting principles to the large number of revenue recognition issues that registrants encounter, including nonrefundable, up-front fees and the disclosure of judgements as to the appropriateness of the principles relating to revenue recognition accounting policies. Since the issuance of SAB 101, the Staff has received requests from a number of groups asking for additional time to determine the effects, if any, on registrants' revenue recognition practices and as such, the SEC has delayed the implementation date of SAB 101 until no later than the fourth quarter of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1999. The Company has evaluated the impact of this Staff Accounting Bulletin and has concluded that it has no effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Retail revenue is recognized at point of sale while wholesale revenue is recognized in accordance with its terms, when goods are shipped. Vendor allowances and credits that relate to the Company's buying and merchandising activities are recognized as earned. In May 2000, the EITF issued No. 00-14 "Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives". The EITF reached a consensus on several issues involving the accounting and income statement classification of rebates, coupons and other discounts. The Company has evaluated the impact of this issue and has concluded that it has no effect on the accounting or classification of sales incentives because coupons issued by the Company are recorded upon redemption as a reduction of sales. CAUTIONARY NOTE This report contains certain forward-looking statements about the future performance of the Company which are based on Management's assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information contained herein. These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements including, but not limited to: competitive practices and pricing in the food industry generally and particularly in the Company's principal markets; the Company's relationships with its employees and the terms of future collective bargaining agreements; the costs and other effects of legal and administrative cases and proceedings; the nature and extent of continued consolidation in the food industry; changes in the financial markets which may affect the Company's cost of capital and the ability of the Company to access the public debt and equity markets to refinance indebtedness and fund the Company's capital expenditure programs on satisfactory terms; supply or quality control problems with the Company's vendors and changes in economic conditions which affect the buying patterns of the Company's customers. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Statements of Consolidated Operations (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 52 Weeks Ended --------------------------------------------------- Feb. 24, 2001 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 27, 1999 ------------- ------------- ------------- Sales $ 10,622,866 $ 10,151,334 $10,179,358 Cost of merchandise sold (7,594,450) (7,243,718) (7,260,110) ---------- ---------- ---------- Gross margin 3,028,416 2,907,616 2,919,248 Store operating, general and administrative expense (2,978,223) (2,802,786) (3,083,639) ---------- ------------ ----------- Income (loss) from operations 50,193 104,830 (164,391) Interest expense (96,088) (84,045) (71,497) Interest income 6,222 6,218 6,604 ---------- ------------ ----------- (Loss) income before income taxes (39,673) 27,003 (229,284) Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 14,605 (12,843) 162,120 ----------- ------------ ----------- Net (loss) income $ (25,068) $ 14,160 $ (67,164) =========== ============ =========== Net (loss) income per share - basic and diluted $ (0.65) $ 0.37 $ (1.75) ========== ========== ========= Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 38,347,216 38,330,379 38,273,859 ========== ========== ========== Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 38,347,216 38,415,420 38,273,859 ========== ========== ========== See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Statements of Consolidated Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) Una- Accumu mortized lated value of other Addit- restrict- compre- Total Common Stock ional ed hensive stock- --------------- paid-in stock (loss)/ Retained holders' Shares Amount capital grant income earnings equity ------ ------ ------- --------- -------- -------- -------- Balance at 2/29/98 38,252,966 $38,253 $453,894 $ - $(61,025) $495,510 $926,632 Net loss (67,164) (67,164) Stock options exercised 37,750 38 1,077 1,115 Comprehensive loss (8,014) (8,014) Cash dividends (15,312) (15,312) --------- ------- ------- -------- --------- ------- --------- Balance at 2/27/99 38,290,716 38,291 454,971 - (69,039) 413,034 837,257 Net income 14,160 14,160 Stock options exercised 56,500 56 1,499 1,555 Issuance of 20,000 shares of restricted common stock 20,000 20 631 (651) - Amortization of restricted stock grant 210 210 Comprehensive income 8,343 8,343 Cash dividends (15,333) (15,333) ---------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- --------- Balance at 2/26/00 38,367,216 38,367 457,101 (441)(60,696) 411,861 846,192 Net loss (25,068) (25,068) Forfeiture of restricted stock grant (20,000) (20) (631) 441 (210) Comprehensive loss (12,112) (12,112) Cash dividends (11,505) (11,505) --------- ------- ------- ----- -------- ------- -------- Balance at 2/24/01 38,347,216 $38,347 $456,470 $ - $(72,808) $375,288 $797,297 ========== ======= ======== ===== ======== ======== ======== 52 Weeks Ended --------------------------------- 02/24/01 02/26/00 02/27/99 -------- -------- -------- Comprehensive (loss) income Net (loss) income $(25,068) $14,160 $(67,164) -------- ------- -------- Foreign currency translation adjustment (14,802) 6,784 (9,936) Minimum pension liability adjustment 2,690 1,559 1,922 ------- ------ ------- Other comprehensive (loss) income (12,112) 8,343 (8,014) ------- ------ ------- Total comprehensive (loss) income $(37,180) $22,503 $(75,178) ======== ======= ======== See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) Feb. 24, 2001 Feb. 26, 2000 ------------- ------------- Assets Current assets: Cash and short-term investments $131,550 $124,603 Accounts receivable 183,382 227,078 Inventories 783,758 791,150 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 103,164 80,052 ------- ------- Total current assets 1,201,854 1,222,883 --------- --------- Property: Land 107,893 137,672 Buildings 359,275 420,345 Equipment and leasehold improvements 2,388,366 2,274,349 --------- --------- Total-at cost 2,855,534 2,832,366 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,050,279) (1,042,704) ---------- ---------- Property owned 1,805,255 1,789,662 Property leased under capital leases 84,758 94,146 ------- ------- Property-net 1,890,013 1,883,808 Other assets 217,936 228,834 ------- ------- Total assets $3,309,803 $3,335,525 ========== ========== Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 6,195 $ 2,382 Current portion of obligations under capital leases 11,634 11,327 Accounts payable 566,482 583,142 Book overdrafts 108,448 112,465 Accrued salaries, wages and benefits 158,450 155,649 Accrued taxes 62,169 51,611 Other accruals 194,106 208,002 ------- ------- Total current liabilities 1,107,484 1,124,578 --------- --------- Long-term debt 915,321 865,675 Long-term obligations under capital leases 106,797 117,870 Other non-current liabilities 382,904 381,210 ------- ------- Total liabilities 2,512,506 2,489,333 --------- --------- Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock-no par value; authorized - 3,000,000 shares; issued - none - - Common stock - $1 par value; authorized - 80,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 38,347,216 and 38,367,216 shares at February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, respectively 38,347 38,367 Additional paid-in capital 456,470 457,101 Unamortized value of restricted stock grant - (441) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (72,808) (60,696) Retained earnings 375,288 411,861 ------- ------- Total stockholders' equity 797,297 846,192 ------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $3,309,803 $3,335,525 ========== ========== See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands) 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net (loss) income $(25,068) $ 14,160 $(67,164) Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by operating activities: Store/Facilities exit charge and asset write-off (3,104) 14,078 224,580 Environmental charge 4,329 - - Depreciation and amortization 255,771 232,712 233,663 Deferred income tax (benefit) provision (18,136) 8,258 (165,672) Loss (gain) on disposal of owned property and write-down of property, net 4,263 (2,973) 4,541 Decrease (increase) in receivables 41,085 (23,041) 19,562 (Increase) decrease in inventories (336) 60,026 34,762 Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,903 2,392 6,816 (Increase) decrease in other assets (7,648) (16,630) 2,071 Increase in accounts payable 5,443 16,546 122,251 Increase in accrued expenses 13,104 4,797 2,633 (Decrease) increase in other accruals (25,644) 518 43,604 Increase in other non-current liabilities 2,353 5,432 28,203 Other, net 2,446 (1,615) (2,764) -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 253,761 314,660 487,086 -------- -------- -------- Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Expenditures for property (415,842) (479,572) (438,345) Proceeds from disposal of property 150,255 101,319 12,546 -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (265,587) (378,253) (425,799) -------- -------- -------- Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Proceeds under revolving lines of credit 817,447 165,102 451,523 Payments on revolving lines of credit (602,307) (235,150) (411,632) Proceeds from long-term borrowings 4,981 206,010 3,685 Payments on long-term borrowings (166,670) (4,975) (22,456) Principal payments on capital leases (11,252) (11,968) (12,139) (Decrease) increase in book overdrafts (3,298) (49,354) 12,079 Deferred financing fees (6,428) (6,298) - Proceeds from stock options exercised - 1,555 1,115 Cash dividends (11,505) (15,333) (15,312) -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by financing activities 20,968 49,589 6,863 -------- -------- -------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and short-term investments (2,195) 1,797 (2,277) -------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and short-term investments 6,947 (12,207) 65,873 Cash and short-term investments at beginning of year 124,603 136,810 70,937 ------- ------- ------ Cash and short-term investments at end of year $131,550 $124,603 $136,810 ======== ======== ======== See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, and where noted) Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation - --------------------- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority-owned subsidiaries. The Company operates retail supermarkets in the United States and Canada. The U.S. operations are mainly in the Eastern part of the U.S. and certain parts of the Midwest. See the following footnotes for additional information on the Canadian Operations: Note 4 - Wholesale Franchise Business, Note 5 - Indebtedness, Note 8 - Income Taxes, Note 9 - Retirement Plans and Benefits, and Note 13 - Operating Segments. The principal stockholder of the Company, Tengelmann Warenhandelsgesellschaft, owned 56.6% of the Company's common stock as of February 24, 2001. Fiscal Year - ----------- The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in February. Fiscal 2000 ended February 24, 2001, fiscal 1999 ended February 26, 2000 and fiscal 1998 ended February 27, 1999. Fiscal 2000, fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998 were each comprised of 52 weeks. Revenue Recognition - ------------------- Retail revenue is recognized at point-of-sale while wholesale revenue is recognized in accordance with its terms, when goods are shipped. Cash and Short-term Investments - ------------------------------- Short-term investments that are highly liquid with an original maturity of three months or less are included in "Cash and short-term investments" and are deemed to be cash equivalents. Inventories - ----------- Store inventories are valued principally at the lower of cost or market with cost determined under the retail method. Warehouse and other inventories are valued primarily at the lower of cost or market with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventories of certain acquired companies are valued using the last-in, first-out method, which was their practice prior to acquisition. See Note 3 - Inventory for additional information regarding the Company's use of the last-in, first-out method. Advertising Costs - ----------------- Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. The Company recorded advertising expense of $147 million, $139 million and $136 million for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Pre-opening Costs - ----------------- The costs of opening new stores are expensed as incurred. Software Costs - -------------- The Company capitalizes externally purchased software and amortizes it over three years. Amortization expense for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Effective February 29, 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" ("SOP 98-1"). SOP 98-1 requires the capitalization of certain internally generated software costs. In fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company capitalized $3.7 million, $0.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of such software costs. Such software is amortized over three years and for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company recorded amortization expense of $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Earnings Per Share - ------------------ The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128"). SFAS 128 requires dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") on the face of the Statements of Consolidated Operations and requires a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS calculations. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if options to issue common stock were exercised and converted to common stock. The weighted average shares outstanding utilized in the basic EPS calculation were 38,347,216 for fiscal 2000, 38,330,379 for fiscal 1999 and 38,273,859 for fiscal 1998. The common stock equivalents that were added to the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of diluted EPS were 85,041 for fiscal 1999. The common stock equivalents for fiscal 2000 and 1998 would have been 14,478 and 47,772, respectively; however, such shares were antidilutive and thus excluded from the diluted EPS calculation. Excess of Cost over Net Assets Acquired - --------------------------------------- The excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired is amortized on a straight-line basis between fifteen to forty years. The Company recorded amortization expense of $1.5 million for both fiscal 2000 and 1998 and $1.2 million for fiscal 1999. The book value of excess of cost over net assets acquired at February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000 was $34.2 million and $34.1 million, net of accumulated amortization relating to goodwill of $12.5 million and $11.1 million, respectively. At each balance sheet date, Management reassesses the appropriateness of the goodwill balance based on forecasts of cash flows from operating results on an undiscounted basis. If the results of such comparison indicate that an impairment may exist, the Company will recognize a charge to operations at that time based upon the difference between the present value of the expected cash flows from future operating results (utilizing a discount rate equal to the Company's average cost of funds at that time) and the balance sheet value. The recoverability of goodwill is at risk to the extent the Company is unable to achieve its forecast assumptions regarding cash flows from operating results. At February 24, 2001, the Company estimates that the cash flows projected to be generated by the respective businesses on an undiscounted basis should be sufficient to recover the existing goodwill balance over its remaining life. Long-Lived Assets - ----------------- The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived and identifiable intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Such review is based upon groups of assets and the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from such assets to determine if the carrying value of such assets are recoverable from their respective cash flows. The Company recorded impairment losses during the year ended February 24, 2001 related to the sale leaseback transaction (see Note 14 - Sale-Leaseback Transaction for further details) and during the year ended February 27, 1999 related to its store and facility exit initiative (see Note 2 - Store and Facilities Exit Costs for further details). Properties - ---------- Depreciation and amortization are calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are depreciated based on lives varying from twenty to fifty years and equipment based on lives varying from three to ten years. Real property leased under capital leases is amortized over the lives of the respective leases or over their economic useful lives, whichever is less. During fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company disposed of and/or wrote down certain assets which resulted in a pretax net loss of $4 million, a pretax net gain of $3 million, and a pretax net loss of $5 million, respectively. Income Taxes - ------------ The Company provides deferred income taxes on temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws. Current Liabilities - ------------------- Certain accounts payable checks issued but not presented to banks frequently result in negative book balances for accounting purposes. Such amounts are classified as "Book overdrafts" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company accrues for vested and non-vested vacation pay. Liabilities for compensated absences of $81.7 million and $78.8 million at February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, respectively, are included in the balance sheet caption "Accrued salaries, wages and benefits". Stock-Based Compensation - ------------------------ The Company applies the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") with pro forma disclosure of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123") had been applied. Comprehensive Income - -------------------- Effective March 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income". This statement requires that all components of comprehensive income be reported prominently in the financial statements. Currently, the Company has other comprehensive income relating to foreign currency translation adjustment and minimum pension liability adjustment. Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of February 24, 2001 includes foreign currency translation of $72.7 million and an additional minimum pension liability of less than $0.1 million. Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of February 26, 2000 includes foreign currency translation of $58.0 million and an additional minimum pension liability of $2.7 million, net of income tax benefit of $2.2 million. Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of February 27, 1999 includes foreign currency translation of $64.8 million and an additional minimum pension liability of $4.3 million, net of income tax benefit of $3.4 million. Use of Estimates - ---------------- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities with respect to self-insured workers' compensation and general liability claims. The Company determines the required liability of such claims based upon various assumptions which include, but are not limited to, the Company's historical loss experience, industry loss standards, projected loss development factors, projected payroll, employee headcount and other internal data. It is reasonably possible that the final resolution of some of these claims may require significant expenditures by the Company in excess of its existing reserves, over an extended period of time and in a range of amounts that cannot be reasonably estimated. Reclassifications - ----------------- Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' financial statements in order to conform to the current year's presentation. New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted - --------------------------------------------- In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"). This statement requires that all derivative instruments be measured at fair value and recognized in the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities. In addition, the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. For a derivative designated as a hedge, the change in fair value will be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income; for a derivative not designated as a hedge, the change in the fair value will be recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Operations. In June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133" which delayed the adoption of SFAS 133 for one year, to fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Financial Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities - An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133". This Statement amends the accounting and reporting standards of SFAS 133 for certain derivative instruments, for certain hedging activities and for decisions made by the FASB relating to the Derivatives Implementation Group ("DIG") process. Certain decisions arising from the DIG process that required specific amendments to SFAS 133 were incorporated into this Statement. The Company is required to adopt SFAS 133 as amended in the first quarter of fiscal 2001. At February 24, 2001, the Company did not have any derivative instruments that would result in a transition adjustment upon the adoption of this standard on February 25, 2001. However, the DIG is continually interpreting SFAS 133. Contracts that the Company has concluded are not derivatives could potentially be classified as derivatives based on new interpretive guidance. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" ("SAB 101"). SAB 101 was issued to provide guidance in applying generally accepted accounting principles to the large number of revenue recognition issues that registrants encounter, including nonrefundable, up-front fees and the disclosure of judgements as to the appropriateness of the principles relating to revenue recognition accounting policies. Since the issuance of SAB 101, the Staff has received requests from a number of groups asking for additional time to determine the effects, if any, on registrants' revenue recognition practices and as such, the SEC has delayed the implementation date of SAB 101 until no later than the fourth quarter of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1999. The Company has evaluated the impact of this Staff Accounting Bulletin and has concluded that it has no effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Retail revenue is recognized at point of sale while wholesale revenue is recognized in accordance with its terms, when goods are shipped. Vendor allowances and credits that relate to the Company's buying and merchandising activities are recognized as earned. In May 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") issued No. 00-14 "Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives". The EITF reached a consensus on several issues involving the accounting and income statement classification of rebates, coupons and other discounts. The Company has evaluated the impact of this issue and has concluded that it has no effect on the accounting or classification of sales incentives because coupons issued by the Company are recorded upon redemption as a reduction of sales. Note 2 - Store and Facilities Exit Costs (Great Renewal - Phase I) In May 1998, the Company initiated a vigorous assessment of all aspects of its business operations in order to identify the factors that were impacting the performance of the Company. As a result of the above assessment, in the third quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company decided to exit two warehouse facilities and a coffee plant in the U.S., and a bakery plant in Canada. In connection with the exit plan, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $11 million which is included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in the Company's Statements of Consolidated Operations for fiscal 1998. The $11 million charge was comprised of $7 million of severance, $3 million of facilities occupancy costs for the period subsequent to closure and $1 million to write-down the facilities to their estimated fair value. As of February 27, 1999, the Company had closed and terminated operations with respect to the two warehouses and the coffee plant. The volume associated with the warehouses was transferred to other warehouses in close geographic proximity. Further, the manufacturing processes of the coffee plant were transferred to the Company's remaining coffee processing facility. The processing associated with the Canadian bakery was outsourced in January 1999. In addition, in December 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan which included the exit of 127 underperforming stores throughout the United States and Canada and the disposal of two other properties. Included in the 127 stores were 31 stores representing the entire Richmond, Virginia market. Further, in January 1999, the Board of Directors approved the closure of five additional underperforming stores. In connection with the Company's plan to exit these 132 stores and the write-down of two properties, the Company recorded a charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 of approximately $215 million. This $215 million charge consisted of $8 million of severance (including pension withdrawal obligations), $1 million of facilities occupancy costs, $114 million of store occupancy costs, which principally relates to the present value of future lease obligations, net of anticipated sublease recoveries, which extend through fiscal 2028, an $83 million write-down of store fixed assets and a $9 million write-down to estimated fair value of two properties. To the extent fixed assets included in those stores identified for closure could be utilized in other continuing stores, the Company transferred those assets to continuing stores. The Company planned to scrap fixed assets that could not be transferred, and accordingly, the write-down was calculated based upon an estimated scrap value. This fourth quarter charge of $215 million was reduced by approximately $2 million in fiscal 1998 due to changes in estimates of pension withdrawal liabilities and fixed asset write-downs from the time the original charge was recorded. The net charge of $213 million is included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in the Company's Statements of Consolidated Operations for fiscal 1998. In addition to the charges recorded in fiscal 1998, there were other charges related to the plan which could not be accrued for at February 27, 1999 because they did not meet the criteria for accrual under EITF 94-3 "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)". Such costs have been expensed as incurred as the plan was being executed. During fiscal 1999, the Company recorded an additional pretax charge of $11 million for severance related to the 132 stores. No additional charges were recorded during fiscal 2000. In April 1999, the Company announced that it had reached definitive agreements to sell 14 stores in the Atlanta, Georgia market, two of which were previously included in the Company's store exit program. In conjunction with the sale, the Company decided to exit the entire Atlanta market and close the remaining 22 stores, as well as the distribution center and administrative office. Accordingly, at the time of the announcement, the Company recorded a fiscal 1999 first quarter net pretax charge of approximately $5 million. This charge was comprised of severance of $6 million and future lease commitments of $11 million, partially offset by a $12 million gain related to the disposition of fixed and intangible assets. The net charge is included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in the Company's Statements of Consolidated Operations for fiscal 1999. The Company paid $28 million of the total severance charges from the time of the original charges through the end of fiscal 2000, which resulted from the termination of approximately 3,400 employees. The remaining severance liability relates to future obligations for early withdrawals from multi-employer union pension plans. The following reconciliation summarizes the activity related to the aforementioned charges since their initial recording: Severance Store Fixed and Facilities Occupancy Assets Benefits Occupancy Total ------------ --------- --------- ------------ ------ Original Charge $113,732 $93,355 $15,102 $4,018 $226,207 Addition (1) 1,900 - - - 1,900 Utilization (1,100) (92,639) (3,794) (311) (97,844) Adjustment (2) - (716) (1,242) 331 (1,627) ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- Reserve Balance at Feb. 27, 1999 114,532 - 10,066 4,038 128,636 Addition (1) 15,730 - 17,060 3,188 35,978 Utilization (4,614)(3) (295) (19,626) (3,659) (28,194) Adjustment (2) (22,195) 295 - - (21,900) ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- Reserve Balance at Feb. 26, 2000 103,453 - 7,500 3,567 114,520 Addition (1) 5,062 - - - 5,062 Utilization (4) (25,654) - (4,779) (463) (30,896) Adjustment (2) - - - (3,104) (3,104) ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- Reserve Balance at Feb. 24, 2001 $82,861 $ - $ 2,721 $ - $85,582 ======= ======= ======= ====== ======= (1) The additions to store occupancy of $1.9 million and $5.1 million during fiscal 1998 and 2000 represent the present value of accrued interest related to lease obligations. The fiscal 1999 addition represents an increase to the store occupancy reserve for the present value of accrued interest of $7.4 million, additional severance cost of $11.5 million and the cost of exiting the Atlanta market (including store occupancy of $8.3 million, severance of $5.6 million and facilities costs of $3.2 million). (2) At each balance sheet date, Management assesses the adequacy of the reserve balance to determine if any adjustments are required as a result of changes in circumstances and/or estimates. As a result, in fiscal 1998, the Company recorded an adjustment to severance and benefits related to a change in the estimate of the calculated pension withdrawal liability. In the third quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company recorded a net reduction in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" of $21.9 million to reverse a portion of the $215 million restructuring charge recorded in fiscal 1998. This amount represents a $22.2 million reduction in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" for lower store occupancy costs resulting primarily from earlier than anticipated lease terminations and subleases. The credit is partially offset by $0.3 million of additional fixed asset write-downs resulting from lower than anticipated proceeds from the sale of fixed assets. In fiscal 2000, the Company recorded a net reduction in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" of $3.1 million to reverse a portion of the $215 million restructuring charge recorded in fiscal 1998. The reversal is primarily a result of a change in estimate resulting from the sale of one of the Company's warehouses sold during the first quarter of fiscal 2000. (3) Store occupancy utilization for fiscal 1999 is comprised of $29.6 million of lease and other occupancy payments for the period, net of $25.0 million of net proceeds on the assignment of leases which was considered in determining the original charge recorded during fiscal 1998. (4) Store occupancy utilization of $25.7 million and facilities occupancy of $0.5 million represent lease and other occupancy payments made during fiscal 2000. Based upon current available information, Management evaluated the reserve balance of $85.6 million as of February 24, 2001 and has concluded that it is adequate. The Company will continue to monitor the status of the vacant properties and further adjustments to the reserve balance may be recorded in the future, if necessary. At February 24, 2001, approximately $14 million of the reserve is included in "Other accruals" and the remaining amount is included in "Other non-current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Included in the Statements of Consolidated Operations are the operating results of the 132 underperforming stores (including 31 stores in the Richmond, Virginia market) and the 34 Atlanta stores which the Company has exited. The operating results of these stores are as follows: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 --------- -------- ---------- Sales $ 678 $200,208 $1,069,441 ========= ======== ========== Operating loss $ (139) $(30,572) $ (43,105) ========= ======== ========== As of the end of fiscal 2000, the Company had closed 165 stores, including 34 stores in the Atlanta, Georgia market and 31 stores in the Richmond, Virginia market. Note 3 - Inventory Approximately 12% and 13% of the Company's inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method at February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, respectively. Such inventories would have been $18.1 million and $19.6 million higher at February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, respectively, if the retail and first-in, first-out methods were used. The Company recorded a LIFO credit of $1.5 million in fiscal 2000 compared to LIFO charges of approximately $0.9 million in 1999 and $1.0 million in 1998. Liquidation of LIFO layers in the periods reported did not have a significant effect on the results of operations. Note 4 - Wholesale Franchise Business The Company serviced 68 franchised stores as of February 24, 2001 and 65 stores as of February 26, 2000. These franchised stores are required to purchase inventory exclusively from the Company which acts as a wholesaler to the franchisees. During fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company had wholesale sales to these franchised stores of $638 million, $523 million and $387 million, respectively. A majority of the franchised stores were converted from Company operated supermarkets. The Company subleases the stores and leases the equipment in the stores to the franchisees. The Company also provides merchandising, advertising, accounting and other consultative services to the franchisees for which it receives a nominal fee which mainly represents the reimbursements of costs incurred to provide such services. The Company holds as assets inventory notes collateralized by the inventory in the stores and equipment lease receivables collateralized by the equipment in the stores. The current portion of the inventory notes and equipment leases, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, amounting to approximately $3.7 million and $4.1 million, are included in "Accounts receivable" at February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, respectively. The long-term portion of the inventory notes and equipment leases, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, amounting to approximately $55.3 million and $53.4 million, are included in "Other assets" at February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, respectively. The repayment of the inventory notes and equipment leases are dependent upon positive operating results of the stores. To the extent that the franchisees incur operating losses, the Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company continually assesses the sufficiency of the allowance on a store by store basis based upon the operating results and the related collateral underlying the amounts due from the franchisees. In the event of default by a franchisee, the Company reserves the option to reacquire the inventory and equipment at the store and operate the franchise as a corporate owned store. Included below are the amounts due to the Company for the next five years and thereafter from the franchised stores for equipment leases and inventory notes. Fiscal ------ 2001 $ 7,715 2002 10,361 2003 9,777 2004 9,636 2005 9,557 2006 and thereafter 35,909 -------- 82,955 Less interest portion (23,995) -------- Due from franchise business $ 58,960 ======== For fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, approximately $15 million, $18 million and $8 million, respectively, of the franchise business notes relate to equipment leases which were non-cash transactions and, accordingly, have been excluded from the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. Note 5 - Indebtedness Debt consists of the following: Feb. 24, Feb. 26, 2001 2000 ----------- ----------- 9.375% Notes, due August 1, 2039 $200,000 $200,000 7.75% Notes, due April 15, 2007 300,000 300,000 7.70% Senior Notes, due January 15, 2004 200,000 200,000 7.78% Notes, due November 1, 2000 - 75,000 Mortgages and Other Notes, due 2001 through 2003 (average interest rates at year end of 8.38% and 7.12%, respectively) 28,658 8,023 U.S. Bank Borrowings at 6.55% and 6.35%, respectively 194,607 87,000 Less unamortized discount on 7.75% Notes (1,749) (1,966) ------- ------- 921,516 868,057 Less current portion (6,195) (2,382) ------- ------- Long-term debt $915,321 $865,675 ======== ======== At February 24, 2001, the Company had an unsecured five year $498 million revolving credit agreement (the "Unsecured Credit Agreement") which was to expire on June 10, 2002 with a syndicate of banks, enabling it to borrow funds on a revolving basis sufficient to refinance short-term borrowings. This agreement was subsequently replaced by a secured revolving credit agreement described below. As of February 24, 2001, the Unsecured Credit Agreement was comprised of the U.S. credit agreement amounting to $415 million and the Canadian credit agreement amounting to C$121 million (U.S. $83 million). As of February 24, 2001, the Company had $190 million of borrowings under the Unsecured Credit Agreement consisting of $145 million under the U.S. credit agreement and C$69 million (U.S. $45 million) under the Canadian credit agreement. This compared to borrowings of $60 million under the U.S. credit agreement and no borrowings under the Canadian credit agreement at February 26, 2000. Accordingly, as of February 24, 2001, the Company had $308 million available under the Unsecured Credit Agreement consisting of $270 million under the U.S. credit agreement and C$53 million (U.S. $38 million) under the Canadian credit agreement. This compared to availability of $439 million at February 26, 2000 consisting of $405 million under the U.S. credit agreement and C$50 million (U.S. $34 million) under the Canadian credit agreement. The Company paid a facility fee of 0.375% per annum on the total commitment of the U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facilities and 1% on the borrowed amount. On February 23, 2001, the Company executed an agreement with a syndicate of banks to replace the Unsecured Credit Agreement with a $425 million secured revolving credit agreement (the "Secured Credit Agreement") expiring December 31, 2003. The outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Credit Agreement were refinanced with this new facility. This agreement is secured primarily by inventory and company-owned real estate which, at February 24, 2001, had a net book value of $658 million and $88 million, respectively. The Secured Credit Agreement was comprised of a U.S. credit agreement amounting to $340 million and a Canadian credit agreement amounting to C$131 million (U.S. $85 million). Based on the Company's current debt rating, borrowings under the agreement bear interest on spreads to LIBOR and Prime, and at February 24, 2001 the borrowing rate under the new agreement was 8.03%. Upon execution of the Secured Credit Agreement, the syndicate was instructed to fund the Company in an amount sufficient to repay the entire outstanding balance on the Unsecured Credit Agreement. Such funding took place on February 28, 2001. If the repayment of the Unsecured Credit Agreement had been funded on February 24, 2001, after reducing availability for outstanding letters of credit, availability under the new facility would have been $183 million. On November 1, 2000, the Company's Canadian subsidiary, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company of Canada, Limited, repaid its outstanding $75 million 5 year Notes denominated in U.S. dollars. The repayment of these Notes was funded by the Unsecured Credit Agreement at an average rate of 6.55%. As of February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, the Company had borrowings under uncommitted lines of credit of $5 million and $27 million, respectively. As of February 24, 2001, the Company has outstanding a total of $500 million of unsecured, non-callable public debt securities in the form of $200 million 7.70% Notes due January 15, 2004 and $300 million 7.75% Notes due April 15, 2007. The Company also has outstanding $200 million unsecured, public debt securities in the form of 9.375% Notes due August 1, 2039 which are callable beginning on August 11, 2004. During fiscal 2000, the Company entered into an agreement which provides financing for software purchases and hardware leases primarily relating to the Company's Great Renewal - Phase II supply chain and business process initiative ("GR II"). Presently, software purchases and hardware leases will be financed at an effective rate of 8.49% per annum. Software purchases and hardware leases will occur from time to time over the next four years. The Company currently makes equal monthly payments of $1.4 million. Such payments are subject to change based upon the timing and amount of such funding. As of February 24, 2001, $26.8 million was funded for software purchases and hardware with a total fair market value of $10.7 million had been leased to the Company. The Company's loan agreements and certain of its notes contain various financial covenants which require, among other things, minimum fixed charge coverage and maximum levels of leverage and capital expenditures. During the 4th quarter of fiscal 2000 the Company negotiated the aforementioned Secured Credit Agreement to replace its prior facility. This agreement includes covenants, terms and conditions which reflect the Company's current operating performance and capital programs. At February 24, 2001, the Company was in compliance with the covenants on the notes and the Secured Credit Agreement. The net book value of real estate pledged as collateral for all mortgage loans amounted to approximately $4.5 million at February 24, 2001 and $8.8 million at February 26, 2000. The U.S. bank borrowings of $195 million and $87 million are classified as non-current as of February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, respectively, as the Company has the ability and intent to refinance these borrowings on a long-term basis. The Company has filed two Shelf Registration Statements dated January 23, 1998 and June 23, 1999, allowing it to offer up to $350 million of debt and equity securities as of February 24, 2001 at terms determined by market conditions at the time of sale. Maturities for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are: 2001 - $6.2 million; 2002 - $6.0 million; 2003 - $400.5 million; 2004 - $5.9 million; 2005 - $2.3 million; 2006 and thereafter - $502.4 million. Interest payments on indebtedness were approximately $80 million for fiscal 2000, $66 million for fiscal 1999 and $56 million for fiscal 1998. Note 6 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments The estimated fair values of the Company's indebtedness are as follows: Feb. 24, 2001 Feb. 26, 2000 -------------------- --------------------- Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value -------- --------- --------- --------- 9.375% Notes, due August 1, 2039 $200,000 $161,280 $200,000 $175,000 7.75% Notes, due April 15, 2007 298,251 217,723 298,034 270,094 7.70% Senior Notes, due January 15, 2004 200,000 160,000 200,000 188,250 7.78% Notes, due November 1, 2000 - - 75,000 74,438 Mortgages and Other Notes, due 2001 through 2003 28,658 28,658 8,023 8,023 U.S. Bank Borrowings 194,607 194,607 87,000 87,000 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total Indebtedness $921,516 $762,268 $868,057 $802,805 ======== ======== ======== ======== Fair value for the public debt securities is based on quoted market prices. As of February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, the carrying values of cash and short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. As of the end of fiscal 2000, the Company holds equity securities of both common and cumulative preferred stock in Isosceles PLC, which were written-off in their entirety during fiscal 1992. There are no quoted market prices for these securities and it is not practicable, considering the materiality of these securities to the Company, to obtain an estimate of their fair value. The Company believes that the fair value for these securities is zero based upon Isosceles' current and prior years' results. Note 7 - Lease Obligations The Company operates primarily in leased facilities. Lease terms generally range up to twenty-five years for store leases and thirty years for other leased facilities, with options to renew for additional periods. The majority of the leases contain escalation clauses relating to real estate tax increases and certain store leases provide for increases in rentals when sales exceed specified levels. In addition, the Company also leases some store equipment and trucks. The Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following: Feb. 24, Feb. 26, 2001 2000 ----------- ---------- Real property leased under capital leases $205,409 $207,117 Accumulated amortization (120,651) (112,971) -------- -------- $ 84,758 $ 94,146 ======== ======== During fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company entered into new capital leases totaling $7 million, $16 million and $12 million, respectively. These capital lease amounts are non-cash transactions and, accordingly, have been excluded from the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. Interest paid as part of capital lease obligations was approximately $14 million in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998. Rent expense for operating leases consists of: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 -------- -------- -------- Minimum rentals $219,113 $194,158 $193,703 Contingent rentals 3,777 3,780 3,987 -------- -------- -------- $222,890 $197,938 $197,690 ======== ======== ======== Future minimum annual lease payments for capital leases and noncancelable operating leases in effect at February 24, 2001 are shown in the table below. All amounts are exclusive of lease obligations and sublease rentals applicable to facilities for which reserves have previously been established. In addition, the Company subleases 68 stores to the franchise business. Included in the operating lease table below are the rental payments made by the Company partially offset by the rental income received from the franchised stores. Capital Leases Real Operating Fiscal Property Leases - ------ --------- ---------- 2001 $ 23,524 $ 238,281 2002 22,843 235,736 2003 20,685 226,964 2004 18,967 220,304 2005 14,880 214,063 2006 and thereafter 139,037 2,241,819 -------- --------- 239,936 $3,377,167 ========== Less executory costs (1,248) -------- Net minimum rentals 238,688 Less interest portion (120,257) --------- Present value of net minimum rentals $118,431 ======== Note 8 - Income Taxes The components of (loss) income before income taxes are as follows: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 -------- -------- --------- United States $(74,768) $ (77) $(244,573) Canadian 35,095 27,080 15,289 -------- ------- -------- Total $(39,673) $27,003 $(229,284) ======== ======= ========= The (benefit from) provision for income taxes consists of the following: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24 Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Current: Federal $ - $ 872 $ - Canadian 531 710 552 State and local 3,000 3,003 3,000 ------- ------ -------- 3,531 4,585 3,552 ------- ------ -------- Deferred: Federal (24,340) 121 (77,489) Canadian 16,083 12,045 6,806 State and local (9,879) (3,908) (25,786) Canadian valuation allowance - - (69,203) ------- ------ -------- (18,136) 8,258 (165,672) ------- ------ -------- (Benefit from) provision for income taxes $(14,605) $12,843 $(162,120) ========= ======= ========= The deferred income tax (benefit) provision results primarily from the annual change in temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws, net operating tax loss carryforwards and in fiscal 1998, the Canadian valuation allowance. The Company recorded an income tax benefit amounting to $14.6 million in fiscal 2000 as compared to an income tax provision of $12.8 million for fiscal 1999 and an income tax benefit of $162.1 million for fiscal 1998. The fiscal 1998 benefit of $162 million includes reversals of the Canadian operations deferred tax valuation allowance. During the first three quarters of fiscal 1998, the Company reversed approximately $9 million of the Canadian valuation allowance to the extent that the Canadian operations had taxable income. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets related to the Canadian operations would be realized based upon Management's plan to close underperforming stores in Canada (see Note 2 - Store and Facilities Exit Costs), the implementation of certain tax strategies and the continued performance improvements of the Canadian operations. Accordingly, the Company reversed the remaining portion of the Canadian deferred tax valuation allowance amounting to approximately $60 million. The deferred tax benefit recorded for U.S. operations of approximately $103 million mainly relates to book and tax differences of the store and facilities exit costs recorded in fiscal 1998. The Company has elected to permanently reinvest earnings of the Canadian subsidiary. Accordingly, the Company does not provide for taxes associated with Canada's undistributed earnings. As of February 24, 2001, the Company had net operating tax loss carryforwards of approximately $62 million from the Canadian operations and $170 million from the U.S. operations. The Canadian portion of the net operating loss carryforwards will expire between February 2002 and February 2003 and the U.S. portion will expire between February 2019 and February 2020. The Company has assessed its ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards and has concluded that no valuation allowance is required. A reconciliation of income taxes at the 35% federal statutory income tax rate for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 to income taxes as reported is as follows: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Income taxes computed at federal statutory income tax rate $(13,886) $9,451 $(80,249) State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (4,471) (588) (14,810) Tax rate differential relating to Canadian operations 4,330 3,278 2,007 Canadian valuation allowance - - (69,203) Goodwill and other permanent differences (578) 702 135 ------- ------ -------- Income taxes, as reported $(14,605) $12,843 $(162,120) ======== ======= ========= Income tax payments, net of refunds, for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 were approximately $2 million, $6 million and $2 million, respectively. The components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows: Feb. 24, Feb. 26, 2001 2000 --------- --------- Current assets: Insurance reserves $ 27,073 $ 31,073 Other reserves and accrued benefits 40,435 40,659 Accrued postretirement and postemployment benefits 1,111 1,406 Lease obligations 1,198 1,315 Pension obligations 1,776 4,241 Miscellaneous 4,505 6,612 --------- --------- 76,098 85,306 --------- --------- Current liabilities: Inventories (9,482) (15,561) Health and welfare (9,631) (9,841) Miscellaneous (2,751) (5,693) --------- --------- (21,864) (31,095) --------- --------- Deferred income taxes included in prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 54,234 $ 54,211 ========= ========= Non-current assets: Isosceles investment $ 42,617 $ 42,617 Alternative minimum tax 7,500 7,500 Fixed assets - 459 Other reserves 55,583 56,372 Lease obligations 13,193 14,530 Net operating loss carryforwards 107,862 75,417 Insurance reserves 8,400 4,200 Accrued postretirement and postemployment benefits 28,259 31,035 Pension obligations 9,503 4,140 Step rents 19,526 15,098 Miscellaneous 768 7,364 --------- --------- 293,211 258,732 --------- --------- Non-current liabilities: Fixed assets (254,907) (244,050) Pension obligations (23,205) (20,807) Miscellaneous (2,463) (2,352) --------- --------- (280,575) (267,209) --------- --------- Net non-current deferred income tax asset (liability) $ 12,636 (8,477) ========== =========== The net non-current deferred tax asset and liability is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows: Feb. 24, Feb. 26, 2001 2000 --------- --------- Other assets $ 32,995 $ 49,992 Non-current liability (20,359) (58,469) --------- --------- Net non-current deferred income tax asset (liability) $ 12,636 $ (8,477) ========== ========== Note 9 - Retirement Plans and Benefits Defined Benefit Plans The Company provides retirement benefits to certain non-union and union employees under various defined benefit plans. The Company's defined benefit pension plans are non-contributory and benefits under these plans are generally determined based upon years of service and, for salaried employees, compensation. The Company funds these plans in amounts consistent with the statutory funding requirements. During fiscal 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosure about Pension and Postretirement Benefits" ("SFAS 132"). SFAS 132 standardizes the disclosure requirements for pension and other postretirement benefits. This Statement addresses disclosure only. It does not address expense recognition or liability measurement. Accordingly, there was no effect on financial position or net income as a result of adopting SFAS 132. The components of net pension cost are as follows: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Service cost $ 8,017 $16,153 $14,014 Interest cost 19,192 26,300 25,872 Expected return on plan assets (25,429) (34,890) (32,040) Amortization of unrecognized net asset (1,255) (1,194) (1,184) Amortization of unrecognized net prior service cost 910 1,240 1,237 Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss (1,432) 730 506 Curtailments and settlements 668 1,205 863 ------- ------ ------ Net pension cost $ 671 $9,544 $9,268 ======= ====== ====== The Company's defined benefit pension plans are accounted for on a calendar year basis. The majority of plan assets is invested in listed stocks and bonds. The following tables set forth the change in benefit obligations and change in plan assets for fiscal 2000 and 1999 for the Company's defined benefit plans: Change in Benefit Obligation 2000 1999 - ---------------------------- -------- -------- Benefit obligation - beginning of year $393,614 $423,156 Service cost 8,017 16,153 Interest cost 19,192 26,300 Actuarial loss (gain) 12,467 (60,065) Benefits paid (23,399) (26,195) Amendments 29 1,721 Curtailments and settlements (122,633) 1,182 Effect of exchange rate (12,668) 11,362 ------- ------- Benefit obligation - end of year $274,619 $393,614 ======== ======== Change in Plan Assets - --------------------- Plan assets at fair value - beginning of year $464,438 $458,663 Actual return on plan assets 53,441 9,023 Company contributions 5,218 9,865 Benefits paid (23,399) (26,195) Curtailments and settlements (136,981) - Effect of exchange rate (15,937) 13,082 ------- ------- Plan assets at fair value - end of year $346,780 $464,438 ======== ======== Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following: 2000 1999 --------- --------- Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation $ 72,161 $ 70,824 Unrecognized net transition asset (1,881) (3,013) Unrecognized prior service cost 2,419 6,262 Unrecognized net actuarial gain (56,231) (43,891) Interim contributions between calendar and fiscal year end 268 - -------- ------- Total recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets $16,736 $30,182 ======== ======= Prepaid benefit cost $44,592 $56,529 Accrued benefit liability (28,036) (31,504) Intangible asset 116 236 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 38 2,729 Tax benefit 26 2,192 ------- ------- Total recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets $16,736 $30,182 ======= ======= Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets consist of the following: 2000 1999 --------- --------- Accumulated benefit obligation $21,998 $92,973 Projected benefit obligation $22,705 $97,114 Plan assets at fair value $ 275 $69,480 The prepaid pension asset is included in "Other assets" while the pension liability is included in "Accrued salaries, wages and benefits" and "Other non-current liabilities". At February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, the Company's additional minimum pension liability for its defined benefit plans was in excess of the unrecognized prior service costs and net transition obligation and accordingly, less than $0.1 million and $2.7 million, each net of income tax benefit, was reflected as a reduction to stockholders' equity, respectively. During the year ended February 25, 1995, the Company's Canadian subsidiary and the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, Locals 175 and 633, entered into an agreement resulting in the amalgamation of three of the Company's Canadian defined benefit pension plans with the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan ("CCWIPP"), retroactive to July 1, 1994. The agreement was subject to the approval of the CCWIPP trustees and the appropriate regulatory bodies. During the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company received final approval of the agreement. Under the terms of this agreement and as reflected in the above tables, CCWIPP assumed the assets and defined benefit liabilities of the three pension plans. Further, the Company is required to make defined contributions to CCWIPP based upon hours worked by employees who are members of CCWIPP and to the extent assets transferred exceeded liabilities assumed, the Company received a funding holiday by CCWIPP for such defined contributions. As a result of this transfer, during the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company recorded a $0.4 million net expense and a $2.7 million adjustment to the minimum pension liability. Actuarial assumptions used to determine year-end plan status are as follows: 2000 1999 ------------------ --------------- U.S. Canada U.S. Canada --------- ------ ------ ------ Weighted average discount rate 7.50% 7.00% 7.75% 7.50% Weighted average rate of compensation increase 4.50% 4.00% 4.75% 4.00% Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.50-8.50% 8.50% 8.75% 8.40% The impact of the changes in the actuarial assumptions has been reflected in the funded status of the pension plans and the Company believes that such changes will not have a material effect on net pension cost for fiscal 2001. Defined Contribution Plans The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan to which the Company contributes an amount equal to 4% of eligible participants' salaries and a savings plan to which eligible participants may contribute a percentage of eligible salary. The Company contributes to the savings plan based on specified percentages of the participants' eligible contributions. Participants become fully vested in the Company's contributions after 5 years of service. The Company's contributions charged to operations for both plans were approximately $11.3 million, $10.8 million and $10.9 million in fiscal years 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Multi-employer Union Pension Plans The Company participates in various multi-employer union pension plans which are administered jointly by management and union representatives and which sponsor most full-time and certain part-time union employees who are not covered by the Company's other pension plans. The pension expense for these plans approximated $35.3 million, $31.5 million and $34.1 million in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company could, under certain circumstances, be liable for unfunded vested benefits or other expenses of jointly administered union/management plans. At this time, the Company has not established any liabilities for future withdrawals because such withdrawals from these plans are not probable. Postretirement Benefits The Company provides postretirement health care and life benefits to certain union and non-union employees. The Company recognizes the cost of providing postretirement benefits during employees' active service period. The components of net postretirement benefits cost are as follows: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Service cost $ 487 $ 548 $ 1,666 Interest cost 2,060 1,977 3,464 Prior service cost (1,347) (1,347) (263) Amortization of (gain) loss (692) (509) 27 ------ ------- ------- Net postretirement benefits cost $ 508 $ 669 $ 4,894 ====== ======= ======= The unfunded status of the plans is as follows: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- Unfunded accumulated benefit obligation at beginning of year $28,190 $36,690 $48,980 Service cost 487 548 1,666 Interest cost 2,060 1,977 3,464 Benefits paid (1,937) (1,782) (2,790) Actuarial loss (gain) 6,131 (9,533) 1,837 Plan amendment - - (16,162) Foreign exchange (1,218) 290 (305) ------ ------ ------ Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year 33,713 28,190 36,690 Unrecognized net gain from experience differences 2,658 9,191 221 Unrecognized prior service cost 13,715 14,552 15,899 ------ ------ ------ Accrued postretirement benefit costs at end of year $50,086 $51,933 $52,810 ======= ======= ======= Assumed discount rate: U.S. 7.50% 7.75% 6.50% Canada 7.00% 7.50% 6.50% The assumed rate of future increase in health care benefit cost for fiscal 2000 was 8.75% and is expected to decline to 5.0% by the year 2020 and remain at that level thereafter. The effect of a 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for each future year on the net postretirement health care cost would either increase by $0.3 million or decrease by $0.2 million, while the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation would either increase by $3.0 million or decrease by $2.4 million. Postemployment Benefits The Company accrues costs for preretirement, postemployment benefits provided to former or inactive employees and recognizes an obligation for these benefits. The costs of these benefits have been included in operations for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 24, 2001. As of February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000, the Company has a liability reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $23.6 million and $24.8 million, respectively, related to such benefits. Note 10 - Stock Options At February 24, 2001, the Company has four fixed stock-based compensation plans. The Company applies the principles of APB 25 for stock options and FASB Interpretation No. 28 for Stock Appreciation Rights ("SAR's"). SAR's allow the holder, in lieu of purchasing stock, to receive cash in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of common stock on the date of exercise over the option price. Most of the options and SAR's vest over a four year period on the anniversary date of issuance, while some options vest immediately. Effective July 13, 1999, the Board of Directors and stockholders approved the 1998 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan (the "1998 Plan") for its officers and key employees. The 1998 Plan provides for the granting of 5,000,000 shares as options, SAR's or stock awards. The Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan (the "1994 Plan") for officers and key employees provided for the granting of 1,500,000 shares as either options or SAR's. The 1984 Stock Option Plan for officers and key employees, which expired on February 1, 1994, provided for the granting of 1,500,000 shares and was amended as of July 10, 1990 to increase by 1,500,000 the number of options available for grant as either options or SAR's. The 1994 Stock Option Plan for Board of Directors provides for the granting of 100,000 stock options at the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. Options granted under this plan totaled 8,000 in fiscal 2000, 3,600 in fiscal 1999 and 1,600 in fiscal 1998. Options and SAR's issued under all of the Company's plans are granted at the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. In fiscal 2000, 1,490,550 options were granted under the 1998 Plan. There were no SAR's granted during fiscal 2000. The Company accounts for stock options using the intrinsic value-based method prescribed by APB 25. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock options been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the fair value methods prescribed by SFAS 123, the Company's net (loss) income and (loss) income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below: 52 Weeks Ended ---------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ---------- --------- ---------- Net (loss) income: As reported $(25,068) $14,160 $(67,164) Pro forma $(29,211) $11,275 $(68,987) Net (loss) income per share - basic and diluted: As reported $ (0.65) $ 0.37 $ (1.75) Pro forma $ (0.76) $ 0.29 $ (1.80) The pro forma effect on net (loss) income and (loss) income per share may not be representative of the pro forma effect in future years because it includes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods of the grants and does not take into consideration the pro forma compensation costs for grants made prior to fiscal 1995. The fair value of the fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 option grants was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: 52 Weeks Ended ------------------------------------------ Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Expected life 7 years 7 years 7 years Volatility 60% 30% 30% Dividend yield range 0%-4.60% 1.08%-1.42% 1.23%-1.63% Risk-free interest rate range 4.94%-6.69% 5.37%-6.78% 5.14%-5.63% For fiscal 2000, no expense was recorded with respect to SAR's due to the decline in the Company's stock price. For fiscal 1999, the Company recognized a $3.1 million credit to reverse previously accrued SAR compensation charges due to the decline in the Company's stock price. The Company recognized compensation expense of $0.6 million in fiscal 1998, with respect to SAR's. There was no compensation expense recognized for the other fixed plans since the exercise price of the stock options equaled the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. A summary of option transactions is as follows: Officers, Key Employees and Directors - ------------------------------------- Weighted Average Exercise Shares Price --------- --------- Outstanding February 29, 1998 949,950 $ 27.78 Granted 897,600 31.32 Cancelled or expired (10,000) 27.88 Exercised (37,750) 27.88 --------- ------- Outstanding February 27, 1999 1,799,800 $ 29.55 Granted 491,650 32.35 Cancelled or expired (211,000) 29.69 Exercised (56,500) 26.64 --------- ------- Outstanding February 26, 2000 2,023,950 $ 30.30 Granted 1,498,550 16.11 Cancelled or expired (277,836) 26.88 --------- ------- Outstanding February 24, 2001 3,244,664 $ 24.04 ========= ======= Exercisable at: February 26, 2000 811,450 $ 28.61 February 24, 2001 1,046,205 $ 29.55 Following are the weighted average fair values of options granted during the years ended: February 27, 1999 $11.72 February 26, 2000 $12.64 February 24, 2001 $ 8.80 A summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable at February 24, 2001 is as follows: Weighted Options Average Weighted Options Weighted Average Range Outstanding Remaining Average Exercisable Average of Exercise at Contractual Exercise at Exercise Prices 2/24/01 Life Price 2/24/01 Price - ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- --------- --------- $7.44-$10.87 277,000 9.8 years $7.99 - - $15.78-$18.88 1,163,600 9.1 years $17.95 - - $21.50-$25.88 26,000 4.6 years $23.40 26,000 $23.40 $26.50-$27.44 61,400 5.8 years $27.08 48,900 $27.05 $27.63-$27.75 116,000 5.4 years $27.73 91,000 $27.73 $27.88 366,500 4.3 years $27.88 366,500 $27.88 $28.25-$30.00 38,000 8.8 years $28.91 9,666 $28.93 $30.25-$31.75 788,250 7.8 years $31.41 399,375 $31.41 $32.88-$37.00 407,914 8.1 years $32.69 104,764 $32.69 --------- --------- 3,244,664 1,046,205 ========= ========= A summary of SAR transactions is as follows: Officers and Key Employees - -------------------------- Price Range Shares Per Share ----------- --------------- Outstanding February 29, 1998 1,657,988 $21.88 - $65.13 Cancelled or expired (388,625) 27.45 - 46.38 Exercised (89,644) 21.88 - 27.25 -------- --------------- Outstanding February 27, 1999 1,179,719 $21.88 - $65.13 Cancelled or expired (212,250) 23.38 - 65.13 Exercised (84,707) 21.88 - 27.25 -------- --------------- Outstanding February 26, 2000 882,762 $21.88 - $52.38 Cancelled or expired (375,000) 24.75 - 52.38 -------- --------------- Outstanding February 24, 2001 507,762 $21.88 - $45.38 ======== =============== Exercisable at: February 26, 2000 866,137 $21.88 - $52.38 February 24, 2001 506,512 $21.88 - $45.38 Note 11 - Litigation On January 13, 2000, the Attorney General of the State of New York filed an action in New York Supreme Court, County of New York, alleging that the Company and its subsidiary Shopwell, Inc., together with the Company's outside delivery service Chelsea Trucking, Inc., violated New York law by failing to pay minimum and overtime wages to individuals who deliver groceries at a Food Emporium store in New York City. The complaint seeks a determination of violation of law, an unspecified amount of restitution, an injunction and costs. A purported class action lawsuit was filed on January 13, 2000 in the federal district court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, Shopwell, Inc. and others by Faty Ansoumana and others. The federal court action makes similar minimum wage and overtime pay allegations under both federal and state law and extends the allegations to various stores operated by the Company. In December 2000, the plaintiffs in the federal court action accepted a $3 million offer of judgment made by the Company, such offer being conditional upon the federal court entering an order certifying a class consisting of the individuals who are the subject of a pending motion by the plaintiffs for class certification. Such amount has been accrued for and is included in "Other accruals" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. In the event the Court enters the class certification order, this judgment will also resolve all related claims of the New York Attorney General. The Company is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Note 12 - Supply Chain and Business Process Initiative-Great Renewal-Phase II On March 13, 2000, the Company announced GR II, an initiative to develop a state-of-the-art supply and business management infrastructure. As of February 24, 2001, the Company has committed to, but has not yet incurred, approximately $23 million of software purchases and consulting services, which will be payable in fiscal 2001. During fiscal 2000, an agreement was entered into which provides financing for software purchases and hardware leases primarily relating to GR II. Presently, software purchases and hardware leases will be financed at an effective rate of 8.49% per annum. Software purchases and hardware leases will occur from time to time over the next four years. Equal monthly payments of $1.4 million are currently being made. Such payments are subject to change based upon the timing and amount of such funding. As of February 24, 2001, $26.8 million was funded for software purchases and hardware with a total fair market value of $10.7 million had been leased. The leasing of the hardware under this agreement is being accounted for as an operating lease in accordance with SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases". Note 13 - Operating Segments During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). This statement establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and selected information in interim financial statements. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services and geographic areas. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer. The Company currently operates in three reportable segments: United States Retail, Canada Retail and Canada Wholesale. The retail segments are comprised of retail supermarkets in the United States and Canada, while the Wholesale segment is comprised of the Company's Canadian operation that serves as exclusive wholesaler to the Company's franchised stores and serves as wholesaler to certain third party retailers. The accounting policies for the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company measures segment performance based upon operating profit. Information on segments is as follows: 52 Weeks Ended --------------------------------------- Feb. 24, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, 2001 2000 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Sales U.S. Retail $ 8,247,224 $ 7,981,134 $ 8,276,493 Canada Retail 1,745,129 1,646,712 1,515,602 Canada Wholesale 630,513 523,488 387,263 ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Company $10,622,866 $10,151,334 $10,179,358 =========== =========== =========== Depreciation and amortization U.S. Retail $ 223,550 $ 204,975 $ 209,656 Canada Retail 32,221 27,413 23,990 Canada Wholesale - 324 17 ----------- ----------- ---------- Total Company $ 255,771 $ 232,712 $ 233,663 =========== =========== ========== Income (loss) from operations U.S. Retail $ 6,866 $ 69,703 $ (186,558) Canada Retail 19,676 17,029 11,317 Canada Wholesale 23,651 18,098 10,850 ----------- ----------- ---------- Total Company $ 50,193 $ 104,830 $ (164,391) =========== =========== ========== Interest expense U.S. Retail $ (81,684) $ (70,097) $ (58,389) Canada Retail (11,436) (11,504) (11,485) Canada Wholesale (2,968) (2,444) (1,623) ----------- ----------- ---------- Total Company $ (96,088) $ (84,045) $ (71,497) =========== =========== ========== Interest income U.S. Retail $ 50 $ 317 $ 876 Canada Retail 2,099 2,521 2,686 Canada Wholesale 4,073 3,380 3,042 ----------- ----------- ---------- Total Company $ 6,222 $ 6,218 $ 6,604 =========== =========== ========== (Loss) income before income taxes U.S. Retail $ (74,768) $ (77) $ (244,071) Canada Retail 10,339 8,046 2,518 Canada Wholesale 24,756 19,034 12,269 ----------- ----------- ---------- Total Company $ (39,673) $ 27,003 $ (229,284) =========== =========== ========== Capital expenditures U.S. Retail $ 356,850 $ 416,863 $ 376,688 Canada Retail 58,992 61,444 61,657 Canada Wholesale - 1,265 - ----------- ----------- ---------- Total Company $ 415,842 $ 479,572 $ 438,345 =========== =========== ========== Total assets U.S. Retail $ 2,679,217 $ 2,684,624 $2,601,113 Canada Retail 548,801 567,573 504,926 Canada Wholesale 81,785 83,328 54,775 ----------- ----------- ---------- Total Company $ 3,309,803 $ 3,335,525 $3,160,814 =========== =========== ========== Long-lived assets United States $ 1,637,036 $ 1,652,094 $1,528,249 Canada 287,211 265,818 204,687 ----------- ----------- ---------- Total Company $ 1,924,247 $ 1,917,912 $1,732,936 =========== =========== ========== Note 14 - Sale-Leaseback Transaction On December 29, 2000 and February 16, 2001, the Company sold 12 properties and simultaneously leased them back from the purchaser. The properties subject to this sale had a carrying value of approximately $68 million. Net proceeds received by the Company related to this transaction amounted to approximately $113 million. Of the 12 properties sold, 11 were sold for a profit resulting in a gain after deducting expenses of approximately $46 million. This gain will be deferred and amortized over the life of the respective leases as a reduction of rental expense. One property in the aforementioned transaction was sold at a loss of approximately $3 million after expenses. Since the fair value of this property was less than its carrying value, the Company recognized this loss in full during fiscal 2000. During fiscal 2001, the Company has or expects to enter into similar transactions with six other owned properties. During fiscal 2000, the Company recognized a loss of approximately $4 million related to one of these additional sale-leaseback properties which has occurred since the carrying value of such property exceeded its fair value. The resulting leases of the 12 properties sold in fiscal 2000 have terms of 20 years, with options to renew for additional periods, and are being accounted for as operating leases in accordance with SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases". Future minimum lease payments for these operating leases are as follows: Fiscal ------ 2001 $12,840 2002 12,840 2003 12,840 2004 12,840 2005 12,840 2006 and thereafter 204,963 ------- Total $269,163 ======== Note 15 - Environmental Liability During the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company became aware of environmental issues at one of its non-retail real estate locations. The Company obtained an environmental remediation report to enable it to assess the potential environmental liability related to this property. Factors considered in determining the liability included, among others, whether the Company had been designated as a potentially responsible party, the number of potentially responsible parties designated at the site, the stage of the proceedings and the available environmental technology. During the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company assessed the likelihood that a loss had been incurred at this site as probable and based on findings included in remediation reports and discussion with legal counsel, estimated the potential loss to be approximately $3 million on an undiscounted basis. Accordingly, such amount was accrued at that time. At each balance sheet date the Company assesses its exposure with respect to this environmental remediation based on current available information. Subsequently, during fiscal 2000, with respect to such review, it was determined that additional costs amounting to approximately $1.3 million would be incurred to remedy these environmental issues, and accordingly, this additional amount was accrued. The total accrued liability of approximately $4.3 million is included in "Other non-current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Summary of Quarterly Results - ---------------------------- (unaudited) The following table summarizes the Company's results of operations by quarter for fiscal 2000 and 1999. The first quarter of each fiscal year contains sixteen weeks, while the other quarters each contain twelve weeks. First Second Third Fourth Total Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- (Dollars in thousands, except per share and store data) 2000 Sales $3,199,820 $2,439,534 $2,428,790 $2,554,722 $10,622,866 Gross margin 919,345 704,253 688,560 716,258 3,028,416 Depreciation and amortization 76,648 58,803 59,596 60,724 255,771 Income (loss) from operations 37,813 12,409 (2,184) 2,155 50,193 Interest expense 28,936 22,132 23,240 21,780 96,088 Net income (loss) 5,584 (5,374) (14,513) (10,765) (25,068) Per share data: Net income (loss) - basic and diluted 0.15 (0.14) (0.38) (0.28) (0.65) Cash dividends 0.10 0.10 0.10 - 0.30 Market price: High 24.06 17.88 11.50 11.85 Low 17.41 12.06 9.13 6.25 Number of stores at end of period 749 750 751 752 Number of franchised stores served at end of period 63 67 68 68 1999 Sales $3,113,722 $2,284,380 $2,332,128 $2,421,104 $10,151,334 Gross margin 871,589 661,301 676,288 698,438 2,907,616 Depreciation and amortization 69,966 52,336 54,306 56,104 232,712 (Loss) income from operations (9,710) 26,368 56,084 32,088 104,830 Interest expense 24,394 17,910 20,308 21,433 84,045 Net (loss) income (19,546) 5,378 21,354 6,974 14,160 Per share data: Net (loss) income - basic and diluted (0.51) 0.14 0.56 0.18 0.37 Cash dividends 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.40 Market price: High 34.25 37.38 36.94 28.88 Low 29.13 32.06 25.44 23.38 Number of stores at end of period 759 749 758 750 Number of franchised stores served at end of period 57 62 62 65 Management's Report on Financial Statements - ------------------------------------------- The Management of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. has prepared the consolidated financial statements and related financial data contained in this Annual Report. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate to the business and, by necessity and circumstance, include some amounts which were determined using Management's best judgments and estimates with appropriate consideration to materiality. Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the financial statements and other financial data included in this report. To meet this responsibility, Management maintains a system of internal accounting controls to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that accounting records are reliable. Management supports a program of internal audits and internal accounting control reviews to provide reasonable assurance that the system is operating effectively. The Board of Directors pursues its responsibility for reported financial information through its Audit Review Committee. The Audit Review Committee meets periodically and, when appropriate, separately with Management, internal auditors and the independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, to review each of their respective activities. /s/Christian W.E. Haub Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer /s/Fred Corrado Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Financial Officer Independent Auditors' Report - ---------------------------- To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. and its subsidiary companies as of February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000 and the related statements of consolidated operations, consolidated stockholders' equity and comprehensive (loss) income, and consolidated cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 24, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. and its subsidiary companies at February 24, 2001 and February 26, 2000 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 24, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. /s/Deloitte & Touche LLP Parsippany, New Jersey April 5, 2001 Five Year Summary of Selected Financial Data - -------------------------------------------- Fiscal 2000 Fiscal 1999 Fiscal 1998 Fiscal 1997 Fiscal 1996 (52 Weeks) (52 Weeks) (52 Weeks) (53 Weeks) (52 Weeks) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, store data, and financial ratios) Operating Results Sales $10,622,866 $10,151,334 $10,179,358 $10,262,243 $10,089,014 Income (loss) from operations 50,193 104,830 (164,391) 155,259 169,303 Depreciation and amortization (255,771) (232,712) (233,663) (234,236) (230,748) Interest expense (96,088) (84,045) (71,497) (80,152) (73,208) (Loss) income before extraordinary item (25,068) 14,160 (67,164) 63,586 73,032 Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt - - - (544) - Net (loss) income (25,068) 14,160 (67,164) 63,042 73,032 Per Share Data (Loss) income before extraordinary item - basic and diluted (0.65) 0.37 (1.75) 1.66 1.91 Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt - basic and diluted - - - (0.01) - Net (loss) income - basic and diluted (0.65) 0.37 (1.75) 1.65 1.91 Cash dividends 0.30 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.20 Book value per share 20.79 22.07 21.87 24.22 23.27 Financial Position Current assets 1,201,854 1,222,883 1,243,110 1,217,227 1,231,379 Current liabilities 1,107,484 1,124,578 1,134,063 955,130 1,016,005 Working capital 94,370 98,305 109,047 262,097 215,374 Current ratio 1.09 1.09 1.10 1.27 1.21 Expenditures for property 415,842 479,572 438,345 267,623 296,878 Total assets 3,309,803 3,335,525 3,160,814 2,995,253 3,002,672 Current portion of long-term debt 6,195 2,382 4,956 16,824 18,290 Current portion of capital lease obligations 11,634 11,327 11,483 12,293 12,708 Long-term debt 915,321 865,675 728,390 695,292 701,609 Long-term portion of capital lease obligations 106,797 117,870 115,863 120,980 137,886 Total debt 1,039,947 997,254 860,692 845,389 870,493 Debt to total capitalization 57% 54% 51% 48% 49% Equity Stockholders' equity 797,297 846,192 837,257 926,632 890,072 Weighted average shares outstanding 38,347,216 38,330,379 38,273,859 38,249,832 38,221,329 Number of registered stockholders 6,281 6,890 7,419 8,029 8,808 Other Number of employees 83,000 80,900 83,400 79,980 84,000 New store openings 47 54 46 40 30 Number of stores at year end 752 750 839 936 973 Total store area (square feet) 27,931,729 26,904,331 28,736,319 30,574,286 30,587,324 Number of franchised stores served at year end 68 65 55 52 49 Total franchised store area (square feet) 2,021,206 1,908,271 1,537,388 1,389,435 1,345,786 Executive Officers and Operating Management - ------------------------------------------- Management Executive Committee Christian W.E. Haub Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Corrado Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Culligan Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer William Costantini Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary Mitchell P. Goldstein Senior Vice President, Finance & Treasurer Nicholas Ioli, Jr. Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer Laurane Magliari Senior Vice President, People Resources and Services Brian Pall Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer Donald J. Sommerville Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Senior Operating Management ATLANTIC REGION Craig Sturken President and Chief Executive Officer MIDWEST REGION Dennis Eidson President and Chief Executive Officer SOUTHERN REGION Karen Stout Group President A&P CANADA Brian Piwek Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Board Of Directors - ------------------ Christian W.E. Haub (c)(d) Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer John D. Barline, Esq. (b)(c)(e) Williams, Kastner & Gibbs LLP, Tacoma, Washington Rosemarie Baumeister (b) Executive Vice President, Tengelmann Warenhandelsgesellschaft, Muelheim, Germany Fred Corrado (c)(d) Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Financial Officer Bobbie Gaunt (a)(b) Former President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada Helga Haub (c)(d) Dan Kourkoumelis (a)(c)(e) Former President and CEO, Quality Food Centers, Inc. Edward Lewis (d)(c)(e) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Essence Communications, Inc. Richard L. Nolan (a)(c)(e) William Barclay Harding Professor of Management Technology at the Harvard Business School and member of the Board of Directors for Novell, Surebridge Technologies, and Zefer Maureen B. Tart-Bezer (a)(d) Executive Vice President & General Manager American Express Company, U.S. Consumer Charge Group R.L. "Sam" Wetzel (a)(b)(d) President and Chief Executive Officer, Wetzel International, Inc. (a) Member of Audit Review Committee Richard L. Nolan, Chairman (b) Member of Compensation Committee John D. Barline, Chairman (c) Member of Executive Committee Christian W.E. Haub, Chairman (d) Member of Finance Committee R.L. "Sam" Wetzel, Chairman (e) Member of Governance Committee Dan Kourkoumelis, Chairman Stockholder Information - ----------------------- Executive Offices Box 418 2 Paragon Drive Montvale, NJ 07645 Telephone 201-573-9700 Independent Auditors Deloitte & Touche LLP Two Hilton Court Parsippany, NJ 07054 Stockholder Inquiries and Publications Stockholders, security analysts, members of the media and others interested in further information about the Company are invited to contact the Investor Relations Help Line at 201-571-4537. Internet users can access information on A&P at: www.aptea.com Correspondence concerning stockholder address changes or other stock account matters should be directed to the Company's Transfer Agent & Registrar: American Stock Transfer and Trust Company 40 Wall Street New York, NY 10005 Telephone 800-937-5449 Form 10-K Copies of Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission will be provided to stockholders upon written request to the Secretary at the Executive Offices in Montvale, New Jersey. Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 Hampton Inn 4529 Highway One Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Common Stock Common stock of the Company is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "GAP" and has unlisted trading privileges on the Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Pacific Stock Exchanges. The stock is generally reported in newspapers and periodical tables as "GtAtPc". Financial Calendar Estimated Date of Announcement of Quarterly Results: 1st quarter ended June 16, 2001 (16 weeks) July 17, 2001 2nd quarter ended September 8, 2001 (12 weeks) October 9, 2001 3rd quarter ended December 1, 2001 (12 weeks) January 4, 2002 4th quarter ended February 23, 2002 (12 weeks) April 4, 2002 EX-21 2 ex21501.txt THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPANIES STATE INCORPORATED A&P Wine and Spirits, Inc. Massachusetts ANP Properties I Corp. Delaware ANP Sales Corp. Maryland APW Produce Company, Inc. New York APW Supermarket Corporation Delaware APW Supermarkets, Inc. New York Big Star, Inc. Georgia The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, Limited (NRO) Canada The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company of Canada, Limited d/b/a A&P and New Dominion Canada A&P Drug Mart Limited Ontario A&P Properties Limited Ontario Food Basics, Limited Ontario 3399486 Canada Inc. Canada The Barn Fruit Markets Inc. Ontario G. A. Love Foods Inc. Ontario Love's York Properties Inc. Ontario Borman's, Inc. d/b/a Farmer Jack Delaware Compass Foods, Inc. Delaware Family Center, Inc. d/b/a Family Mart Delaware Futurestore Food Markets, Inc. Delaware Gerard Avenue, Inc. Delaware The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company of Vermont, Inc. Vermont Hamilton Property I, Inc. Delaware Hopelawn Property I, Inc. Delaware Kohl's Food Stores, Inc. Wisconsin Kwik Save Inc. Pennsylvania Limited Foods, Inc. Delaware LO-LO Discount Stores, Inc. Texas Montvale Holdings, Inc. New Jersey North Jersey Properties, Inc. I Delaware North Jersey Properties, Inc. II Delaware North Jersey Properties, Inc. III Delaware North Jersey Properties, Inc. IV Delaware North Jersey Properties, Inc. V Delaware North Jersey Properties, Inc. VI Delaware Richmond, Incorporated d/b/a Pantry Pride & Sun, Inc. Delaware Regina Properties, Inc. New Jersey COMPANIES STATE INCORPORATED St. Pancras Company Limited Bermuda St. Pancras Too, Limited Bermuda Shopwell, Inc. d/b/a Food Emporium Delaware Southern Acquisition Corporation Delaware Southern Development, Inc. of Delaware Delaware Super Fresh Food Markets, Inc. Delaware Super Fresh Food Markets of Maryland, Inc. Maryland Super Fresh/Sav-A-Center, Inc. Delaware Super Fresh Food Markets of Virginia, Inc. Delaware Super Market Service Corp. Pennsylvania Super Plus Food Warehouse, Inc. Delaware Supermarket Distribution Service Corp. New Jersey Supermarket Distribution Service - Florence, Inc. New Jersey Supermarket Distribution Services, Inc. Delaware Supermarket Systems, Inc. Delaware Tea Development Co., Inc. Delaware The South Dakota Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. South Dakota Transco Service-Milwaukee, Inc. New Jersey Waldbaum, Inc. d/b/a Waldbaum, Inc. and Food Mart New York W.S.L. Corporation New Jersey 2008 Broadway, Inc. New York EX-10 3 ex10j501.txt SERP Exhibit 10)j) SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT AND BENEFIT RESTORATION PLAN Effective as of January 1, 2000 SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT AND BENEFIT RESTORATION PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page ARTICLE I Establishment and Purposes.....................................1 1.1 Establishment....................................................1 1.2 Purpose..........................................................1 ARTICLE II Definitions....................................................2 2.1 Definitions......................................................3 2.2 Gender and Number................................................4 ARTICLE III Eligibility and Participation..................................5 3.1 Eligibility......................................................5 3.2 Participation....................................................5 ARTICLE IV Retirement Benefits............................................6 4.1 Retirement Benefit...............................................6 4.2 Commencement of Benefits.........................................6 4.3 Preretirement Death Benefit......................................6 4.4 Form of Payment..................................................6 ARTICLE V Supplemental Retirement Benefits...............................7 5.1 Supplemental Retirement Benefit..................................7 5.2 Commencement of Benefits.........................................7 5.3 Preretirement Death Benefit......................................7 ARTICLE VI Rights of Participants.........................................8 6.1 Vesting of Accounts..............................................9 6.2 Contractual Obligation...........................................9 6.3 Unsecured Interest...............................................9 6.4 Employment.......................................................9 ARTICLE VII Nontransferability............................................10 7.1 Nontransferability..............................................11 ARTICLE VIII Administration................................................12 8.1 Administration..................................................13 8.2 Authority of Plan Administrator.................................13 8.3 Expenses........................................................13 ARTICLE IX Applicable Law................................................14 9.1 Applicable Law..................................................15 ARTICLE X Withholding of Taxes..........................................16 10.1 Tax Withholding.................................................17 ARTICLE XI Indemnification...............................................18 11.1 Indemnification.................................................19 ARTICLE XII Claims Procedure..............................................20 12.1 Claims Procedure................................................21 ARTICLE XIII Amendment and Termination.....................................23 13.1 Amendment and Termination.......................................24 SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT AND BENEFIT RESTORATION PLAN ARTICLE I Establishment and Purposes 1.1 Establishment. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (the "Company") previously established an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan for the benefit of certain eligible employees, known as The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of September 30, 1991. The effective date of this Supplemental Retirement and Benefit Restoration Plan (the "Plan") is January 1, 2000. 1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to provide a select group of Employees with retirement benefits lost due to the limitations imposed upon qualified pension plan benefits by Sections 401(a) (17) and 415 of the Code. These limitations primarily impact higher-paid Employees. The intent is to provide these individuals with the retirement benefits they would otherwise have received under certain of the Company's qualified plans in the absence of such Code limitations. ARTICLE II Definitions 2.1 Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Plan and not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Retirement Savings Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable. Whenever used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below: (a) "Board" means the Board of Directors of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (b) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (c) "Company" means The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. and any successor corporation. (d) "Compensation" means an Employee's base salary from the Employer for the Plan Year, including any amounts contributed by the Employer pursuant to a salary reduction agreement between the Employer and the Employee to a qualified plan under Section 401(k) of the Code or to a cafeteria plan maintained under Section 125 of the Code. Amounts excluded from Compensation include, but are not limited to, overtime compensation, business expense allowances, cost-of-living allowances, and bonuses. (e) "Employee" means an individual who is employed by the Employer. (f) "Employer" means the Company and all affiliates of the Company with operations in the United States. For the purposes of this Plan, "affiliate" means any corporation while it is a member of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of Code Section 414(b)) as the Company and any other trade or business (whether or not incorporated) while it is under common control (within the meaning of Code Section 414(c)) with the Company. (g) "Participant" means an Employee who has satisfied the requirements of Sections 3.1 and/or 3.2 of the Plan. (h) "Pension Plan" means the A&P Pension Plan, a defined benefit cash balance plan, and any successor or replacement plan. (i) "Plan" means this Supplemental Retirement and Benefit Restoration Plan, as it may be amended from time to time. (j) "Plan Administrator" means the committee which shall be appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, consisting of three or more persons who may be removed at any time by the Board and who may be, but need not be, Participants. The Board shall also appoint a Chairman of such committee, and a Secretary of such committee who may be, but need not be, one of the members of the committee. No member of such committee who is a Participant shall participate in any decision of the committee relating solely to himself. Vacancies in such committee arising by resignation, death, or removal or otherwise shall be filled by the Board. (k) "Plan Year" means the calendar year. (l) "Retirement Benefits" means the retirement benefits provided under Section 4.1 of the Plan. (m) "Retirement Plan" means The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, a money purchase pension plan, and any successor or replacement plan. (n) "Supplemental Retirement Benefits" means the retirement benefits provided under Section 5.1 of the Plan. (o) "Termination of Employment" means the retirement, resignation, death, or other voluntary or involuntary termination of a Participant's employment relationship with the Employer or any nonparticipating affiliate. 2.2 Gender and Number. Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine terminology used herein shall also include the feminine gender, and the definition of any term herein in the singular shall also include the plural. ARTICLE III Eligibility and Participation 3.1 Eligibility. (a) General Eligibility. Any Employee who is a participant in the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable, and whose retirement benefits under such Plan are limited by the maximum benefit limitation set forth in Code Section 415 shall be eligible to receive the Retirement Benefits described in Section 4.1 of this Plan. An Employee who satisfies the requirements of this Section 3.1(a) but does not also satisfy the eligibility requirements of Section 3.1(b) shall not be eligible to receive the Supplemental Retirement Benefits under Section 5.1 of the Plan. (b) Eligibility for Supplemental Retirement Benefits. Any key management or highly compensated Employee who is a participant in the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable, and whose retirement benefits under the Retirement Plan are limited by the benefit limitation set forth in Code Section 401(a)(17) shall be eligible to receive the Supplemental Retirement Benefits described in Section 5.1 of this Plan. 3.2 Participation. (a) General Rule. Each individual who is eligible to become a Participant under Section 3.1 shall become a Participant as of the first day of the month coincident with or following the first anniversary of his commencement of employment or, if later, following completion of the first Plan Year in which he completes at least 1,000 Hours of Service. (b) Continuation of Participation. Each Participant shall continue to be a Participant for as long as he continues to be eligible to participate in the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable. ARTICLE IV Retirement Benefits 4.1 Retirement Benefit. The Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to each Participant who is entitled to receive benefits under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable, a monthly retirement benefit, calculated as of the later of the Participant's Termination of Employment or the first date payments of retirement benefits could commence under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, as the case may be, equal to the difference (if any) between (a) and (b), where-- (a) is the monthly retirement benefit that would be payable as life annuity from the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable, if (i) the limitations imposed by Code Section 415 were not imposed and (ii) Compensation had the meaning given such term under Section 2.1 of this Plan; and (b) is the monthly retirement benefit payable as a life annuity from the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable. 4.2 Commencement of Benefits. A Participant's benefit under this Article IV shall commence upon the later of-- (a) the Participant's Termination of Employment, or (b) the first date payment of retirement benefits could commence under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable. 4.3 Preretirement Death Benefit. If a married Participant dies prior to his annuity starting date under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable, then his surviving spouse shall be eligible to receive a death benefit from this Plan. The monthly benefit shall be 100% of the amount the Participant would have been entitled to receive had he terminated his employment on the day before his death with a Qualified Joint and Survivor Annuity (as defined in the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable) form of payment in effect. Payment of the Preretirement Death Benefit under this Section 4.3 shall commence as of the Participant's death. 4.4 Form of Payment. Benefit payments shall be paid in the normal form described in Section 5.9(a) or (b) of the Pension Plan, or in Section 6.1 of the Retirement Plan, as applicable, provided, however, that the Board in its sole discretion may direct that payment be made in any actuarially equivalent optional form of payment available under Section 5.10 of the Pension Plan or Section 6.2 of the Retirement Plan, whichever is applicable. If a benefit under this Plan is to be paid as a Qualified Joint and Survivor Annuity or in an optional form, the amounts in Section 4.1, as applicable, will be adjusted as necessary by the Board. Actuarial equivalence shall be determined on the basis of the assumptions, factors, and interest rate set forth in the Pension Plan. ARTICLE V Supplemental Retirement Benefits 5.1 Supplemental Retirement Benefit. The Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to each Participant who is entitled to receive benefits under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, as the case may be, a monthly retirement benefit, or a single lump sum benefit, calculated as of the later of the Participant's Termination of Employment or the first date payments of retirement benefits could commence under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable, equal to the difference (if any) between (a) and (b), where-- (a) is the monthly retirement benefit that would be payable as a life annuity from the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable, if (i) the limitations imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17) were not imposed and (ii) Compensation had the meaning given such term under Section 2.1 of this Plan; and (b) is the monthly retirement benefit payable as a life annuity or single lump sum from the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, as the case may be. 5.2 Commencement of Benefits. A Participant's benefit under this Article V shall commence upon the later of- (a) the Participant's Termination of Employment, or (b) the first date payment of retirement benefits could commence under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable. 5.3 Preretirement Death Benefit. If a married Participant dies prior to his annuity starting date under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable, then his surviving spouse shall be eligible to receive a death benefit from this Plan. The monthly benefit shall be 100% of the amount the Participant would have been entitled to receive had he terminated his employment on the day before his death with a Qualified Joint and Survivor Annuity or lump sum benefit. Payment of the Preretirement Death Benefit under this Section 5.3 shall commence as of the later of - (a) the Participant's death, or (b) the first date upon which the surviving spouse could receive a Preretirement Survivor Annuity under the Retirement Plan or the Pension Plan, whichever is applicable. ARTICLE VI Rights of Participants 6.1 Vesting of Accounts. The vested accrued benefit of each Participant under the Plan shall be based upon the Participant's "years of vesting service" (as defined in this Section 6.1), in accordance with the following schedule: (a) Years of Vesting Service Vested Percentage Less than 2 years 0% 2 years but less than 3 years 25% 3 years but less than 4 years 50% 4 years but less than 5 years 75% 5 years or more 100% (b) Notwithstanding (a) above, the accrued benefit of each Participant shall be 100% vested in the event of the termination or partial termination of the Plan (if such Participant is affected by such partial termination) and upon the Participant's Retirement (or attainment of his 65th birthday if earlier), or death. For purposes of this Section 6.1, a "year of vesting service" means that part of an Employee's period of Employment used in determining his vested percentage in his accrued benefit and shall be computed as one year of vesting service for each calendar year during his period of Employment during which he completed 1,000 or more Hours of Service. 6.2 Contractual Obligation. It is intended that the Employer is under a contractual obligation to make Retirement Benefits and Supplemental Retirement Benefits when due. Payment of Retirement Benefits and Supplemental Retirement Benefits under this Plan shall be made out of the Employer's general assets. 6.3 Unsecured Interest. No Participant or beneficiary shall have any interest whatsoever in any specific asset of the Employer. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Employer. 6.4 Employment. Nothing in this Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Employer to terminate any Participant's employment at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ of the Employer. ARTICLE VII Nontransferability 7.1 Nontransferability. In no event shall the Employer make any payment under this Plan to any assignee or creditor of a Participant or to a beneficiary of any Participant. Prior to the time of payment hereunder, a Participant or beneficiary shall have no rights by way of anticipation or otherwise dispose of any interest under this Plan nor shall such rights be assigned or transferred by operation of law. ARTICLE VIII Administration 8.1 Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator may from time to time establish rules for the administration of this Plan that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan. 8.2 Authority of Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall have the sole discretionary authority to interpret the provisions of the Plan, and the determination of the Plan Administrator as to any disputed questions arising under this Plan, including questions of construction and interpretation, shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons. 8.3 Expenses. The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Employer. ARTICLE IX Applicable Law 9.1 Applicable Law. This Plan shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey. ARTICLE X Withholding of Taxes 10.1 Tax Withholding. The Employer shall have the right to deduct from all payments made from the Plan any federal, state, or local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payments. ARTICLE XI Indemnification 11.1 Indemnification. To the extent permitted by law, the Plan Administrator and all agents and administrators of the Plan Administrator shall be indemnified by the Company from and against any claims and any expenses of defending against such claims resulting from any action or conduct relating to the administration of the Plan except claims arising from gross negligence, willful neglect, or willful misconduct. ARTICLE XII Claims Procedure 12.1 Claims Procedure. (a) Submission of Claims. Claims for benefits under the Plan shall be submitted in writing to the Plan Administrator or to an individual designated by the Plan Administrator for this purpose. (b) Denial of Claim. If any claim for benefits is wholly or partially denied, the claimant shall be given written notice within 90 days following on which the claim is filed, which notice shall set forth-- (1) the specific reason or reasons for the denial; (2) specific references to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based; (3) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and (4) an explanation of the Plan's claim review procedure. If special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, written notice of an extension shall be furnished to the claimant prior to the end of the initial period of 90 days following the date on which the claim is filed. Such an extension may not exceed a period of 90 days beyond the end of said initial period. If the claim has not been granted, and if written notice of the denial of the claim is not furnished within 90 days following the date on which the claim is filed, the claim shall be deemed denied for the purpose of proceeding to the claim review procedure. (c) Claim Review Procedure. The claimant or his authorized representative shall have 60 days after receipt of written notification of denial of a claim to request a review of the denial by making written request to the Plan Administrator, and may review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing within such 60-day period. Not later than 60 days after receipt of the request for review, the Plan Administrator shall render and furnish to the claimant a written decision which shall include specific reasons for the decision, and shall make specific references to pertinent Plan provisions on which it is based. If special circumstances require an extension of time for processing, the decision shall be rendered as soon as possible, but not later than 120 days after receipt of the request for review, provided that written notice and explanation of the delay are given to the claimant prior to commencement of the extension. Such decision by the Plan Administrator shall not be subject to further review. If a decision on review is not furnished to a claimant within the specified time period, the claim shall be deemed to have been denied on review. ARTICLE XIII Amendment and Termination 13.1 Amendment and Termination. The Company expects the Plan to continue indefinitely, but since future conditions affecting the Company cannot be anticipated or foreseen, the Company necessarily must and does hereby reserve the right to amend, modify, or terminate the Plan at any time by action of its Board. Any such amendment, modification, or termination shall not reduce or diminish any Participant's right to receive any benefit accrued hereunder prior to the date of such amendment, modification, or termination. Notice of such amendment or termination shall be given in writing to each Participant and beneficiary of a deceased Participant having an interest in the Plan. FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN ("SERP") THIS AMENDMENT to the SERP is made by The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"). 1. In order to eliminate the Savings plan offset and add the offset for benefits payable from the Supplemental Retirement and Benefit Restoration Plan, Section 1.13, the definition of "Pension Offset," is hereby amended, effective October 1, 2000, by deleting sections (i), (ii) and (iii) in their entirety and substituting the following in their place: "(i) the annual pension benefits payable (or that would be payable at the earliest time such benefits could be paid if proper application were made at such time) to the Member as a pension under (1) the Retirement Plan, or, (2) any other defined benefit pension plan listed in Appendix B to the Plan; and (ii) one-half of the member's annual primary Social Security benefit calculated under Title II of the Social Security Act (and, if applicable, the Member's annual benefit under the Old Age Security Act of the Government of Canada and one-half of the Member's annual benefits under the Canada Pension Plan and the Quebec Pension Plan) as in effect at the time his employment with the Company terminates or at his Normal Retirement Date whichever occurs first, based on the assumption that (a) such benefit would become payable at the earliest time such benefit could be paid if proper application were made at such time (or termination of employment if later) and (2) the wages used for such determination are only those wages received from the Company; and (iii) the benefits payable at the time of termination under the Retirement Savings Plan that are attributable to "Company retirement contributions" (as that term is used in Section 3.1 of such plan); provided that the Committee shall convert the amount of such benefits to an equivalent lifetime annuity payable at the Member's retirement date using the 1984 Unisex Pension Mortality Table, set back in age one year, and the then applicable interest rate published by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for valuing immediate annuities for plan terminations; and (iv) the annual pension benefits payable (or that would be payable at the earliest time such benefits could be paid if proper application were made at such time) to the Member as a pension under the Supplemental Retirement and Benefit Restoration Plan. In the case of benefits attributable to employees who participate in the Retirement Savings Plan, the Committee shall convert the amount of such benefits to an equivalent lifetime annuity payable at the Member's retirement date using the 1984 Unisex Pension Mortality Table, set back in age one year, and the then applicable interest rate published by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for valuing immediate annuities for plan terminations. 2. Section 3.4 is hereby amended to allow for CEO discretion in granting additional benefits to certain Members, effective October 1, 2000, by adding the following paragraph at the end of section: "The Chief Executive Officer, with the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, may at his sole discretion, grant certain Members a Normal Objective Pension equal to 3% of his Average Annual Compensation multiplied by the number of years of his Service to a maximum of 20 years (maximum Normal Objective Pension of 60% of Average Annual Compensation.)" 3. APPENDIX B is hereby amended to eliminate the Defined Contribution Plans from the offset list, by deleting the title "Defined Contribution Plans" and all of the plans listed thereunder from APPENDIX B EX-10 4 ex10k501.txt CREDIT AGREEMENT CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of February 23, 2001 among THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC., THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC COMPANY OF CANADA, LIMITED and The Other Borrowers Party Hereto, as Borrowers and The Lenders Party Hereto, and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as U.S. Administrative Agent THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK OF CANADA, as Canadian Administrative Agent --------------------------- JPMORGAN, a division of CHASE SECURITIES INC., as Arranger GMAC Commercial Credit LLC and GMAC Business Credit, LLC, as Co-Collateral Agents Foothill Capital, as Syndication Agent The Bank of Nova Scotia, as Documentation Agent [CS&M Ref. No. 6701-168] 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE I Definitions SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms.......................................1 SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings.............37 SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally....................................37 SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP.............................38 SECTION 1.05. Currencies; Exchange Rates.........................38 SECTION 1.06. Borrowing Base Adjustments.........................38 ARTICLE II The Credits SECTION 2.01. Commitments........................................39 SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings...............................40 SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings............................41 SECTION 2.04. Acceptances........................................43 SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit..................................49 SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings..............................57 SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections.................................58 SECTION 2.08. Termination, Reduction or Reallocation of Commitments 60 SECTION 2.09. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt...............63 SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans................................64 SECTION 2.11. Fees 66 SECTION 2.12. Interest...........................................68 SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest.........................70 SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs....................................71 SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments.............................72 SECTION 2.16. Taxes 73 SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs 76 SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.....79 SECTION 2.19. Money of Account, etc..............................80 SECTION 2.20. Currency Fluctuations, etc.........................80 SECTION 2.21. Consolidation of Credit Facilities.................81 SECTION 2.22. Substitution of Mortgaged Property.................85 ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers...............................86 SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability......................86 SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts...............87 SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change....87 SECTION 3.05. Properties.........................................88 SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters...............88 SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements................89 SECTION 3.08. Investment and Holding Company Status..............89 SECTION 3.09. Taxes 89 SECTION 3.10. Employee Benefit Plans.............................89 SECTION 3.11. Disclosure.........................................90 SECTION 3.12. Subsidiaries.......................................91 SECTION 3.13. Insurance..........................................91 SECTION 3.14. Labor Matters......................................91 SECTION 3.15. Security Documents.................................92 ARTICLE IV Conditions SECTION 4.01. Effective Date.....................................94 SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event..................................98 ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information..................................98 SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events........................101 SECTION 5.03. Information Regarding Collateral..................102 SECTION 5.04. Existence; Conduct of Business....................103 SECTION 5.05. Payment of Obligations............................103 SECTION 5.06. Maintenance of Properties.........................103 SECTION 5.07. Insurance.........................................103 SECTION 5.08. Casualty and Condemnation.........................104 SECTION 5.09. Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights....104 SECTION 5.10. Compliance with Laws..............................105 SECTION 5.11. Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit.............105 SECTION 5.12. Additional Subsidiaries...........................105 SECTION 5.14. Further Assurances................................106 ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities..................................107 SECTION 6.02. Liens 109 SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes...............................110 SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions 111 SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales.......................................112 SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions...................113 SECTION 6.07. Hedging Agreements................................113 SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness 113 SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates......................114 SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements............................115 SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents...................115 SECTION 6.12. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.......................115 SECTION 6.13. Total Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio....116 SECTION 6.14. Limitation on Capital Expenditures................117 SECTION 6.15. Foreign Employee Benefit Plans....................118 SECTION 6.16. Limitation on Change in Fiscal Year...............118 ARTICLE VII Events of Default ARTICLE VIII The Agents ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous SECTION 9.01. Notices...........................................125 SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments...............................126 SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver................129 SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns............................131 SECTION 9.05. Survival..........................................134 SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness...............................135 SECTION 9.07. Severability......................................135 SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff...................................135 SECTION 9.09. GOVERNING LAW; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process 136 SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL..............................137 SECTION 9.11. Headings..........................................137 SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality...................................137 SECTION 9.13. Interest Rate Limitation..........................138 5 SCHEDULES: Schedule 1 -- Mortgaged Properties Schedule 1(a) -- Existing Letters of Credit Schedule 2.01 -- Commitments Schedule 3.06 -- Disclosed Matters Schedule 3.10(b) -- Foreign Employee Benefit Plan Underfunding Schedule 3.12 -- Subsidiaries Schedule 3.13 -- Insurance Schedule 3.15(b) -- UCC Filings Schedule 3.15(c) -- Intellectual Property Filings Schedule 3.15(d) -- Mortgage Filings Schedule 6.01 -- Existing Indebtedness Schedule 6.02 -- Existing Liens Schedule 6.04 -- Existing Investments Schedule 6.10 -- Existing Restrictions EXHIBITS: Exhibit A -- Form of Assignment and Acceptance Exhibit B -- Form of Borrowing Base Certificate Exhibit C-1 -- Form of Canadian Guarantee Agreement Exhibit C-2 - -- Form of Canadian Holdco Guarantee Agreement Exhibit D -- Form of Canadian Pledge Agreement Exhibit E -- Form of Canadian Security Agreement Exhibit F -- Form of Discount Note Exhibit G -- Form of Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement Exhibit H -- Form of Perfection Certificate Exhibit I -- Form of U.S. Guarantee Agreement Exhibit J -- Form of U.S. Pledge Agreement Exhibit K -- Form of U.S. Security Agreement Exhibit L -- Form of Notice of Drawing Exhibit M -- Form of Local Counsel Opinion Exhibit N -- Form of Opinion General Counsel of the Company Exhibit O -- Form of Opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel Exhibit P -- Form of Opinion of Miller Thomson LLP [NyCorp; creditagreement501; 05/14/01--11:20 AM] CONFORMED COPY CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of February 23, 2001, among THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC., a Maryland corporation, THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC COMPANY OF CANADA, LIMITED, a Canadian corporation, the other BORROWERS party hereto, the LENDERS party hereto, THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as U.S. Administrative Agent, and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK OF CANADA, as Canadian Administrative Agent. The parties hereto agree as follows: ARTICLE I Definitions SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below: "ABR", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate. "Acceptance" means a Draft drawn by the Canadian Borrower on a Canadian Lender conforming to the requirements of Section 2.04 and accepted by such Canadian Lender in accordance with Section 2.04(c). As the context shall require, "Acceptance" shall also have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.04(j). "Acceptance Equivalent Loan" means an advance made under this Agreement by a Canadian Lender evidenced by a Discount Note. 2 "Acceptance Exposure" means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Acceptances and Acceptance Equivalent Loans at such time, expressed in U.S. Dollars. Acceptance Exposure shall include the face amount of all outstanding bankers' acceptances as of the Effective Date in respect of which the Canadian Lenders have agreed to indemnify the accepting banks under the letter agreement dated as of February 23, 2001 among the banks who have accepted such acceptances, the Canadian Administrative Agent and the Canadian Lenders. The Acceptance Exposure of any Canadian Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate Acceptance Exposure at such time. "Acceptance Fee" has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.11(d). "Acceptance Obligation" means, in respect of each Acceptance, the obligation of the Canadian Borrower to pay to the Canadian Lender that accepted such Acceptance the face amount thereof as required by Section 2.04(e). "Additional Shrink Amount" shall be calculated on any date only if the Additional Shrink Percentage with respect to grocery, perishable or HBA, as the case may be, on such date is greater than 1% and means, on any date, with respect to grocery, perishable or HBA, as the case may be, an amount that is equal to (a) (i) the amount by which the Additional Shrink Percentage exceeds 1% with respect to grocery, perishable or HBA, respectively, on such date multiplied by total sales (expressed in U.S. Dollars) of grocery, perishable or HBA, respectively, for all Stores for the immediately preceding twelve fiscal monthly periods divided by (ii) twelve, multiplied by (b) the Turnover Rate on such date for grocery, perishable or HBA, respectively, located at the Stores. "Additional Shrink Percentage" shall be applicable solely to grocery, perishable and HBA located at the Stores and means, on any date, with respect to grocery, perishable or HBA, as the case may be, a percentage that is equal to the amount of shrink in retail dollars (aggregated in U.S. Dollars), with respect to grocery, perishable or HBA, respectively, actually incurred by the Stores at which physical inventories were taken by the Loan Parties divided by sales of grocery, perishable or HBA, respectively, in retail dollars (expressed in U.S. Dollars) for the locations at which physical inventories were taken by the Loan Parties, in each case during the immediately preceding 13 four-week fiscal periods. "Adjusted Eligible Inventory" means, on any date, Eligible Inventory less any profits or transfer price additions charged or accrued in connection with transfers of such Eligible Inventory between the Company and the other Loan Parties or among the other Loan Parties minus, to the extent included in Eligible Inventory, the sum of (a) the Additional Shrink Amounts with respect to grocery, perishable and HBA and (b) the Pharmacy Reserve. "Adjusted LIBO Rate" means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate. "Administrative Agents" means the U.S. Administrative Agent and the Canadian Administrative Agent. "Administrative Questionnaire" means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by an Administrative Agent. "Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. "Agents" means the Administrative Agents and the Collateral Agents. "Alternate Base Rate" means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Base CD Rate in effect on such day plus 1% and (c) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 2 of 1%. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Base CD Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Base CD Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively. "Applicable Percentage" means, (i) in the case of a Canadian Lender in respect of its Canadian Commitment or any extension of credit thereunder, the percentage of the total Canadian Commitments represented by such Canadian Lender's Commitment, or (ii) in the case of a U.S. Lender in respect of its U.S. Commitment or any extension of credit thereunder, the percentage of the total U.S. Commitments represented by such U.S. Lender's Commitment. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentage shall be determined based upon the U.S. Commitments or Canadian Commitments, as applicable, most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments. "Applicable Rate" means, for any day with respect to any ABR Loan, Eurodollar Loan or Canadian Prime Loan or with respect to the Acceptance Fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption "ABR Spread", "Eurodollar Spread", "Canadian Prime Spread" or "Acceptance Fee Rate", as the case may be, based upon the ratings by Moody's and S&P, respectively, applicable on such date to the Index Debt: ========================================================================= Canadian Acceptance Index Debt ABR Spread Eurodollar Prime Fee Ratings Spread Spread Rate - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Category 1 1.25% 2.25% 1.25% 2.25% $BB+/Ba1 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Category 2 BB/Ba2 1.50% 2.50% 1.50% 2.50% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Category 3 BB-/Ba3 1.75% 2.75% 1.75% 2.75% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Category 4 2.00% 3.00% 2.00% 3.00% B+/B1 Category 5 #B/B2 2.25% 3.25% 2.25% 3.25% ========================================================================= For purposes of the foregoing, (i) if either Moody's or S&P shall not have in effect a rating for the Index Debt (other than by reason of the circumstances referred to in the last sentence of this definition), then such rating agency shall be deemed to have established a rating in Category 5; (ii) if the ratings established or deemed to have been established by Moody's and S&P for the Index Debt shall fall within different Categories, the Applicable Rate shall be based on the lower of the two ratings and (iii) if the ratings established or deemed to have been established by Moody's and S&P for the Index Debt shall be changed (other than as a result of a change in the rating system of Moody's or S&P), such change shall be effective as of the date on which it is first announced by the applicable rating agency. Each change in the Applicable Rate shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change. If the rating system of Moody's or S&P shall change, or if either such rating agency shall cease to be in the business of rating corporate debt obligations, the Company and the Lenders shall negotiate in good faith to amend this definition to reflect such changed rating system or the unavailability of ratings from such rating agency and, pending the effectiveness of any such amendment, the Applicable Rate shall be determined by reference to the rating most recently in effect prior to such change or cessation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Default has occurred or is continuing, the Index Debt rating shall be deemed to be in Category 5. "Assessment Rate" means, for any day, the annual assessment rate in effect on such day that is payable by a member of the Bank Insurance Fund classified as "well-capitalized" and within supervisory subgroup "B" (or a comparable successor risk classification) within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Part 327 (or any successor provision) to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for insurance by such Corporation of time deposits made in dollars at the offices of such member in the United States; provided that if, as a result of any change in any law, rule or regulation, it is no longer possible to determine the Assessment Rate as aforesaid, then the Assessment Rate shall be such annual rate as shall be determined by the U.S. Administrative Agent to be representative of the cost of such insurance to the U.S. Lenders. "Assignment and Acceptance" means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by an Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by an Administrative Agent. "Availability Period" means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Commitments. "Average Inventory" means, on any date, with respect to grocery, perishable or HBA, as the case may be, (a) the sum of the aggregate amount of Inventory (expressed in U.S. Dollars) consisting of grocery, perishable or HBA, respectively, at the end of each fiscal monthly period beginning with the first fiscal monthly period of the then current fiscal year through the most recent fiscal monthly period of such fiscal year divided by (b) the total number of fiscal monthly periods then elapsed in such fiscal year. "Base CD Rate" means the sum of (a) the Three-Month Secondary CD Rate multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate plus (b) the Assessment Rate. "Board" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America. "Borrowers" means the U.S. Borrowers and the Canadian Borrower. "Borrowing" means a group of Loans of the same Class and Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect. "Borrowing Base Certificate" means a certificate in the form of Exhibit B or any other form approved by the Administrative Agents, together with all attachments contemplated thereby. "Borrowing Request" means a request by a Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03. "Business Day" means, as the context shall require, a U.S. Business Day, a Canadian Business Day, or both. "Calculation Date" means the last U.S. Business Day of each calendar week. "Canadian Administrative Agent" means The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada, a Canadian chartered bank, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Canadian Lenders hereunder. "Canadian Borrower" means The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company of Canada, Limited, a Canadian corporation. "Canadian Borrowing" means a Borrowing comprised of Canadian Loans. "Canadian Borrowing Base" means, on any date (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 1.06), an amount (calculated based on the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the Canadian Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 5.01(f), absent any error in such Borrowing Base Certificate) that is equal to, less the Canadian Vendor Reserve, (a) the sum of (i) 65% of (A) the amount of the Adjusted Eligible Inventory located at the Canadian Distribution Centers minus (B) the Over 13 Weeks Old Reserves allocable to the Canadian Distribution Centers at such date and (ii) 60% of the amount of the Adjusted Eligible Inventory located at the Canadian Stores (or in transit from any Distribution Center to the Canadian Stores) at such date, minus (b) the sum of (i) the aggregate dollar amount (expressed in U.S. Dollars) represented by gift certificates then outstanding and entitling the holder thereof to use all or a portion thereof to pay all or a portion of the purchase price for any Inventory as of such day and (ii) the Canadian Reserve for Leasehold Obligation. The Canadian Borrowing Base shall be computed weekly, as required by Section 5.01(f), and established based upon the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the Canadian Administrative Agent and shall remain in effect until the delivery to the Canadian Administrative Agent of a subsequent Borrowing Base Certificate. "Canadian Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the Province of Ontario, on which banks are open for business in Toronto; provided that when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term "Canadian Business Day" shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in U.S. Dollar deposits in the London Interbank Market. "Canadian Collateral Agent" means The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada, a Canadian chartered bank, in its capacity as collateral agent for the Canadian Secured Parties under the applicable Security Documents. "Canadian Commitment" means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Canadian Loans, to acquire participations in Canadian Letters of Credit and to accept Acceptances hereunder, expressed as an amount in U.S. Dollars representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lender's Canadian Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of Section 2.08 or pursuant to Section 2.21 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to reallocations pursuant to paragraph (d) of Section 2.08 or pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender's Canadian Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Canadian Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders' Canadian Commitments is U.S.$85,000,000. "Canadian Distribution Centers" means (i) the warehouse facilities operated by the Canadian Loan Parties and located in Ontario, Canada and (ii) any warehouse facility located in Canada and operated by the Canadian Loan Parties that is designated as a Canadian Distribution Center from time to time by (a) giving 30 days prior written notice to the Administrative Agents and (b) effecting the execution, filing and recordation of such financing statements and taking any and all such further actions as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agents. "Canadian Dollar Equivalent" means, with respect to an amount of U.S. Dollars on any date, the amount of Canadian Dollars that may be purchased with such amount of U.S. Dollars at the Exchange Rate with respect to U.S. Dollars on such date. "Canadian Dollars" and the symbol "Cdn.$" mean the lawful currency of Canada. "Canadian Exposure" means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Acceptance Exposure, Canadian Loans and Canadian L/C Exposure at such time, in each case expressed in U.S. Dollars. The Canadian Exposure of any Canadian Lender at any time shall be the sum of its Acceptance Exposure and Canadian L/C Exposure plus the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding Canadian Loans at such time, in each case expressed in U.S. Dollars. "Canadian Franchise Equipment Leases" means obligations of franchisees of the Canadian Borrower to pay amounts due pursuant to equipment lease financings. "Canadian Guarantee Agreement" means, as the context shall require, the Canadian Guarantee Agreement among the Canadian Loan Parties and the Canadian Collateral Agent or the Canadian Holdco Guarantee Agreement among A&P Drug Mart Limited, 3864715 Canada Limited, 3328155 Canada Inc. and the Canadian Collateral Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibits C-1 and C-2, respectively, or both. "Canadian Issuing Bank" means The Bank of Nova Scotia, a Canadian chartered bank, in its capacity as the issuer of Canadian Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.05(i). The Canadian Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Canadian Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the Canadian Issuing Bank, in which case the term "Canadian Issuing Bank" shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Canadian Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate. In the event that there is more than one Canadian Issuing Bank at any time, references herein and in the other Loan Documents to the Canadian Issuing Bank shall be deemed to refer to the Canadian Issuing Bank in respect of the applicable Canadian Letter of Credit or to all Canadian Issuing Banks, as the context requires. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each institution listed in Schedule 1.01(a) shall be deemed to be a Canadian Issuing Bank with respect to the Existing Canadian Letters of Credit issued by it. "Canadian L/C Exposure" means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Canadian Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate principal amount of all L/C Disbursements made pursuant to Canadian Letters of Credit that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Canadian Borrower at such time, in each case expressed in U.S. Dollars. The Canadian L/C Exposure of any Canadian Lender at any time shall mean its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate Canadian L/C Exposure at such time. "Canadian Lender" means any Lender that has a Canadian Commitment or any Canadian Exposure. The initial Canadian Lenders are listed on Schedule 2.01 under the caption "Canadian Lenders". "Canadian Letter of Credit" means any Letter of Credit issued by the Canadian Issuing Bank for the account of the Canadian Borrower. Each Existing Canadian Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a Canadian Letter of Credit issued hereunder on the Effective Date for all purposes of the Loan Documents. "Canadian Loan" means a Loan made pursuant to paragraph (b) of Section 2.01. "Canadian Loan Parties" means each Canadian Subsidiary identified as a "Canadian Loan Party" on Schedule 3.12 and each Canadian Subsidiary made a party hereto pursuant to Section 5.12. "Canadian Obligations" has the meaning assigned to such term in the Canadian Security Agreement. "Canadian Pledge Agreement" means the Canadian Pledge Agreement among the Canadian Loan Parties and the Canadian Collateral Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit D. "Canadian Prime", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate. "Canadian Prime Rate" means, for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to the higher of (i) the rate per annum publicly announced from time to time by The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in Toronto and (ii) the CDOR Rate plus 1.00% per annum. The term "CDOR Rate" means, on any day, the annual rate of interest which is the rate determined as being the arithmetic average of the "BA 1 month" rates applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers' acceptances displayed and identified as such on the "Reuters' Screen CDOR Page" at approximately 10:00 a.m. on such day for Schedule I chartered banks, or if such day is not a Canadian Business Day then on the immediately preceding Canadian Business Day (as adjusted by a Canadian bank after 10:00 a.m. to reflect any error in a posted rate of interest or in the posted average annual rate of interest). Each change in the Canadian Prime Rate shall be effective on the date such change is publicly announced. "Canadian Reserve for Leasehold Obligations" means, on any date, the aggregate amount of Leasehold Obligations of the Canadian Loan Parties due and owing for a one month period. "Canadian Secured Parties" has the meaning assigned to such term in the Canadian Security Agreement. "Canadian Security Agreement" means the Canadian Security Agreement among the Canadian Loan Parties and the Canadian Collateral Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit E. "Canadian Stores" means all supermarket retail locations of the Canadian Borrower and other Canadian Loan Parties selling Inventory owned by the Canadian Loan Parties. "Canadian Subsidiary" means the Canadian Borrower and each other Subsidiary that is incorporated or otherwise organized under the laws of Canada or any political subdivision thereof. "Canadian Vendor Reserve" means an amount calculated by the Canadian Collateral Agent to provide for vendor liabilities relating to Canadian Inventory which may be subject to Section 81.1 of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada). "Capital Expenditures" means, for any period, without duplication, (a) the additions to property, plant and equipment and other capital expenditures of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries that are (or would be) set forth in a consolidated statement of cash flows of the Company for such period prepared in accordance with GAAP and (b) Capital Lease Obligations incurred by the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries during such period to the extent it exceeds any reductions in Capital Lease Obligations (other than payments that are scheduled to be made pursuant to the terms of the Capital Lease Obligations). "Capital Lease Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP. "Change in Control" means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) other than Tengelmann Warenhandelsgesellschaft, of Equity Interests representing (i) more than 35% of either the aggregate ordinary voting power or the aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Company and (ii) a greater percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Company than the percentage thereof represented by Equity Interests owned by Tengelmann Warenhandelsgesellschaft; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Company by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of the Company nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated; (c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of the Company by any Person or group other than Tengelmann Warenhandelsgesellschaft; or (d) the failure by the Company to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Canadian Borrower; provided, however, that clauses (a), (b) and (c) of this definition shall not apply so long as Tengelmann Warenhandelsgesellschaft owns, directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests representing more than 50.10% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Company. "Change in Law" means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender or an Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.14(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender's or such Issuing Bank's holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement. "Class", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Canadian Loans or U.S. Loans and, when used in reference to any Commitment, refers to whether such Commitment is a Canadian Commitment or U.S. Commitment. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. "Collateral" means any and all "Collateral", as defined in any applicable Security Document; and any and all "Mortgaged Property", as defined in each mortgage. "Collateral Agents" means the U.S. Collateral Agent and the Canadian Collateral Agent. "Commitment" means a U.S. Commitment or a Canadian Commitment, or both, as the context requires. "Company" means The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc., a Maryland corporation. "Consolidated EBITDA" means, for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of (i) consolidated interest expense for such period, (ii) consolidated income tax expense for such period, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization for such period, (iv) any extraordinary or nonrecurring non-cash charges for such period and (v) consolidated rental expense for such period attributable to stores that were permanently closed during such period plus any rent, common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other real estate related expenses related to such closure (provided that the aggregate amount expensed as cash charges in such period that may be added back pursuant to this clause (v) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters shall not exceed U.S.$35,000,000), and minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in determining such Consolidated Net Income, any extraordinary or nonrecurring gains for such period, all determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. "Consolidated EBITDAR" means, for any period, Consolidated EBITDA for such period plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted in the determination of such Consolidated EBITDA, consolidated rental expense for such period. "Consolidated Fixed Charges" means, for any period, the sum of (a) consolidated interest expense, both expensed and capitalized (including the interest component in respect of Capital Lease Obligations), of the Company and the Subsidiaries for such period, plus (b) consolidated rental expense of the Company and the Subsidiaries for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP. "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the net income or loss of the Company and the Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded (a) the income of any Person (other than the Company) in which any other Person (other than the Company or any Subsidiary or any director holding qualifying shares in compliance with applicable law) owns an Equity Interest, except to the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries during such period, and (b) the income or loss of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary or the date that such Person's assets are acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary. "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" of any Person means the excess of the total assets over total liabilities of such Person, total assets and total liabilities each to be determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, excluding, however, from the determination of total assets (a) except as otherwise provided in the proviso hereto, all assets which would be classified as intangibles under GAAP, including goodwill (whether representing the excess of cost over book value of assets acquired or otherwise), organizational expenses, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent applications, licenses and rights in any thereof and (b) treasury stock held as an asset; provided, however, that there shall be included in the determination of total assets hereunder all licenses acquired by such Person in the ordinary course of business. "Contemplated Sale/Leaseback Transaction" means the Company's planned sale and contemporaneous leaseback of selected United States property. "Control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. "Controlling" and "Controlled" have meanings correlative thereto. "Default" means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default. "Disclosed Matters" means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06. "Discount Note" means a non-interest bearing, non-negotiable promissory note of the Canadian Borrower denominated in Canadian Dollars, issued by the Canadian Borrower to a Canadian Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit F. "Discount Rate" with respect to an issue of Acceptances with the same maturity date, (a) for a Canadian Lender which is a Schedule I Lender, (i) the average CDOR Rate (as defined in the definition of "Canadian Prime Rate") for the appropriate term and (b) for a Canadian Lender which is a Schedule II Lender, the arithmetic average (rounded upwards to the nearest multiple of 0.01%) of the actual discount rates for Acceptances for such term accepted by the Schedule II Reference Banks established in accordance with their normal practices at or about 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on the date of issuance but not to exceed the actual rate of discount applicable to Acceptances established pursuant to clause (a) for the same Acceptances issue plus 0.08% per annum. "Distribution Centers" means the U.S. Distribution Centers and the Canadian Distribution Centers. "DBRS" means Dominion Bond Rating Service and its successors. "Draft" means a depository bill issued in accordance with the Depository Bills and Notes Act (Canada) or a bill of exchange in the form used from time to time by each Canadian Lender, respectively, in connection with the creation of bankers' acceptances in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.04 and payable in Canadian Dollars. "Effective Date" means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02). "Eligible Inventory" means Inventory that is grocery, perishable and HBA (each as described and valued in the manner contemplated in the definition of the term "Inventory"); provided that no Inventory shall be considered Eligible Inventory if: (a) it is located at a reclamation center of any Distribution Center or is otherwise held at any Distribution Center for return to vendor; (b) it is supplies, packaging, selling or display materials; (c) it is produce, floral, seafood, meat, bakery, dairy or deli; (d) it is not owned solely by the Company or any other Loan Party or is owned by an Excluded Subsidiary; (e) it is on consignment to the Company or any other Loan Party; (f) it is not located at property that is owned or leased by the Company or any other Loan Party or is in transit from vendors to such a property; provided that, notwithstanding this clause (f), that certain seasonal grocery, perishable and HBA in third party storage facilities shall, if not otherwise excluded, be included as Eligible Inventory, minus any claims or Liens, other than Permitted Encumbrances, that landlords or public warehouse operators may have against such property, from time to time; (g) it is not located in the United States of America or Canada; (h) it is not subject to a perfected first priority Lien , other than Permitted Encumbrances, securing the Obligations, regardless of its location; or (i) it is not in good condition, does not meet all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over it, or is not currently saleable in the normal course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries. "Eligible Real Estate" means, as of any date of determination (and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 1.06), the aggregate sum of the value of the Mortgaged Property determined as follows: in respect of each Mortgaged Property listed on Schedule 1, the value given to such Mortgaged Property on Schedule 1; and, in respect of each other Mortgaged Property, the value attributed to such property pursuant to the appraisal procedure in Section 2.22(b)(i) at the time such property was made a Mortgaged Property pursuant to Section 2.22. "Environmental Laws" means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the pollution or protection of the environment or the preservation or reclamation of natural resources, including those relating to the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material, or to employee health and safety matters. "Environmental Liability" means any liability, obligation, damage, loss, claim, action, suit, judgment, order, fine, penalty, fee, expense or cost, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for costs of environmental remediation, or natural resource damages, administrative oversight costs, and indemnities), of the Company or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) compliance or noncompliance with any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal or presence of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract or agreement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing. "Equity Interests" means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person. "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time. "ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Company, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code. "ERISA Event" means (a) any "reportable event", as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Company or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA. "Eurodollar", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate. "Event of Default" has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII. "Exchange Act Filings" means the following filings made by the Company pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules promulgated thereunder: (a) the annual report of the Company on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2000; (b) the definitive proxy statement solicited by the board of directors of the Company for use at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on July 11, 2000, and dated and filed on May 24, 2000; (c) the quarterly reports of the Company on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended June 17, 2000, September 9, 2000 and December 2, 2000; and (d) the current report of the Company on Form 8-K dated and filed on March 24, 2000. "Exchange Rate" means, on any day, (a) with respect to Canadian Dollars in relation to U.S. Dollars, the spot rate at which U.S. Dollars are offered on such day by The Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City for Canadian Dollars at approximately 12:00 p.m. (New York City time), and (b) with respect to U.S. Dollars in relation to Canadian Dollars, the spot rate at which Canadian Dollars are offered on such day by The Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City for U.S. Dollars at approximately 12:00 p.m. (New York City time), as quoted generally to customers of The Chase Manhattan Bank. "Excluded Subsidiary" has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII. "Excluded Taxes" means, with respect to either Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Borrower hereunder, (a) income or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America, by Canada, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction described in clause (a) above, (c) United States Federal withholding tax imposed with respect to amounts payable to a Non-U.S. Lender (other than a Non-U.S. Lender that acquires a U.S. commitment or any U.S. Exposure pursuant to Section 2.21(a) and any Lender that becomes subject to U.S. withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.21(b)) to the extent that the obligation to withhold such amounts existed on the date such Non-U.S. Lender became a party to this Agreement (or became an assignee through any assignment or a Participant through the purchase of any participation hereunder) or, with respect to payments to a new lending office, the date such Non-U.S. Lender designated such new lending office with respect to a Loan, (d) Canadian Federal withholding tax imposed with respect to amounts payable to a Non-Canadian Lender (other than a Non-Canadian Lender that becomes subject to Canadian Federal withholding tax pursuant to the application of Section 2.21(b)) to the extent that the obligation to withhold such amounts existed on the date such Non-Canadian Lender became a party to this Agreement (or became an assignee through any assignment or a Participant through the purchase of any participation hereunder), or, with respect to payments to a new lending office, the date such Non-Canadian Lender designated such new lending office with respect to a Loan and (e) any withholding tax that is attributable to a Lender's failure to comply with Section 2.16(e) or (h), except that clauses (c) and (d) above shall not include amounts that arise (1) with respect to an assignment or the designation of a new lending office made at the request of the Company; or (2) to the extent the indemnity payment or additional amounts that any assignee or Lender through a new lending office would be entitled to receive do not exceed the indemnity payment or additional amounts that such assignee or person making the designation of such new lending office would have been entitled to receive in the absence of such assignment or designation. "Existing Canadian Letters of Credit" means the letters of credit issued prior to and outstanding as of the Effective Date, which are listed on Schedule 1(a) under the caption "Existing Canadian Letters of Credit". "Existing U.S. Letters of Credit" means the letters of credit issued prior to and outstanding as of the Effective Date, which are listed on Schedule 1(a) under the caption "Existing U.S. Letters of Credit". "Federal Funds Effective Rate" means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the U.S. Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it. "Financial Officer" of any corporation means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer, controller or any vice president-finance, -financial services or -treasury services of such corporation. "Foreign Employee Benefit Plans" means any employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA which is maintained or contributed to for the benefit of the employees of any Canadian Loan Party, but which is not covered by ERISA pursuant to Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA. "Foreign Pension Plan" means any Foreign Employee Benefit Plan which, under local law, is required to be funded through a trust or other funding vehicle other than a trust or funding vehicle maintained by a Governmental Authority. "Foreign Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia. "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. "Governmental Authority" means the government of the United States of America, Canada, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state, provincial or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government. "Guarantee" of or by any Person (the "guarantor") means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Guarantee by a person shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated amount or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such person in good faith. "Guarantee Agreements" means the U.S. Guarantee Agreement and the Canadian Guarantee Agreement. "Hazardous Materials" means all explosive, radioactive, hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes, and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law. "Hedging Agreement" means any interest rate protection agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement or option, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement. "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid (excluding current accounts payable in the ordinary course of business), (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty and (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers' acceptances. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person's ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor. "Indemnified Taxes" means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes. "Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement" means the Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement among the Loan Parties party thereto and the Collateral Agents, substantially in the form of Exhibit G. "Index Debt" means senior, secured, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company that is guaranteed on the same basis as indebtedness under this Agreement and is not guaranteed by any third party or subject to any other credit enhancement. "Information Memorandum" means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated January 2001 relating to the Borrowers and the Transactions. "Interest Election Request" means a request by a Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07. "Interest Payment Date" means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan or Canadian Prime Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months' duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months' duration after the first day of such Interest Period. "Interest Period" means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months thereafter, as the applicable Borrower may elect provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (b) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing. "Inventory" means all products available for sale by the Company and the other Loan Parties in the following categories as defined and classified by the Company and the other Loan Parties on a basis consistent with the Company's current and historical accounting practices: health and beauty aids ("HBA"), perishable, grocery, pharmacy, meat, seafood, produce, floral, bakery and deli, each valued at cost on a basis consistent with the current and historical accounting practices (without giving effect to LIFO reserves). "Issuing Bank" means, as the context may require, the U.S. Issuing Bank or the Canadian Issuing Bank, or both. "L/C Disbursement" means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit. "L/C Exposure" means the U.S. L/C Exposure and the Canadian L/C Exposure. "Leasehold Obligations" means, with respect to each Loan Party, all payments made (expressed in U.S. Dollars), if any, by such Loan Party with respect to rent (including fixed rent and variable rent), common area maintenance charges and other monetary obligations under any lease of real property (including any Distribution Center or Store) where any Inventory is stored or otherwise located. "Lenders" means the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance, other than any Person that ceases to be a Party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance. "Letter of Credit" means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement. "LIBO Rate" means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, the rate appearing on Page 3750 of the Telerate Service (or on any successor or substitute page of such Service, or any successor to or substitute for such Service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such Service, as determined by the applicable Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period. In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the "LIBO Rate" with respect to such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period shall be the rate at which dollar deposits of U.S.$5,000,000 and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of the U.S. Administrative Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period. "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities. "Loan" means any loan made by a Lender to a Borrower pursuant to this Agreement. "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Guarantee Agreements, the Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement and the Security Documents. "Loan Parties" means the U.S. Loan Parties and the Canadian Loan Parties. "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of any Loan Party to perform any of its obligations under any Loan Document, (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Lenders under any Loan Document or (d) the Collateral as a whole. "Material Indebtedness" means Indebtedness (other than the Acceptances, Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Hedging Agreements, of any one or more of the Company and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding U.S.$10,000,000 (or its equivalent). For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the "principal amount" of the obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary in respect of any Hedging Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Company or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Hedging Agreement were terminated at such time. "Maturity Date" means December 31, 2003. "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and its successors. "Mortgage" means a mortgage, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents, leasehold mortgage or other security document granting a Lien on any Mortgaged Property to secure the U.S. Obligations. Each Mortgage shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the U.S. Collateral Agent. "Mortgaged Property" means each parcel of real property and the improvements thereto owned by a U.S. Loan Party and identified on Schedule 1 or that has become a Mortgaged Property pursuant to Section 2.22 or Section 5.13. "Mortgaged Property" shall not be deemed to include any property that has ceased to be a Mortgaged Property in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22 (and has not subsequently become a Mortgaged Property pursuant to Section 2.22). "Multiemployer Plan" means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA. "Net Proceeds" means, with respect to any event (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds, but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds, and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, net of (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid by the Company and the Subsidiaries to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a sale, transfer or other disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction or a casualty or a condemnation or similar proceeding), the amount of all payments required to be made by the Company and the Subsidiaries as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event, (iii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) by the Company and the Subsidiaries, and the amount of any reserves established by the Company and the Subsidiaries to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding year and that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by the chief financial officer of the Company) and (iv) all amounts deposited in trust or escrow for the benefit of any third party or to which any third party may be entitled in connection with such event, provided that any such amounts returned to the Company or any Subsidiary shall constitute Net Proceeds when received. "Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.04(i). "Non-Canadian Lender" means a Lender or a Participant that is incorporated under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Canada or any Province thereof. "Non-U.S. Lender" means a Lender or a Participant that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia. "Notice of Drawing" means a notice requesting the issuance of Acceptances, pursuant to Section 2.04. "Obligations" means the U.S. Obligations and the Canadian Obligations. "Other Taxes" means any and all present or future recording, stamp, documentary, excise, transfer, sales, property or similar taxes, charges or levies arising from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document. "Over 13 Weeks Old Reserve" means, on any date, an amount (expressed in U.S. Dollars) that is equal to the amount of Inventory located at any Distribution Center on such date that represents over 13 weeks old Inventory based on date of receipt determined at an individual product level. "PACA Liability Reserve" means an amount calculated on a monthly basis by the U.S. Collateral Agent to provide for vendor liabilities pursuant to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, as amended. "Participant" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(e). "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions. "Perfection Certificate" means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H or any other form reasonably approved by the Collateral Agents. "Permitted Encumbrances" means: (a) Liens imposed by law for Taxes, assessments and governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.05; (b) carriers', landlord's, warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's and repairmen's liens, statutory liens of banks and rights of set-off and other Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.05; (c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations and deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance arrangements; (d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, tenders, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business; (e) judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII; and (f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided that the term "Permitted Encumbrances" shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness. "Permitted Investments" means: (a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America or Canada (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America or Canada), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof; (b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P, Moody's or from DBRS; (c) investments in certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or under the Federal laws of Canada which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than U.S.$250,000,000 (or its equivalent); and (d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above. "Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity. "Pharmacy Reserve" means an amount equal to 25% of the amount (expressed in U.S. Dollars) of Inventory classified as pharmacy. "Plan" means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA. "Pledge Agreements" means the Canadian Pledge Agreement and the U.S. Pledge Agreement. "Prepayment Event" means: (a) any sale, transfer or other disposition (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction) of any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary, other than (i) dispositions described in clauses (a) and (b) of Section 6.05 and (ii) other dispositions resulting in aggregate Net Proceeds not exceeding U.S.$20,000,000 during any fiscal year of the Company; or (b) any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary, but (i) only to the extent that the Net Proceeds therefrom have not been applied to repair, restore or replace such property or asset within 180 days after such event and (ii) only to the extent the value of such loss is in excess of U.S.$1,000,000 (or its equivalent); or (c) the issuance by the Company or any Subsidiary of any Equity Interests, or the receipt by the Company or any Subsidiary of any capital contribution, other than any such issuance of Equity Interests to, or receipt of any such capital contribution from, the Company or a Subsidiary; or (d) the incurrence by the Company or any Subsidiary of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01. "Prime Rate" means (a) in respect of ABR Loans provided by U.S. Lenders, the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by The Chase Manhattan Bank as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City and (b) in respect of ABR Loans provided by Canadian Lenders, the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada as its U.S. base rate in effect at its office in Toronto; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective on the date such change is publicly announced as being effective. "Qualified Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any preferred capital stock or preferred equity interest that by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable) or upon the happening of any event does not (a) mature or becomes mandatorily redeemable prior to the Maturity Date, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise; (b) become convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof for Indebtedness or preferred stock that is not Qualified Preferred Stock, prior to the Maturity Date; or (c) become redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, prior to the Maturity Date. "Register" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04. "Related Parties" means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person's Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person's Affiliates. "Required Lenders" means, at any time, Lenders having Canadian Exposure, U.S. Exposure and unused Commitments representing greater than 50% of the sum of all Canadian Exposure, U.S. Exposure and unused Commitments at such time. For purposes of determining the Required Lenders, any amounts denominated in Canadian Dollars shall be translated into the U.S. Dollar Equivalent at the Exchange Rate in effect on the Effective Date. "Restricted Payment" means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Company or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancelation or termination of any Equity Interests in the Company or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in the Company. "Schedule I Lender" means, any Canadian Lender named on Schedule I to the Bank Act (Canada). "Schedule I Reference Banks" means The Bank of Nova Scotia, a Canadian chartered bank, or any bank named on Schedule I to the Bank Act (Canada) as otherwise agreed by the Canadian Administrative Agent and the Canadian Borrower. "Schedule II Lender" means any Canadian Lender named on Schedule II or Schedule III to the Bank Act (Canada). "Schedule II Reference Banks" means The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada, a Canadian chartered bank, or any bank named on Schedule II or Schedule III to the Bank Act (Canada) as otherwise agreed by the Canadian Administrative Agent and the Canadian Borrower. "Security Agreements" means the Canadian Security Agreement and the U.S. Security Agreement. "Security Documents" means the Security Agreements, the Pledge Agreements and the Mortgages. "S&P" means Standard & Poor's, a Division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, and its successors. "Statutory Reserve Rate" means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the U.S. Administrative Agent is subject (a) with respect to the Base CD Rate, for new negotiable nonpersonal time deposits in dollars of over U.S.$100,000 with maturities approximately equal to three months and (b) with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as "Eurocurrency Liabilities" in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage. "Stores" means the U.S. Stores and the Canadian Stores. "subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person (the "parent") at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent's consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent. "Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of the Company, including the Canadian Borrower. "Taxes" means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority. "Three-Month Secondary CD Rate" means, for any day, the secondary market rate for three-month certificates of deposit reported as being in effect on such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day) by the Board through the public information telephone line of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (which rate will, under the current practices of the Board, be published in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) during the week following such day) or, if such rate is not so reported on such day or such next preceding Business Day, the average of the secondary market quotations for three-month certificates of deposit of major money center banks in New York City received at approximately 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, on the next preceding Business Day) by the U.S. Administrative Agent from three negotiable certificate of deposit dealers of recognized standing selected by it. "Total Funded Debt" means, as of any date, the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Company and the Subsidiaries outstanding as of such date, in the amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, plus (b) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Company and the Subsidiaries outstanding as of such date that is not required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, determined on a consolidated basis; provided that, for purposes of clause (a) above, the term "Indebtedness" shall exclude up to an aggregate amount of U.S.$40,000,000 of Guarantees (expressed in U.S. Dollars) in respect of Canadian Franchise Equipment Lease Notes that are no longer held by the Company or the Subsidiaries. "Transactions" means the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is to be a party, the borrowing of Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof, the creation of Acceptances and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder. "Turnover Rate" shall be an amount stated in terms of a number of monthly periods and means, on any date, with respect to either grocery, perishable or HBA, as the case may be, an amount that is equal to (a) twelve divided by (b)(i)(A) the aggregate cost of goods consisting of grocery, perishable or HBA, as applicable, sold from the beginning of the then current fiscal year through the end of the most recent fiscal monthly period divided by (B) the number of weeks then elapsed in such fiscal year multiplied by (C) the total number of weeks in such fiscal year divided by (ii) Average Inventory on such date. "Type", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Alternate Base Rate or the Canadian Prime Rate. "U.S. Administrative Agent" means The Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York banking corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent for the U.S. Lenders hereunder. "U.S. Borrowers" means the Company, Compass Foods, Inc., Borman's, Inc., Kohl's Food Stores, Inc., Shopwell, Inc., Waldbaum, Inc., Super Fresh Food Markets, Inc. and Super Market Service Corp. "U.S. Borrowing" means a Borrowing comprised of U.S. Loans. "U.S. Borrowing Base" means, on any date (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 1.06), an amount (calculated based on the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the U.S. Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 5.01(f), absent any error in such Borrowing Base Certificate) that is equal to (a) the sum of (i) 65% of (A) the amount of the Adjusted Eligible Inventory located at the U.S. Distribution Centers minus (B) the Over 13 Weeks Old Reserves allocable to the U.S. Distribution Centers at such date, (ii) 60% of the amount of the Adjusted Eligible Inventory located at the U.S. Stores (or in transit from any Distribution Center to the U.S. Stores) at such date and (iii) 50% of Eligible Real Estate at such date; provided that the amount resultant from such percentage of real estate shall not exceed 15% of the aggregate amount of the total Commitments minus (b) the sum of (i) the aggregate dollar amount (expressed in U.S. Dollars) represented by gift certificates then outstanding and entitling the holder thereof to use all or a portion thereof to pay all or a portion of the purchase price for any Inventory as of such day and (ii) the U.S. Reserve for Leasehold Obligation and (iii) the PACA Liability Reserve. The U.S. Borrowing Base shall be computed weekly, as required by Section 5.01(f), and established based upon the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the U.S. Administrative Agent and shall remain in effect until the delivery to the Administrative Agent of a subsequent Borrowing Base Certificate. "U.S. Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term "U.S. Business Day" shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market. "U.S. Collateral Agent" means The Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York banking corporation, in its capacity as collateral agent for the U.S. Secured Parties under the applicable Security Documents. "U.S. Commitment" means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make U.S. Loans and to acquire participations in U.S. Letters of Credit, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lender's U.S. Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 2.08 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to reallocations pursuant to paragraph (d) of Section 2.08 or Section 2.21 or pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender's U.S. Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its U.S. Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders' U.S. Commitments is U.S.$340,000,000. "U.S. Distribution Centers" means (i) the warehouse facilities operated by the U.S. Loan Parties and located in: Central Islip, New York; North Bergen, New Jersey; Hunts Point, New York; Edison, New Jersey; Baltimore, Maryland; Detroit, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; New Orleans, Louisiana; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Dunmoor, Pennsylvania; and Landover, Maryland and (ii) any warehouse facility located in the United States and operated by U.S. Loan Parties that is designated as a U.S. Distribution Center by (a) giving 30 days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and (b) effecting the execution, filing and recordation of such financing statements and taking any and all such further actions as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agents. "U.S. Dollar Equivalent" means, with respect to an amount of Canadian Dollars on any date, the amount of U.S. Dollars that may be purchased with such amount of Canadian Dollars at the Exchange Rate with respect to Canadian Dollars on such date. "U.S. Dollars" and the symbol "U.S.$" mean the lawful currency of the United States. "U.S. Exposure" means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding U.S. Loans and U.S. L/C Exposure at such time. The U.S. Exposure of any U.S. Lender at any time shall be the sum of its U.S. L/C Exposure plus the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding U.S. Loans at such time. "U.S. Guarantee Agreement" means the U.S. Guarantee Agreement among the U.S. Loan Parties and the U.S. Collateral Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit I. "U.S. Issuing Bank" means The Chase Manhattan Bank, in its capacity as the issuer of U.S. Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.05(i). The U.S. Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more U.S. Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the U.S. Issuing Bank, in which case the term "U.S. Issuing Bank" shall include any such Affiliate with respect to U.S. Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate. In the event that there is more than one U.S. Issuing Bank at any time, references herein and in the other Loan Documents to the U.S. Issuing Bank shall be deemed to refer to the U.S. Issuing Bank in respect of the applicable U.S. Letter of Credit or to all U.S. Issuing Banks, as the context requires. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each institution listed in Schedule 1(a) shall be deemed to be an U.S. Issuing Bank with respect to the Existing U.S. Letters of Credit issued by it. "U.S. L/C Exposure" means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding U.S. Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate principal amount of all L/C Disbursements made pursuant to U.S. Letters of Credit that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of a U.S. Borrower at such time. The U.S. L/C Exposure of any U.S. Lender at any time shall mean its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate U.S. L/C Exposure at such time. "U.S. Lender" means any Lender that has a U.S. Commitment or any U.S. Exposure. The initial U.S. Lenders are listed on Schedule 2.01 under the caption "U.S. Lenders". "U.S. Letter of Credit" means any Letter of Credit issued by the U.S. Issuing Bank for the account of a U.S. Borrower. Each Existing U.S. Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a U.S. Letter of Credit issued hereunder on the Effective Date for all purposes of the Loan Documents. "U.S. Loan" means a Loan made pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 2.01. "U.S. Loan Parties" means each of the Company, the other U.S. Borrowers and each other U.S. Subsidiary identified as a "U.S. Loan Party" on Schedule 3.12 and each U.S. Subsidiary made a party hereto pursuant to Section 5.12. "U.S. Obligations" has the meaning assigned to such term in the U.S. Security Agreement. "U.S. Pledge Agreement" means the U.S. Pledge Agreement among the U.S. Loan Parties party thereto and the U.S. Collateral Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit J. "U.S. Reserve for Leasehold Obligations" means, on any date, the aggregate amount of Leasehold Obligations of the U.S. Loan Parties due and owing for a one month period. "U.S. Security Agreement" means the U.S. Security Agreement among the U.S. Loan Parties party thereto and the U.S. Collateral Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit K. "U.S. Stores" means all supermarket retail locations of the Company and other U.S. Loan Parties selling Inventory owned by the U.S. Loan Parties. "U.S. Subsidiary" means each Subsidiary which is not a Foreign Subsidiary; "U.S. Subsidiaries" means all such Subsidiaries. "Withdrawal Liability" means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA. SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a "U.S. Loan") or by Type (e.g., a "Eurodollar Loan") or by Class and Type (e.g., a "U.S. Eurodollar Loan"). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a "U.S. Borrowing") or by Type (e.g., a "Eurodollar Borrowing") or by Class and Type (e.g., a "U.S. Eurodollar Borrowing"). SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words "include", "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation". The word "will" shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall". Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and assigns, (c) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder", and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words "asset" and "property" shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights. SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Company notifies the Administrative Agents that the Company requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agents notify the Company that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been affirmatively withdrawn by the Company (or, in the case of a request for an amendment under this Section by the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agents) or such provision amended in accordance herewith. SECTION 1.05. Currencies; Exchange Rates. If, at any time, any amount denominated in Canadian Dollars is required pursuant to any Loan Document to be expressed in U.S. Dollars, then such amount shall be expressed at the U.S. Dollar Equivalent determined by the U.S. Administrative Agent based on the Exchange Rate then in effect (as provided in Section 2.20(a)), unless the Exchange Rate is required to be determined as of another date. If, at any time, any amount is required to be expressed in Canadian Dollars, then such amount shall be expressed at the Canadian Dollar Equivalent determined as of such date by the U.S. Administrative Agent based on the Exchange Rate then in effect (as provided in Section 2.20(a)), unless the Exchange Rate is required to be determined as of another date. Any such determinations by the U.S. Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. SECTION 1.06. Borrowing Base Adjustments. The Administrative Agents or the Required Lenders may, in their reasonable discretion, in reviewing the collateral components of the Canadian Borrowing Base or the U.S. Borrowing Base, (x) after completion of any evaluation or any appraisal contemplated by Section 5.09(b) or (y) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Default, from time to time (a) decrease the advance rates for the U.S. Borrowing Base or the Canadian Borrowing Base (or both), (b) establish and revise reserves reducing the amount of Eligible Real Estate or Eligible Inventory and (c) impose additional eligibility criteria to be applicable to Eligible Real Estate or Eligible Inventory; provided that any such adjustment described in clause (a), (b) or (c) above shall be made only in the event that the Administrative Agents or the Required Lenders reasonably determine (based upon an evaluation or appraisal referred to in Section 5.09(b) or other objectively determinable facts or circumstances) that the applicable U.S. Borrowing Base or Canadian Borrowing Base, or component thereof, or its value as Collateral, is adversely affected by one or more events, conditions, contingencies or risks that are not already adequately reflected in the calculation of the U.S. Borrowing Base or Canadian Borrowing Base (as applicable); provided further that no change will be made to the borrowing base standards pursuant to this Section 1.06 if such change would increase the U.S. Borrowing Base or the Canadian Borrowing Base in effect at any time above the U.S. Borrowing Base or the Canadian Borrowing Base, respectively, that would be in effect at such time if the U.S. Borrowing Base or the Canadian Borrowing Base, respectively, were calculated using the standards in effect on the date hereof or, if such standards have been amended pursuant to Section 9.02(b)(vi), using the standards as in effect on the date of such amendment. Any such adjustment pursuant to this Section 1.06 shall not be effective until at least 10 days after delivery of notice of such adjustment to the Company. ARTICLE II The Credits SECTION 2.01. Commitments. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each U.S. Lender agrees to make U.S. Loans to the U.S. Borrowers from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (i) such Lender's U.S. Exposure exceeding such Lender's U.S. Commitment, (ii) the total U.S. Exposure exceeding the total U.S. Commitments, (iii) the sum of the total U.S. Exposure and the total Canadian Exposure exceeding U.S.$425,000,000 or (iv) the total U.S. Exposure exceeding the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus the excess, if any, of (A) the total Canadian Exposure minus (B) the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect. (b) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Canadian Lender agrees from time to time during the Availability Period to make Canadian Loans to the Canadian Borrower in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (i) such Lender's Canadian Exposure exceeding such Lender's Canadian Commitment, (ii) the total Canadian Exposure exceeding the total Canadian Commitments, (iii) the sum of the total U.S. Exposure and the total Canadian Exposure exceeding U.S.$425,000,000 or (iv) the total Canadian Exposure exceeding the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect plus the excess, if any, of (A) the total U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus (B) the U.S. Exposure. (c) Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, prepay and reborrow Loans during the Availability Period. SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings. (a) Each Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender's failure to make Loans as required. (b) Subject to Section 2.12, (i) each U.S. Borrowing shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars and comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the applicable U.S. Borrower may request in accordance herewith; and (ii) each Canadian Borrowing shall be either (A) denominated in U.S. Dollars and comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Canadian Borrower may request or (B) denominated in Canadian Dollars and comprised of Canadian Prime Loans. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the applicable Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and provided further, that the exercise of such option shall not result in an increase in additional amounts payable by a Borrower pursuant to Section 2.16 (other than as the result of the application of Section 2.21). (c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is an integral multiple of U.S.$1,000,000 and not less than U.S.$5,000,000. At the time that each Canadian Prime Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be an aggregate principal amount that is an integral multiple of Cdn.$1,000,000 and not less than Cdn.$5,000,000, and at the time that each ABR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is an integral multiple of U.S.$1,000,000 and not less than U.S.$5,000,000; provided that an ABR Borrowing or Canadian Prime Borrowing may be in an aggregate principal amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of Commitments of the applicable Class or that is required to finance the reimbursement of a U.S. L/C Disbursement or Canadian L/C Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(e). Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of 10 U.S. Eurodollar Borrowings, or more than a total of 10 Canadian Eurodollar Borrowings, outstanding. For purposes of the foregoing, Loans having different Interest Periods, regardless of whether they commence on the same date, shall be deemed as made under separate Borrowings. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, a Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date. SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, a Borrower shall notify the applicable Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or, in the case of a Canadian Borrowing, Toronto time), three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing, (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or, in the case of a Canadian Borrowing, Toronto time), on the day of the proposed Borrowing or (c) in the case of a Canadian Prime Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., Toronto time, on the day of the proposed Canadian Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Borrowing or Canadian Prime Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an L/C Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(e) may be given not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time (or, in the case of a Canadian Prime Borrowing, Toronto time) on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the applicable Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by such Administrative Agent and signed by the applicable Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02: (i) the Borrower requesting such Borrowing (or on whose behalf the Company or the Canadian Borrower is requesting such Borrowing); (ii) whether the requested Borrowing is to be a U.S. Borrowing or Canadian Borrowing; (iii) the currency (in the case of a Canadian Borrowing) and aggregate amount of such Borrowing; (iv) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day; (v) in the case of a Borrowing denominated in U.S. Dollars, whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; (vi) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term "Interest Period"; and (vii) the location and number of the applicable Borrower's account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06. If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified with respect to a Borrowing in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing or a Canadian Prime Borrowing, respectively. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Borrowing, then the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month's duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the applicable Administrative Agent shall advise each of the applicable Lenders of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender's Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing. SECTION 2.04. Acceptances. (a) Acceptance Commitment. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Canadian Lender severally agrees that the Canadian Borrower may issue Acceptances denominated in Canadian Dollars, in minimum denominations of Cdn.$100,000 or a whole multiple thereof and in minimum aggregate amounts of Cdn.$5,000,000 or any greater whole multiple of Cdn.$100,000, each in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.04 from time to time until the Maturity Date in an aggregate face amount that will not result in (i) such Lender's Canadian Exposure exceeding such Lender's Canadian Commitment, (ii) the total Canadian Exposure exceeding the total Canadian Commitments, (iii) the sum of the total U.S. Exposure and the total Canadian Exposure exceeding U.S.$425,000,000 or (iv) the total Canadian Exposure exceeding the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect plus the excess, if any, of (A) the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus (B) the total U.S. Exposure; provided that at all times the outstanding aggregate face amount of all Acceptances made by a Canadian Lender shall equal its Applicable Percentage of the outstanding face amount of all Acceptances made by all Canadian Lenders. For purposes of this Agreement, the full face value of an Acceptance, without discount, shall be used when calculations are made to determine the outstanding amount of a Canadian Lender's Acceptances; provided that in computing the face amount of Acceptances outstanding, the face amount of an Acceptance in respect of which the Acceptance Obligation has been prepaid by the Canadian Borrower and received by the Canadian Lender that created the same in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall not be included. (b) Terms of Acceptance. Each Draft shall be accepted by a Canadian Lender, upon the written request of the Canadian Borrower given in accordance with paragraph (c), by the completion and acceptance by such Canadian Lender of a Draft (i) payable in Canadian Dollars, drawn by the Canadian Borrower on the Canadian Lender in accordance with this Agreement, to the order of the Canadian Lender and (ii) maturing prior to the Maturity Date on a Canadian Business Day not less than 28 days nor more than 180 days after the date of such Draft, excluding days of grace, all as specified in the relevant Notice of Drawing to be delivered under paragraph (c) of this Section; provided that no Acceptance shall have a tenor in excess of the period of time which is usual and reasonably necessary to finance transactions of similar character. (c) Notice of Drawing and Discount of Acceptances. (i) With respect to each requested acceptance of Drafts, the Canadian Borrower shall give the Canadian Administrative Agent a Notice of Drawing, substantially in the form of Exhibit L (which shall be irrevocable and may be by telephone confirmed in writing within one Canadian Business Day) to be received prior to 12:00 p.m., Toronto time, at least one Canadian Business Day prior to the date of the requested acceptance, specifying: (A) the date on which such Drafts are to be accepted; (B) the aggregate face amount of such Drafts; (C) the maturity date of such Acceptances; (D) whether the Canadian Lenders must purchase or arrange for the purchase of the Acceptances; and (E) such additional information as the Canadian Administrative Agent or any Canadian Lenders may reasonably from time to time request to be included in such notices. (ii) Upon receipt of a Notice of Drawing the Canadian Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Canadian Lender of the contents thereof and of such Canadian Lender's ratable share of the Acceptances requested thereunder. The aggregate face amount of the Drafts to be accepted by a Canadian Lender shall be determined by the Canadian Administrative Agent by reference to the respective Canadian Commitments of the Canadian Lenders; provided that, if the face amount of an Acceptance which would otherwise be accepted by a Canadian Lender is not Cdn.$100,000, or a whole multiple thereof, the face amount shall be increased or reduced by the Canadian Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, to Cdn.$100,000, or the nearest integral multiple thereof, as appropriate. (iii) On each date upon which Acceptances are to be accepted, the Canadian Administrative Agent shall advise the Canadian Borrower of the applicable Discount Rate for each of the Lenders. Not later than 11:00 a.m., Toronto time, on such date each Canadian Lender shall, subject to the fulfillment of the applicable conditions precedent specified in Section 4.02 and subject to each Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender's making Acceptance Equivalent Loans pursuant to paragraph (i) of this Section, (A) on the basis of the information supplied by the Canadian Administrative Agent, as aforesaid, complete a Draft or Drafts of the Canadian Borrower by filling in the amount, date and maturity date thereof in accordance with the applicable Notice of Drawing, (B) duly accept such Draft or Drafts, (C) discount such Acceptance or Acceptances, (D) give the Canadian Administrative Agent telegraphic or telex notice of such Canadian Lender's acceptance of such Draft or Drafts and confirming the discount rate at which it discounted the Acceptance or Acceptances and the amount paid to the Canadian Administrative Agent for the account of the Canadian Borrower and (E) remit to the Canadian Administrative Agent in Canadian Dollars in immediately available funds an amount equal to the proceeds of such discount less the Acceptance Fee. Upon receipt by the Canadian Administrative Agent of such sums from the Canadian Lenders, the Canadian Administrative Agent shall make the aggregate amount thereof available to the Canadian Borrower. (iv) Each extension of credit hereunder through the acceptance of Drafts shall be made simultaneously and pro rata by the Canadian Lenders in accordance with their respective Canadian Commitments. (d) Sale of Acceptances. The Canadian Borrower shall have the right to sell any Acceptance; provided that if so specified in the Notice of Drawing the Canadian Lenders shall purchase or arrange for the purchase of all of the Acceptances in the market and each Canadian Lender shall provide to the Canadian Administrative Agent the discount proceeds for the account of the Canadian Borrower. The Acceptance Fee in respect of such Acceptances may, at the option of the Canadian Lender, be set off against the discount proceeds payable by such Canadian Lender hereunder. (e) Acceptance Obligation. The Canadian Borrower is obligated, and hereby unconditionally agrees, to pay to each Canadian Lender the face amount of each Acceptance created by such Lender in accordance with a Notice of Drawing pursuant to paragraph (c) on the maturity date thereof, or on such earlier date as may be required pursuant to provisions of this Agreement. With respect to each Acceptance which is outstanding hereunder, the Canadian Borrower shall notify the Canadian Administrative Agent prior to 12:00 p.m. one Canadian Business Day prior to the maturity date of such Acceptance (which notice shall be irrevocable) of the Canadian Borrower's intention to issue Acceptances on such maturity date to provide for the payment of such maturing Acceptance and shall deliver a Notice of Drawing to the Canadian Administrative Agent or that the Canadian Borrower intends to repay the maturing Acceptances on the maturity date. Any repayment of an Acceptance must be made at or before 2:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the maturity date of such Acceptance. If the Canadian Borrower fails to provide such notice to the Canadian Administrative Agent or fails to repay the maturing Acceptances, or if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on such maturity date, the Canadian Borrower's obligations in respect of the maturing Acceptances shall be deemed to have been converted on the maturity date thereof into a Canadian Prime Loan in an amount equal to the face amount of the maturing Acceptances. The Canadian Borrower waives presentment for payment and any other defense to payment of any amounts due to a Canadian Lender in respect of any Acceptances accepted by such Canadian Lender under this Agreement which might exist solely by reason of those Acceptances being held, at the maturity thereof, by that Canadian Lender in its own right and the Canadian Borrower agrees not to claim any days of grace if that Canadian Lender, as holder, sues the Canadian Borrower on those Acceptances for payment of the amounts payable by the Canadian Borrower thereunder. (f) Supply of Drafts and Power of Attorney. To enable the Canadian Lenders to accept Drafts in the manner specified in this Section 2.04, the Canadian Borrower shall supply to each Canadian Lender upon the execution of this Agreement and thereafter from time to time forthwith upon request by such Canadian Lender a sufficient number of blank Drafts conforming with the requirements of this Agreement and duly executed on behalf of the Canadian Borrower, which such Canadian Lender shall hold in safekeeping and the Canadian Borrower hereby appoints each Canadian Lender as its attorney to sign and endorse on its behalf, in handwriting or by facsimile or mechanical signature as and when deemed necessary by such Canadian Lender, blank forms of Acceptances. In this respect, it is each Canadian Lender's responsibility to maintain an adequate supply of blank forms of Acceptances for acceptance under this Agreement. The Canadian Borrower recognizes and agrees that all Acceptances signed and/or endorsed on its behalf by a Canadian Lender shall bind the Borrower as fully and effectually as if signed in the handwriting of and duly issued by the proper signing officers of the Canadian Borrower. Each Canadian Lender is hereby authorized to issue such Acceptances endorsed in blank in such face amounts as may be determined by such Canadian Lender; provided that the aggregate amount thereof is equal to the aggregate amount of Acceptances required to be accepted by such Canadian Lender. Drafts drawn by the Canadian Borrower to be accepted as Acceptances shall be signed by a duly authorized officer or officers of the Canadian Borrower or by its attorney-in-fact including any attorney-in-fact appointed pursuant to this Section 2.04(f). The Canadian Borrower hereby authorizes and requests each Canadian Lender in accordance with each Notice of Drawing received from the Canadian Borrower pursuant to paragraph (c) to take the measures with respect to a Draft or Drafts of the Canadian Borrower then in possession of such Lender specified in paragraph (c)(iii) of this Section. In case any authorized signatory of the Canadian Borrower whose signature shall appear on any Draft shall cease to have such authority before the acceptance of a Draft with respect to such Draft, the obligations of the Canadian Borrower hereunder and under such Acceptance shall nevertheless be valid for all purposes as if such authority had remained in force until such creation. The Canadian Administrative Agent and each Canadian Lender shall be fully protected in relying upon any instructions received from the Canadian Borrower (orally or otherwise) without any duty to make inquiry as to the genuineness of such instructions. The Canadian Administrative Agent and each Canadian Lender shall be entitled to rely on instructions received from any person identifying himself (orally or otherwise) as a duly authorized officer of the Canadian Borrower and shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, delays or interruptions in the transmission of such instructions. (g) Exculpation. No Canadian Lender shall be responsible or liable for its failure to accept a Draft if the cause of such failure is, in whole or in part, due to the failure of the Canadian Borrower to provide the Drafts or the power of attorney described in paragraph (f) above to such Canadian Lender on a timely basis nor shall any Canadian Lender be liable for any damage, loss or other claim arising by reason of any loss or improper use of any such Draft except loss or improper use arising by reason of the negligence or wilful misconduct of such Canadian Lender. (h) Rights of Canadian Lender as to Acceptances. Neither the Canadian Administrative Agent nor any Canadian Lender shall have any responsibility as to the application of the proceeds by the Canadian Borrower of any discount of any Acceptances. For greater certainty, each Canadian Lender may, at any time, purchase Acceptances issued by the Canadian Borrower and may at any time and from time to time hold, sell, rediscount or otherwise dispose of any or all Acceptances accepted and/or purchased by it. (i) Acceptance Equivalent Loans. Whenever the Canadian Borrower delivers a Notice of Drawing to the Canadian Administrative Agent under this Agreement requesting the Canadian Lenders to accept Drafts, a Canadian Lender which cannot accept Drafts (a "Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender") shall, in lieu of accepting Drafts, make an Acceptance Equivalent Loan. On each date on which Drafts are to be accepted, subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to the acceptance of Drafts, any Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender that makes an Acceptance Equivalent Loan, upon delivery by the Canadian Borrower of an executed Discount Note payable to the order of such Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender, will remit to the Canadian Administrative Agent in immediately available funds for the account of the Canadian Borrower the Acceptance equivalent discount proceeds in respect of the Discount Notes issued by the Canadian Borrower to the Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender. (j) Terms Applicable to Discount Notes. The term "Acceptance" when used in this Agreement shall be construed to include Discount Notes and all terms of this Agreement applicable to Acceptances shall apply equally to Discount Notes evidencing Acceptance Equivalent Loans with such changes as may in the context be necessary (except that no Discount Note may be sold, rediscounted or otherwise disposed of by the Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender making Acceptance Equivalent Loans). For greater certainty: (i) a Discount Note shall mature and be due and payable on the same date as the maturity date for Acceptances specified in the applicable Notice of Drawing; (ii) an Acceptance Fee will be payable in respect of a Discount Note and shall be calculated at the same rate and in the same manner as the Acceptance Fee in respect of an Acceptance; (iii) a discount applicable to a Discount Note shall be calculated in the same manner and at the Discount Rate that would be applicable to Acceptances accepted by a Schedule II Lender pursuant to the applicable Notice of Drawing; (iv) an Acceptance Equivalent Loan made by a Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender will be considered to be part of a Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender's outstanding Acceptances for all purposes of this Agreement; and (v) the Canadian Borrower shall deliver Discount Notes to each Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender and grants to each Non-Acceptance Canadian Lender a power of attorney in respect of the completion and execution of Discount Notes, each in accordance with Section 2.04(f). (k) Prepayment of Acceptances and Discount Notes. No Acceptance or Discount Note may be repaid or prepaid prior to the maturity date of such Acceptance or Discount Note, except in accordance with the provisions of Article VII. (l) Depository Bills and Notes Act. At the option of the Canadian Borrower and any Canadian Lender, Acceptances and Discount Notes under this Agreement to be accepted by such Lender may be issued in the form of depository bills and depository notes, respectively, for deposit with The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited pursuant to the Depository Bills and Notes Act (Canada). All depository bills and depository notes so issued shall be governed by the Depository Bills and Notes Act (Canada) and the provisions of this Section 2.04. SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit. (a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, a Borrower may request the issuance of a Letter of Credit for its own account, in a form reasonably acceptable to the U.S. Administrative Agent (in the case of a U.S. Letter of Credit) or the Canadian Administrative Agent (in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit) and the applicable Issuing Bank, appropriately completed, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by a Borrower to, or entered into by a Borrower with, an Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. Each U.S. Letter of Credit shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars, and each Canadian Letter of Credit shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars. (b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the applicable Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable Issuing Bank) to the applicable Issuing Bank and the applicable Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a U.S. Business Day or, in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit, a Canadian Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, whether such Letter of Credit is to be denominated in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars (provided that each U.S. Letter of Credit must be denominated in U.S. Dollars), the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. If requested by the applicable Issuing Bank, the applicable Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Bank's standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit. Following receipt of such notice and prior to the issuance of the requested Letter of Credit or the applicable amendment, renewal or extension, the U.S. Administrative Agent shall calculate (if the Letter of Credit is a Canadian Letter of Credit denominated in Canadian Dollars) its U.S. Dollar Equivalent and, after consulting with the other Administrative Agent, shall notify the Borrowers and the Issuing Banks of the results of the tests described below after giving effect to (i) the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, (ii) the issuance or expiration of any other Letter of Credit that is to be issued or will expire prior to the requested date of issuance of such Letter of Credit and (iii) the borrowing or repayment of any Loans that (based upon notices delivered to either Administrative Agent by any Borrower) are to be borrowed or repaid prior to the requested date of issuance of such Letter of Credit. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit, the Borrowers shall be deemed to represent and warrant that) such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit, (1) the total Canadian L/C Exposure shall not exceed U.S.$25,000,000, (2) the total Canadian Exposure shall not exceed the total Canadian Commitments and (3) the total Canadian Exposure shall not exceed the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect plus the excess, if any, of (x) the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus (y) the total U.S. Exposure, (ii) in the case of a U.S. Letter of Credit, (1) the total U.S. L/C Exposure shall not exceed U.S.$75,000,000, (2) the total U.S. Exposure shall not exceed the total U.S. Commitments and (3) the total U.S. Exposure shall not exceed the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus the excess, if any, of (x) the total Canadian Exposure minus (y) the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect and (iii) in the case of any Letter of Credit, the sum of the total U.S. Exposure and the total Canadian Exposure shall not exceed U.S.$425,000,000. (c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five U.S. Business Days (or, in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit, five Canadian Business Days) prior to the Maturity Date. (d) Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the applicable Issuing Bank or the Lenders, the applicable Issuing Bank hereby grants to each U.S. Lender (in the case of a U.S. Letter of Credit) or Canadian Lender (in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit), and each such Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each such Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the applicable Administrative Agent, for the account of such Issuing Bank, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of each L/C Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the relevant Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to such Borrower for any reason, in the same currency in which such L/C Disbursement is denominated. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. (e) Reimbursement. If the Issuing Bank in respect of a Letter of Credit shall make any L/C Disbursement in respect of such Letter of Credit, the relevant Borrower shall reimburse such L/C Disbursement by paying to the applicable Administrative Agent an amount equal to such L/C Disbursement, in the same currency in which such L/C Disbursement is denominated, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time (or, in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit, Toronto time), on the date that such L/C Disbursement is made, if the Borrower shall have received notice of such L/C Disbursement prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time (or, in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit, Toronto time), on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by such Borrower prior to such time on such date, then not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time (or, in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit, Toronto time), on (i) the Business Day that such Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time (or, in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit, Toronto time), on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt; provided that, if such L/C Disbursement is not less than $1,000,000, the relevant Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 that such payment be financed with an ABR Borrowing (or, in the case of an L/C Disbursement denominated in Canadian Dollars, a Borrowing of Canadian Prime Loans) in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, such Borrower's obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Loan or Canadian Prime Loan, as applicable. If a Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the applicable Administrative Agent shall notify each applicable Lender of the applicable L/C Disbursement, the payment then due from such Borrower in respect thereof and such Lender's Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each such Lender shall pay to such Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from such Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.06 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.06 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of such Lenders), and such Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the applicable Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from such Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the applicable Administrative Agent of any payment from the relevant Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, such Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the applicable Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank for any L/C Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Loans or Canadian Prime Loans as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the relevant Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such L/C Disbursement. (f) Obligations Absolute. Each Borrower's obligation to reimburse L/C Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or any Loan Document, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by the applicable Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, such Borrower's obligations hereunder. Neither the Administrative Agents, the Lenders nor the Issuing Banks, nor any of their Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Banks; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse an Issuing Bank from liability to a Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by each of the Borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by such Borrower that are caused by such Issuing Bank's failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of an Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), each of the Issuing Banks shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, an Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit. (g) Disbursement Procedures. An Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. Such Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the applicable Administrative Agent and the relevant Borrower by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of such demand for payment and whether such Issuing Bank has made or will make an L/C Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve such Borrower of its obligation to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank and Lenders with respect to any such L/C Disbursement. (h) Interim Interest. If the Issuing Bank in respect of a Letter of Credit shall make any L/C Disbursement under such Letter of Credit, then, unless the relevant Borrower shall reimburse such L/C Disbursement in full on the date such L/C Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such L/C Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that such Borrower reimburses such L/C Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Loans or, if such amount is denominated in Canadian Dollars, a Canadian Prime Loan; provided that, if such Borrower fails to reimburse such L/C Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.12(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment. (i) Replacement of the Issuing Bank. An Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Company, the Administrative Agents, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agents shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of an Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrowers shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.11(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) such successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term "Canadian Issuing Bank" (if the retiring Issuing Bank is a Canadian Issuing Bank) or "U.S. Issuing Bank" (if the retiring Issuing Bank is a U.S. Issuing Bank) and the term "Issuing Bank" shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit. (j) Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Company receives notice from either Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the U.S. Borrowers shall deposit in an account with the U.S. Administrative Agent an amount in cash, and the Canadian Borrower shall deposit in an account or accounts with the Canadian Administrative Agent an amount or amounts in cash (denominated in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars or both, to match the currency denominations of the outstanding Canadian Letters of Credit and Acceptances), in each case for the benefit of the applicable Lenders, equal to the total U.S. L/C Exposure, the total Canadian L/C Exposure and Acceptance Exposure, respectively, as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to any Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of Article VII. The Borrowers also shall deposit cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph as and to the extent required by Sections 2.10(b), 2.20(d) and 2.21(a)(1). Any such cash collateral so deposited pursuant to Section 2.10(b) and held by the Administrative Agents hereunder shall constitute part of the Borrowing Base on a dollar for dollar basis for purposes of determining compliance with Section 2.10(b). Each such deposit shall be held by the U.S. Administrative Agent or the Canadian Administrative Agent, as applicable, as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations of the relevant Borrowers under this Agreement. Such Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such accounts. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the applicable Administrative Agent and at the Borrowers' risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such accounts. Moneys in such accounts shall be (i) applied by the applicable Administrative Agent to reimburse the relevant Issuing Bank for L/C Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and (ii), to the extent not so applied, held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the relevant Borrower for its L/C Exposure at such time, (iii) held for the satisfaction of outstanding Acceptance Obligations or (iv), if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, be applied to satisfy other obligations of such Borrower under this Agreement. If a Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to such Borrower within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived. If the U.S. Borrowers are required to provide cash collateral other than as a result of an occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be promptly returned to the extent that, and following such time as, after giving effect to such return: (i) the total U.S. Exposure does not exceed the total U.S. Commitments, (ii) the sum of the total U.S. Exposure and the total Canadian Exposure does not exceed U.S.$425,000,000 and (iii) the total U.S. Exposure does not exceed the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus the excess, if any, of (A) the total Canadian Exposure minus (B) the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect. If the Canadian Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral other than as a result of an occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be promptly returned to the extent that, and following such time as, after giving effect to such return: (i) the total Canadian Exposure does not exceed the total Canadian Commitments, (ii) the sum of the total U.S. Exposure and the total Canadian Exposure does not exceed U.S.$425,000,000 or (iii) the total Canadian Exposure does not exceed the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect plus the excess, if any, of (A) the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus (B) the total U.S. Exposure. SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings. (a) Each U.S. Lender shall make each U.S. Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, to the account of the U.S. Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the U.S. Lenders. Each Canadian Lender shall make each Canadian Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 12:00 noon, Toronto time, to the account of the Canadian Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Canadian Lenders. The applicable Administrative Agent will make each such Loan available to the relevant Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account of such Borrower maintained with such Administrative Agent in New York City or Toronto, as applicable, and designated by such Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request; provided that any ABR Loans or Canadian Prime Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an L/C Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(e) shall be remitted by the applicable Administrative Agent to the relevant Issuing Bank. (b) Unless the applicable Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Loan to be made by such Lender on the occasion of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to such Administrative Agent such Lender's share of such Borrowing, such Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the relevant Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the applicable Administrative Agent, then such Lender and the relevant Borrower severally agree to pay to such Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to such Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to such Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of any U.S. Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the U.S. Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or, in the case of amounts payable to the Canadian Administrative Agent in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars, the rate determined by the Canadian Administrative Agent (such determination to be conclusive and binding on such Lender) in accordance with the Canadian Administrative Agent's cost of funding the amount of such payment or (ii) in the case of such Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans (or, in the case of amounts payable in Canadian Dollars, the interest rate applicable to Canadian Prime Loans). If such Lender pays such amount to the applicable Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender's Loan included in such Borrowing. SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections. (a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, except for Canadian Prime Loans, the applicable Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. Such Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. (b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the applicable Borrower shall notify the applicable Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if such Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Class and Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the applicable Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by such Administrative Agent and signed by such Borrower. (c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02: (i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing); (ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day; (iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and (iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term "Interest Period". If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month's duration. (d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the applicable Administrative Agent shall advise each affected Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender's portion of each resulting Borrowing. (e) If a Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and an Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Company, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto. (f) This Section shall not be construed to apply to any Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars, which must remain a Canadian Prime Borrowing. This Section also shall not be construed to permit any conversion of the currency in which a Borrowing is denominated. SECTION 2.08. Termination, Reduction or Reallocation of Commitments. (a) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date. (b) The Company may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the U.S. Commitments; provided that (i) the Company shall not terminate or reduce the U.S. Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of U.S. Loans in accordance with Section 2.10, the total U.S. Exposure would exceed the total U.S. Commitments, (ii) the Company shall not terminate or reduce the U.S. Commitments unless the Canadian Borrower concurrently terminates, or ratably reduces, as the case may be, the Canadian Commitments in accordance with paragraph (c) below and (iii) each partial reduction of the U.S. Commitments shall be in an integral multiple of U.S.$1,000,000 and in a minimum aggregate principal amount of U.S.$5,000,000. (c) The Canadian Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Canadian Commitments; provided that (i) the Canadian Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Canadian Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Canadian Loans in accordance with Section 2.10, the total Canadian Exposure would exceed the total Canadian Commitments and (ii) the Canadian Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Canadian Commitments unless the Company concurrently terminates, or ratably reduces, as the case may be, the U.S. Commitments in accordance with paragraph (b) above. (d) Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in paragraph (e) below, the Company may reallocate all or a portion of a Lender's Commitment in accordance with the following procedures; provided that no such reallocation shall be permitted that would have the effect, together with any previous reallocations hereunder, of increasing or decreasing the total U.S. Commitments to an amount that is more than U.S.$50,000,000 above or below, as the case may be, the amount thereof that would have been in effect at the time if no such reallocations had been made hereunder. In the case of any such reallocation, the total U.S. Commitments (in the case of a reallocation of a U.S. Commitment) or the total Canadian Commitments (in the case of a reallocation of a Canadian Commitment), as the case may be, shall be reduced by the amount of the reallocated Commitment (the "Reallocated Commitment") and the total Canadian Commitments (if the Reallocated Commitment was a U.S. Commitment) or the total U.S. Commitments (if the Reallocated Commitment was a Canadian Commitment) shall be increased by an amount equal to the Reallocated Commitment. Any such reallocation shall be subject to execution of documentation with respect thereto by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agents, the Lender whose Commitment is reduced pursuant to such reallocation (the "Reduced Lender") and the Lender that will assume the increased Commitment resulting from such reallocation, which may be the Reduced Lender or an affiliate thereof (the "Increased Lender"). The Administrative Agents shall notify the Lenders of any such reallocation. Any such reallocation shall not require any consent or approval of any Lender other than the Reduced Lender and the Increased Lender, but the amounts of the respective Commitments of such other Lenders shall not be changed by any such reallocation. In the event of any such reallocation (i) the credit facility comprised of the Reallocated Commitment, the other Commitments of the same Class and the Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder in respect of such Commitments is referred to herein as the "Reduced Facility", and (ii) the credit facility comprised of the Commitment of the Increased Lender, the other Commitments of the same Class and the Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder in respect of such Commitments is referred to herein as the "Increased Facility". (e) The consummation of any reallocation pursuant to paragraph (d) above shall be subject to satisfaction of the following conditions on the date of such consummation: (i) the conditions to borrowing set forth in Section 4.02 shall be satisfied at the time; (ii) each of the Administrative Agents, each Issuing Lender, the Reduced Lender and the Increased Lender shall have consented in writing to such reallocation; (iii) the Borrowers in respect of the Reduced Facility will prepay outstanding U.S. Loans or Canadian Loans, as applicable, in such amounts as shall be necessary in order that, after giving effect to the reallocation of Commitments and to such prepayments, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such U.S. Loans or Canadian Loans are held by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their Commitments in respect of the Reduced Facility; (iv) the Borrowers in respect of the Increased Facility will prepay all outstanding Canadian Loans or U.S. Loans, as applicable (without prejudice to such Borrowers' rights to borrow on such date); (v) the participations in Letters of Credit, and the Canadian L/C Exposure and the U.S. L/C Exposure represented thereby, shall be adjusted so that, after giving effect to the reallocation of Commitments, the Canadian L/C Exposure of each Canadian Lender shall equal its Applicable Percentage of the total Canadian L/C Exposure at the time and the U.S. L/C Exposure of each U.S. Lender shall equal its Applicable Percentage of the total U.S. L/C Exposure at the time; and, if there are any unreimbursed L/C Disbursements at the time, the applicable Borrower or Borrowers shall pay the same in full together with accrued interest, if any, thereon; and (vi) such reallocation shall not result in the prepayment of any Acceptance Obligation and, after giving effect to such reallocation and the satisfaction of the conditions specified above, (A) the total U.S. Exposure shall not exceed the total U.S. Commitments, (B) the total Canadian Exposure shall not exceed the total Canadian Commitments, (C) the sum of the total U.S. Exposure plus the total Canadian Exposure shall not exceed U.S.$425,000,000, (D) the outstanding principal amount of all U.S. Loans of each U.S. Lender shall equal its Applicable Percentage of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of all U.S. Loans of all U.S. Lenders, (E) the outstanding principal amount of all Canadian Loans of each Canadian Lender shall equal its Applicable Percentage of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of all Canadian Loans of all Canadian Lenders; (F) the outstanding principal amount of all Acceptances of each Canadian Lender shall equal its Applicable Percentage of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of all Acceptances of all Canadian Lenders; (G) the total U.S. Exposure shall not exceed the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus the excess, if any, of (x) the total Canadian Exposure minus (y) the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect and (H) the total Canadian Exposure shall not exceed the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect plus the excess, if any, of (x) the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus (y) the total U.S. Exposure. (f) The Company or the Canadian Borrower, as applicable, shall notify the applicable Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, such Administrative Agent shall advise the affected Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Company or the Canadian Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Company (by notice to the Administrative Agents on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments of either Class shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments of either Class shall be made ratably among the applicable Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments of such Class. SECTION 2.09. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) Each Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the applicable Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan made to such Borrower and held by such Lender on the Maturity Date. (b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of each Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time under this Agreement. (c) Each of the Administrative Agents shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each U.S. Loan (in the case of the U.S. Administrative Agent) and Canadian Loan (in the case of the Canadian Administrative Agent) made hereunder, the Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from each Borrower to each relevant Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by such Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the respective Lenders and each respective Lender's share thereof. (d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or either Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of any Borrower to repay its Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. (e) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it to any Borrower or Borrowers be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, each of the applicable Borrowers shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to the order of such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the applicable Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the order of the payee named therein (or, if such promissory note is a registered note, to such payee and its registered assigns). SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans. (a) Each U.S. Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any U.S. Borrowing, and the Canadian Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Canadian Borrowing, in whole or in part, subject to the requirements of this Section and the payment of any amounts required under Section 2.15. (b) In the event and on such occasion that the total U.S. Exposure exceeds the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus the excess, if any, of (A) the total Canadian Exposure minus (B) the Canadian Borrowings Base then in effect, each of the U.S. Borrowers shall promptly prepay its Borrowings (or, if no such Borrowings are outstanding, deposit cash collateral in an account with the U.S. Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.05(j)) in an aggregate amount equal to such excess. In the event and on such occasion that total Canadian Exposure exceeds the Canadian Borrowing Base then in effect plus the excess, if any, of (A) the U.S. Borrowing Base then in effect minus (B) the total U.S. Exposure, the Canadian Borrower shall promptly prepay its Borrowings (or, if no such Borrowings are outstanding, deposit cash collateral in an account with the applicable Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.05(j)) in an aggregate amount equal to such excess. (c) In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf of any U.S. Loan Party or any Canadian Loan Party in respect of any Prepayment Event, such U.S. Loan Party or Canadian Loan Party shall, within five Business Days after such Net Proceeds are received, prepay U.S. Borrowings or Canadian Borrowings, respectively, as applicable, in an aggregate amount equal to such Net Proceeds (or, if less, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Loans of the applicable Class). (d) In addition to the other prepayments required hereunder, the Borrowers shall repay Loans as required by Section 2.20. (e) Prior to any optional or mandatory prepayment of Borrowings hereunder, the applicable Borrower or Borrowers shall select the Borrowing or Borrowings to be prepaid and shall specify such selection in the notice of such prepayment pursuant to Section 2.10(f). Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.10, if at any time any Borrower is required to make a prepayment under this Section 2.10 and such Borrower would incur breakage costs under Section 2.15 as a result of Eurodollar Loans being prepaid other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (the "Affected Eurodollar Loans"), and provided that no Default has occurred and is continuing at the time, then such Borrower may in its sole discretion initially deposit a portion (up to 100%) of the amounts that otherwise would have been paid in respect of the Affected Eurodollar Loans with the applicable Administrative Agent (which deposit must be equal in amount to the amount of the Affected Eurodollar Loans not immediately prepaid) to be held as security for such obligations of the Borrower hereunder pursuant to a cash collateral agreement to be entered into in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Administrative Agent and shall provide for investments in Permitted Investments satisfactory to such Administrative Agent and such Borrower, with such cash collateral to be directly applied upon the first occurrence (or occurrences) thereafter of the last day of an Interest Period applicable to the relevant Loans that are Eurodollar Loans (or such earlier date or dates as shall be requested by such Borrower), to repay an aggregate principal amount of such Loans equal to the Affected Eurodollar Loans not initially prepaid pursuant to this sentence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the immediately preceding sentence, all amounts deposited as cash collateral pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence shall be held for the sole benefit of the Lenders whose Loans would otherwise have been immediately prepaid with the amounts deposited and may be applied to the prepayment of such Loans immediately if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. (f) The Company or the Canadian Borrower shall notify the applicable Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of prepayment or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Canadian Prime Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., Toronto time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date, the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid and, in the case of a mandatory prepayment, a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment; provided that, if a notice of optional prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.08(f), then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.08(f). Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the applicable Administrative Agent shall advise the relevant Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02, except as necessary to apply fully the required amount of a mandatory prepayment. Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.12. SECTION 2.11. Fees. (a) The Company agrees to pay to the U.S. Administrative Agent for the account of each U.S. Lender, and the Canadian Borrower agrees to pay to the Canadian Administrative Agent for the account of each Canadian Lender, a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.50% per annum on the average daily unused amount of each Commitment of each such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which such Commitment terminates. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All commitment fees in respect of U.S. Commitments shall be payable in U.S. Dollars and shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day) in a year of 360 days. All commitment fees in respect of Canadian Commitments shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day) in a year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be, and, after being computed in U.S. Dollars, shall be payable in Canadian Dollars in an amount equal to the Canadian Dollar Equivalent of the U.S. Dollar amount so computed. For purposes of computing commitment fees, a Commitment of a Lender shall be deemed to be used to the extent of the U.S. Exposure or Canadian Exposure (as applicable). (b) Each of the Borrowers agrees to pay (i) to the U.S. Administrative Agent for the account of each U.S. Lender, and to the Canadian Administrative Agent for the account of each Canadian Lender, a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at a rate equal to the Applicable Rate for Eurodollar Revolving Loans on the average daily amount of such Lender's L/C Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed L/C Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the Maturity Date and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any L/C Exposure, and (ii) to each of the U.S. Issuing Bank and the Canadian Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate or rates per annum separately agreed upon between the Company, the Canadian Borrower and the Issuing Banks on the average daily amount of the total U.S. L/C Exposure and total Canadian L/C Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed L/C Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the Maturity Date and the date on which there ceases to be any L/C Exposure, as well as each Issuing Bank's standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to any Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within 10 days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days (or, in the case of participation fees and fronting fees payable to Canadian Lenders, 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be) and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). (c) The Company agrees to pay to the U.S. Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Company and the U.S. Administrative Agent. (d) The Canadian Borrower agrees to pay to each Canadian Lender a fee (the "Acceptance Fee") in advance, at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Rate, on the date of acceptance of each Acceptance. All Acceptance Fees shall be calculated on the face amount of the Acceptance issued and computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the term thereof and a year of 365 days. The Acceptance Fee shall be in addition to any other fees payable to each Canadian Lender in connection with the issuance or discounting of such Acceptance. The discount rate for Acceptance Fees shall be calculated under terms customary to the practice of the Canadian Lenders and shall be based upon a year of 365 days and the term of such Acceptance. (e) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the applicable Administrative Agent (or to the applicable Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders entitled thereto. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances. SECTION 2.12. Interest. (a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate. (b) The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate. (c) The Loans comprising each Canadian Prime Borrowing shall bear interest at the Canadian Prime Rate plus the Applicable Rate. (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by any Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section, (ii) in the case of any other amounts payable in U.S. Dollars, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section and (iii) in the case of any other amounts payable in Canadian Dollars, 2% plus the rate applicable to the Canadian Prime Loans as provided in paragraph (c) of this Section. (e) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion. (f) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate and interest computed by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or Canadian Prime Rate shall be determined by an Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (g) With respect to Canadian Loans and fees relating thereto, unless otherwise stated herein, wherever reference is made to a rate of interest "per annum" or a similar expression, such interest shall be calculated on the basis of a calendar year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be, and using the nominal rate method of calculation, and shall not be calculated using the effective rate method of calculation or on any other basis that gives effect to the principle of deemed reinvestment of interest. (h) For the purposes of the Interest Act (Canada) and disclosure thereunder, whenever interest to be paid with respect to Canadian Loans or fees relating thereto is to be calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days or any other period of time that is less than a calendar year, the yearly rate of interest to which the rate determined pursuant to such calculation is equivalent is the rate so determined multiplied by the actual number of days in the calendar year in which the same is to be ascertained and divided by either 360 or such other period of time, as the case may be. SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest. If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing: (a) the applicable Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period; or (b) such Administrative Agent is advised by a majority in interest of the Lenders of the applicable Class that the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period; then such Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Company, the Canadian Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or telecopy as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agents thereafter notify the Company, the Canadian Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing of the applicable Class shall be ineffective and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing of the applicable Class, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing. SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs. (a) If any Change in Law shall: (i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or any Issuing Bank; or (ii) impose on any Lender or any Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement, any Loans made by such Lender, the acceptance and purchase or sale of any Acceptance or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Loan, the acceptance and purchase or sale of any Acceptance (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan or to purchase or sell any such Acceptance) or to increase the cost to such Lender or Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Company (if such Lender or Issuing Bank is a U.S. Lender or U.S. issuing Bank) or the Canadian Borrower (if such Lender or Issuing Bank is a Canadian Lender or Canadian Issuing Bank) will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered. (b) If any Lender or any Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender's or Issuing Bank's capital or on the capital of such Lender's or Issuing Bank's holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender's or Issuing Bank's holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender's or Issuing Bank's policies and the policies of such Lender's or Issuing Bank's holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Company (if such Lender or Issuing Bank is a U.S. Lender or U.S. Issuing Bank) or the Canadian Borrower (if such Lender or Issuing Bank is a Canadian Lender or Canadian Issuing Bank) will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company for any such reduction suffered. (c) A certificate of a Lender or any Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Company or the Canadian Borrower (as applicable) and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Company or the Canadian Borrower (as applicable) shall pay such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof. (d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's right to demand such compensation; provided that neither the Company nor the Canadian Borrower shall be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Company or the Canadian Borrower (as applicable) of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof. SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.10(f) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by a Borrower pursuant to Section 2.18, then, in any such event, such Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the relevant Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The relevant Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof. SECTION 2.16. Taxes. (a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if such Borrower shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section), the applicable Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) such Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) such Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. If any Indemnified Taxes are required to be deducted in respect of any payment made to a Lender as a result of the application of Section 2.21 (including any payment made by a Lender to another Lender in respect of that Lender's participating interest pursuant to Section 2.21(b)), the applicable U.S. Borrower (in the case of Indemnified Taxes required to be deducted by the United States or any political subdivision thereof) or the Canadian Borrower (in the case of Indemnified Taxes required to be deducted by Canada or any political subdivision thereof) shall pay an additional amount so that after making all the required deductions, including deductions applicable to additional amounts required under this Section 2.16(a), such Lender shall receive an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made. (b) In addition, each of the Borrowers shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. (c) Each of the Borrowers shall indemnify each Administrative Agent, each Lender and each Issuing Bank, within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by such Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of such Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to a Borrower by a Lender or Issuing Bank, or by the applicable Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or Issuing Bank, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by any Borrower to a Governmental Authority, such Borrower shall deliver to the applicable Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to such Administrative Agent. (e) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the relevant Borrower is located, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under this Agreement shall deliver to such Borrower (with a copy to the applicable Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by such Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate, provided that such Lender has received written notice from such Borrower advising it of the availability of such exemption or reduction and supplying all applicable documentation. (f) If an Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank becomes aware that it is entitled to claim a refund from a Governmental Authority in respect of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by a Borrower, or with respect to which a Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.16, it shall promptly notify such Borrower of the availability of such refund claim and shall, within 30 days after receipt of a request by such Borrower, make a claim to such Governmental Authority for such refund at such Borrower's expense. If an Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank receives a refund (including pursuant to a claim for a refund made pursuant to the preceding sentence) in respect of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by a Borrower in which such Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.16, it shall within 30 days from the date of such receipt pay over such refund to such Borrower (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Borrower under this Section 2.16 with respect to Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out of pocket expenses of such Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank and without interest (other than interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided, however, that such Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agents, Lender or Issuing Bank, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Borrower (plus penalties, interest and other charges, including the reasonable fees and expenses of the Administrative Agents and Collateral Agents) to such Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank if such Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. (g) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement contained herein, the agreements and obligations contained in this Section 2.16 shall survive the payment in full of the principal of and interest on all Loans, Acceptance Obligations and L/C Disbursements made hereunder. (h) Each Non-U.S. Lender shall deliver to the Company two copies of either U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Form W-8ECI, or any subsequent versions thereof or successors thereto, properly completed and duly executed by such Non-U.S. Lender claiming complete exemption from, or reduced rate of, U.S. Federal withholding tax on payments by the Company under this Agreement. Such forms shall be delivered by each Non-U.S. Lender on or before the date it becomes a party to this Agreement and on or before the date, if any, such Non-U.S. Lender changes its applicable lending office by designating a different lending office. In addition, each Non-U.S. Lender shall deliver such forms promptly upon the obsolescence or invalidity of any form previously delivered by such Non-U.S. Lender. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.16(h), a Non-U.S. Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this Section 2.16(h) that such Non-U.S. Lender is not legally able to deliver. (i) Nothing contained in this Section 2.16 shall require any Administrative Agent, Lender or Issuing Bank to make available any of its tax returns (or any other information that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be confidential or proprietary). SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs. (a) Each Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document (whether of principal, interest, fees, reimbursement of L/C Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, or otherwise) prior to the time expressly required hereunder or under such other Loan Document for such payment (or, if no such time is expressly required, prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time in case of payments to be made to the U.S. Administrative Agent, the U.S. Issuing Bank or any U.S. Lender, or 12:00 noon, Toronto time, in case of payments to be made to the Canadian Administrative Agent, the Canadian Issuing Bank or any Canadian Lender), on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agents, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the U.S. Administrative Agent (in the case of payments for the account of the U.S. Administrative Agent, the U.S. Issuing Bank or any U.S. Lender) at its offices at 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York, or to the Canadian Administrative Agent (in the case of payments for the account of the Canadian Administrative Agent, the Canadian Issuing Bank or any Canadian Lender) at One First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Suite 6900, Toronto M5X 1A4, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Banks as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto and payments pursuant to other Loan Documents shall be made to the Persons specified therein. Each Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment under any Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments under each Loan Document shall be made in U.S. Dollars; provided that payments of principal of and interest on Canadian Prime Loans, L/C Disbursements denominated in Canadian Dollars and Acceptance Obligations, and payments of Acceptance Fees, commitment fees in respect of Canadian Commitments, fees in respect of Canadian Letters of Credit denominated in Canadian Dollars and (to the extent invoiced or otherwise claimed in Canadian Dollars) indemnification and expense reimbursement obligations, shall in each case be payable in Canadian Dollars. (b) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the applicable Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed L/C Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder in respect of Obligations of either Class, then such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder in respect of Obligations of the applicable Class, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed L/C Disbursements then due hereunder in respect of Obligations of the applicable Class, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed L/C Disbursements then due to such parties in respect of Obligations of the applicable Class. (c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in L/C Disbursements or Acceptance Obligations resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in L/C Disbursements and Acceptance Obligations and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in L/C Disbursements and Acceptance Obligations of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in L/C Disbursements and Acceptance Obligations; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by any Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in L/C Disbursements or Acceptance Obligations to any assignee or participant, other than to a Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against any Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation. (d) Unless the relevant Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the relevant Borrower prior to the date on which any payment by such Borrower is due to such Administrative Agent for the account of any of the Lenders or Issuing Banks hereunder that such Borrower will not make such payment, such Administrative Agent may assume that such Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the applicable Lenders or the applicable Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if such Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of such Lenders or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to such Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to such Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate (or, in the case of amounts payable in Canadian Dollars, the Canadian Prime Rate) and a rate determined by such Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. (e) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Sections 2.05(d) or (e), 2.06(b), 2.17(d) or 9.03(c), then the applicable Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by such Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender's obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid. SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders. (a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if a Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.16, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. Each of the Borrowers hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment. (b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if a Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, or if any Lender defaults in its obligation to fund Loans hereunder, then the Company may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agents, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Company shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agents and the Issuing Banks, which consents shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in L/C Disbursements and Acceptance Obligations, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the relevant Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.14 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.16, such assignment will result in a material reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Company to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. SECTION 2.19. Money of Account, etc. This is an international loan transaction in which the specification of U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars is of the essence, and U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars, as specified herein, shall be the currency of account and of payment in all events. The payment obligations of the Borrowers and the other Loan Parties shall not be discharged by an amount paid in another currency, whether pursuant to a judgment or otherwise, to the extent that the amount so paid on prompt conversion to U.S. Dollars or, as the case may be, Canadian Dollars under normal banking procedures shall not yield the amount of U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars, as the case may be, due hereunder. In the event that any payment made in a currency other than U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars, as the case may be, whether pursuant to a judgment or otherwise, upon conversion shall not yield such amount of U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars, the applicable Lenders shall be entitled to demand immediate payment of, and shall have a separate cause of action for, the U.S. Dollar or Canadian Dollar deficiency. SECTION 2.20. Currency Fluctuations, etc. (a) Not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on each Calculation Date, the U.S. Administrative Agent shall determine the Exchange Rate as of such Calculation Date. Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.08 and Section 2.21, the Exchange Rate so determined shall become effective on the first U.S. Business Day immediately following the relevant Calculation Date (a "Reset Date") and shall remain effective until the next succeeding Reset Date. (b) Not later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on each Reset Date, the U.S. Administrative Agent shall consult with the Canadian Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agents shall determine the total Canadian Exposure (both in U.S. Dollars and in Canadian Dollars) and the total U.S. Exposure. (c) If, on any Reset Date, the total Canadian Exposure exceeds the total Canadian Commitments, then (i) the Canadian Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian Lenders and (ii) within two Canadian Business Days thereafter, the Canadian Borrower shall repay or prepay Canadian Loans in accordance with this Agreement in an aggregate principal amount such that, after giving effect thereto, the total Canadian Exposure (expressed in Canadian Dollars) shall not exceed the total Canadian Commitments. (d) To the extent the repayments and prepayments referenced in paragraph (c) do not result in a total Canadian Exposure (expressed in Canadian Dollars) that is less than or equal to the total Canadian Commitments, then the Borrowers shall provide cash collateral in accordance with Section 2.05(j) to the extent required to obtain such result. SECTION 2.21. Consolidation of Credit Facilities. (a) Notwithstanding noncompliance with the conditions precedent set forth in Article IV, if (i) an Event of Default pursuant to clause (h), (i) or (j) of Article VII shall have occurred, (ii) the Commitments shall have been terminated and/or the Loans shall have been declared immediately due and payable pursuant to Article VII, or (iii) the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth of the Canadian Borrower shall be less than Cdn.$4,000,000 and, in the case of this clause (iii), a majority in interest of the Canadian Lenders (determined based upon their respective Canadian Commitments) shall have given notice thereof to the Administrative Agents requesting that this Section 2.21 apply, then, at 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the second U.S. Business Day (the "Consolidation Date") immediately succeeding (A) the date on which such Event of Default occurs (in the case of clause (i) above), (B) the date on which such termination and/or declaration occurs (in the case of clause (ii) above), or (C) the date on which such notice is received by the Administrative Agents (in the case of clause (iii) above), subject to Section 2.21(b), the following shall occur: (1) the Company, in its capacity as a Guarantor, shall repay all outstanding Canadian Loans and all unreimbursed L/C Disbursements under Canadian Letters of Credit, provide the cash collateral contemplated in Section 2.05(j) in respect of the face amount of all outstanding Acceptances and pay all accrued fees payable by the Canadian Borrower and shall cause the U.S. Borrowers to repay all outstanding U.S. Loans and all unreimbursed L/C Disbursements under U.S. Letters of Credit and pay all accrued fees payable by the U.S. Borrowers hereunder (without prejudice to the rights of the U.S. Borrowers to finance such repayments by borrowing U.S. Loans in accordance with this Agreement after giving effect to the adjustment of Commitments as provided below, if the U.S. Commitments remain in effect and the conditions to such Borrowing are satisfied); (2) if, as of the Consolidation Date, the U.S. Commitments remain in effect, then: (A) the total U.S. Commitments shall increase by the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the total Canadian Commitments, but without increasing the U.S. Commitment of any U.S. Lender; and (B) each Canadian Lender (or an affiliate thereof designated by such Canadian Lender) shall become a U.S. Lender with a U.S. Commitment equal to the amount of its former Canadian Commitment, and its Canadian Commitment shall terminate, if not previously terminated; and (3) the Company shall become the account party in respect of all Canadian Letters of Credit (with the result that each Canadian Letter of Credit shall become a U.S. Letter of Credit) and the Lenders' participations in Letters of Credit shall be adjusted so that, as of the Consolidation Date, the U.S. L/C Exposure of each Lender shall equal its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate U.S. L/C Exposure at the time (determined as though Commitments had been consolidated as U.S. Commitments as provided in clause (2) above, even if such Commitments have been terminated). The foregoing actions shall result in, and the parties hereto shall take such actions as shall be necessary to result in, all Canadian Lenders becoming U.S. Lenders, all Canadian Letters of Credit becoming U.S. Letters of Credit, all Canadian Loans being repaid, cash collateral being provided for the satisfaction of all obligations in respect of outstanding Acceptances and any and all U.S. Loans and U.S. L/C Exposure being held by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their U.S. Commitments (or, if the Commitments have terminated, in accordance with their ratable interests as though the Commitments had not terminated and had been converted to U.S. Commitments as provided above). After giving effect to the foregoing, in the event that any L/C Disbursement is made in Canadian Dollars, any payment required to be made by the Borrowers or the Lenders hereunder in respect of such L/C Disbursement shall be payable in U.S. Dollars in an amount equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent (based on the Exchange Rate determined by the U.S. Administrative Agent on the U.S. Business Day immediately preceding such payment date) of the amount otherwise payable in Canadian Dollars. For purposes of this Section 2.21(a) (other than in the immediately preceding sentence), the U.S. Dollar Equivalent shall be determined based upon the Exchange Rate in effect on the Effective Date. (b) If any event described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (a) above occurs and either the Required Lenders (in the case of an occurrence of an event described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (a) above) elect to apply the provisions of this paragraph (b) in lieu of the provisions of paragraph (a) above, or (in the case of any such event) for any reason the actions specified in paragraph (a) above cannot be taken or accomplished, then the following provisions shall apply: (1) all Commitments shall terminate; (2) each U.S. Lender shall purchase a participation in each Canadian Loan, outstanding Acceptance and unreimbursed L/C Disbursement of each Canadian Lender, and each Canadian Lender shall purchase a participation in each U.S. Loan and unreimbursed L/C Disbursement of each U.S. Lender, and each Lender having issued such an Acceptance or holding such a Loan or unreimbursed L/C Disbursement agrees to sell such participations therein, in each case in such amount as shall be necessary so that the U.S. Loans and participations therein, the Canadian Loans and participations therein, the Acceptances and participations therein and the L/C Disbursements and participations therein, are held ratably by the Lenders (it being understood that the ratable interests of the Lenders shall be determined by the Administrative Agents on the basis of the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of their respective Commitments at the time of termination thereof); and (3) the Lenders' participations in Letters of Credit shall be adjusted so that the U.S. L/C Exposure and the Canadian L/C Exposure of each Lender shall be ratable (determined as provided in clause (2) above). The foregoing actions shall result in, and the Lenders shall take such actions as shall be necessary to result in, any and all U.S. Loans, Canadian Loans, Acceptances, U.S. L/C Exposure and Canadian L/C Exposure being held, directly or indirectly (through participations) by the Lenders ratably on the basis of their respective Commitments at the time of termination thereof. For purposes of this Section 2.21(b), (i) the purchase and sale of participations shall be at a price calculated on the basis of the principal amount thereof but without interest (it being understood that any recovery of interest accrued thereon prior to the date of sale of such participations shall be for the account of the Lender selling such participation) and (ii) the purchase and sale of participations pursuant to clause (2) above shall be made in the same currency in which the applicable Loan, L/C Disbursement or Acceptance is denominated; provided that if a U.S. Lender is unable for any reason (including lack of participation by such U.S. Lender in foreign exchange markets) to obtain or apply Canadian Dollars to purchase participations in Loans, L/C Disbursements or Acceptances that are denominated in Canadian Dollars, as required by clause (2) above, such U.S. Lender shall be permitted to make such purchase payments in U.S. Dollars in an amount equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the amount otherwise payable in Canadian Dollars hereunder. The provisions of this Section 2.21(b) are solely for the benefit of the Lenders, shall not be enforceable by any Borrower and, notwithstanding any contrary provisions herein, may be amended, modified or waived by agreement among the Lenders without any consent or approval of any Borrower. SECTION 2.22. Substitution of Mortgaged Property. The Company shall have the right, at any time, to substitute real property owned by any U.S. Loan Party and satisfactory to the Administrative Agents of substantially equivalent value or higher value for any Mortgaged Property, provided that: (a) no Default has occurred and is continuing at such time; (b) (i) the substitute property shall have been appraised by an appraiser satisfactory to the Administrative Agents as having substantially equivalent value or higher value than the value attributed to such Mortgaged Property hereunder; (ii) a Mortgage, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the U.S. Collateral Agent, relating to the substitute property shall have been duly executed by the parties thereto and delivered to the U.S. Collateral Agent and shall be in full force and effect; (iii) neither the substitute property nor any interest therein shall constitute Principal Property (as defined in the Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1991 between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as supplemented, amended or otherwise modified); (iv) the substitute property shall not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Encumbrances; and (v) the U.S. Collateral Agent shall have received such other documents, including a commitment or binder for a policy of title insurance issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company, together with such endorsements as may be obtained at commercially reasonable rates and as may be reasonably requested by the U.S. Collateral Agent and the Lenders, insuring such Mortgage as valid a first lien on the substitute property, free of Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances, together with such legal opinions required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of such Mortgage or as reasonably requested by the Collateral Agents and a favorable written opinion of local counsel in the jurisdiction where the substitute property is located, substantially in the form of Exhibit M; and (c) after giving effect to the addition of the substitute property pursuant to clause (b) above, the amount of the Eligible Mortgaged Property shall be equal to or exceed $120,000,000. Upon the substitution of property satisfactory to the Administrative Agents pursuant to clauses (a), (b) and (c), the parties shall execute a termination of the Mortgage relating to the property to be released under this Section in consideration of the Lien created by the Mortgage of the substitute property and the Agents and the parties will execute any and all further documents, agreements and instruments and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of documents), which may be required under any applicable law to effect the release of the property to be released under this Section from the Lien created by the related Mortgage, all at the expense of the Borrowers. ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties Each of the Borrowers represents and warrants to the Lenders that: SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required. SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions to be entered into by each Loan Party are within such Loan Party's corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and, if required, stockholder action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Borrowers and constitutes, and each other Loan Document to which any Loan Party is to be a party, when executed and delivered by such Loan Party, will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of each such Borrower or Loan Party (as the case may be), enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law. SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except filings necessary to perfect Liens created under the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, except Liens created under the Loan Documents. SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change. (a) The Company has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and statements of consolidated operations and retained earnings, consolidated shareholders' equity and consolidated cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2000, reported on by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent public accountants, and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended December 2, 2000, certified by its chief financial officer. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) above. (b) Since February 26, 2000, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, operations or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as disclosed in the Exchange Act Filings, in the Information Memorandum or in any Schedules or Exhibits to this Agreement as of the Effective Date. SECTION 3.05. Properties. (a) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business (including its Mortgaged Properties), except for Liens permitted by Section 6.02. (b) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business, and the use thereof by the Company and the Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. (c) As of the Effective Date, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has received written notice of any pending or contemplated condemnation proceeding affecting any Mortgaged Property or any sale or disposition thereof in lieu of condemnation. Neither any Mortgaged Property nor any interest therein constitutes Principal Property (as defined in the Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1991 between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as supplemented, amended or otherwise modified). Neither any Mortgaged Property nor any interest therein is subject to any right of first refusal, option or other contractual right to purchase such Mortgaged Property or interest therein. SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters. (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of any of the Borrowers, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of the Subsidiaries (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve any of the Loan Documents or the Transactions. (b) Except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability. (c) Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or materially increased the likelihood of, a Material Adverse Effect. SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing. SECTION 3.08. Investment and Holding Company Status. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is (a) an "investment company" as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940 or (b) a "holding company" as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. SECTION 3.09. Taxes. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) any Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Company or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. SECTION 3.10. Employee Benefit Plans. (a) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than U.S. $5,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than U.S. $5,000,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans. (b) Each Foreign Employee Benefit Plan is in compliance in all material respects with all requirements of the governing documents for such Plan and all applicable laws (including funding and fiduciary obligations). As of the date specified on Schedule 3.10(b), except as set forth on Schedule 3.10(b), each of the Foreign Employee Benefit Plans is fully funded both on an ongoing basis and on a solvency basis (using actuarial methods and assumptions which are consistent with the valuations last filed with the applicable Governmental Authorities and which are consistent with generally accepted actuarial principles). With respect to any Foreign Employee Benefit Plan (other than a Foreign Pension Plan), reasonable reserves have been established in accordance with prudent business practice or where required by ordinary accounting practices in the jurisdiction in which such Plan is maintained. The aggregate unfunded liabilities, after giving effect to any reserves for such liabilities, with respect to such Plans are not material. There are no actions, suits or claims (other than routine claims for benefits) pending or threatened with respect to any Foreign Employee Benefit Plan that would subject the Borrowers or an ERISA Affiliate to a liability in excess of Cdn. $5,000,000. SECTION 3.11. Disclosure. To the best knowledge of the Borrowers, the Borrowers have disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to any of them, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Information Memorandum nor any of the other reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to either Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or delivered hereunder or thereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains, as of the date hereof (or in the case of items furnished after the date hereof, when furnished), any material misstatement of fact or omits, as of the date hereof (or in the case of items furnished after the date hereof, when furnished), to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrowers represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time so furnished. SECTION 3.12. Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.12 sets forth the name of, and the ownership interest of the Company in, each Subsidiary of the Company and identifies each Subsidiary that is a Canadian Loan Party or a U.S. Loan Party, in each case as of the Effective Date. The Canadian Borrower is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. SECTION 3.13. Insurance. Schedule 3.13 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance have been paid. Each of the Borrowers believes that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Company and the Subsidiaries is adequate. SECTION 3.14. Labor Matters. As of the Effective Date, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against the Company or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened. The Company and the Subsidiaries have not been in violation of, in any material respect, the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with hours worked by or payments made to employees or any similar matters. All payments due from the Company or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against the Company or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Company or such Subsidiary. The consummation of the Transactions will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which the Company or any Subsidiary is bound. SECTION 3.15. Security Documents. (a) Each Pledge Agreement is effective to create in favor of the applicable Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties referred to therein, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral (as defined in such Pledge Agreement), subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and when such Collateral is delivered to such Collateral Agent (together with stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank form), such Pledge Agreement shall constitute a fully perfected first priority Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of each pledgor thereunder in such Collateral, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person. (b) Each of the Security Agreements is effective to create in favor of the applicable Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties referred to therein, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral (as defined in such Security Agreement), subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and, when financing statements, releases and other filings set forth on Schedule 3.15(b) in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 6 to the Perfection Certificate, such Security Agreement shall, except as otherwise set forth therein, constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in such Collateral, to the extent that a security interest can be perfected in such Collateral by (i) filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law in such jurisdiction, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person, or (ii) filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document in the Provinces of Canada specified in Schedule 6 pursuant to the Personal Property Security Act in effect in such Province or other applicable law in such Province, other than, in each of the cases described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section, with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02. (c) When the U.S. Security Agreement is filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office and when financing statements, releases and other filings set forth on Schedule 3.15(c) in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 6 to the Perfection Certificate, the U.S. Security Agreement shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the applicable U.S. Loan Parties in the Intellectual Property (as defined in the U.S. Security Agreement) in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a security agreement, financing statement or analogous document in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person other than Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02 (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to perfect a Lien on registered trademarks, trademark applications and copyrights acquired by the Loan Parties after the date hereof). (d) When the Canadian Security Agreement or notice thereof is filed in the Canadian Patent and Canadian Trade Marks Office, and when the financing statements set forth on Schedule 3.15(d) in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified in Schedule 6 to the Perfection Certificate, the Canadian Security Agreement shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the applicable Canadian Loan Parties in the Intellectual Property (as defined in the Canadian Security Agreement) in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a security agreement, financing statement or analogous document pursuant to the Ontario Personal Property Security Act in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person other than Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02 (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the Canadian Patent Office and the Canadian Trade Marks Office may be necessary to record notice of a security interest on Intellectual Property (as defined in the Canadian Security Agreement) acquired by the Loan Parties after the date hereof). (e) Each Mortgage is effective to create for the benefit of the Secured Parties referred to therein a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in all Mortgaged Property (as defined in such Mortgage), subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and, when appropriate filings or registrations are made in the offices specified on Schedule 3.15(d), such Mortgage shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on all right, title and interest of the applicable Loan Party, thereunder in the applicable Mortgaged Property as of the Effective Date, prior and superior in right to any other person, other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02. ARTICLE IV Conditions SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans, of the Canadian Lenders to accept Acceptances and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02): (a) The Administrative Agents (or their counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agents (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement. (b) The Administrative Agents shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agents, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of each of (i) William P. Costantini, Esq., Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Company, (ii) Cahill Gordon & Reindel, U.S. counsel for the Loan Parties and (iii) Miller Thomson LLP, Canadian counsel for the Loan Parties, and (iv) local counsel in each jurisdiction where a Mortgaged Property is located, substantially in the form of Exhibit N, O, P and M, respectively, and, in the case of each such opinion required by this paragraph, covering such other matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions as the Required Lenders shall reasonably request. Each of the Borrowers hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinions. (c) The Administrative Agents shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agents or their counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of each Loan Party, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance satisfactory to each of the Administrative Agents and its counsel. (d) The Administrative Agents shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by the president, a vice president or a Financial Officer of the Company, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02. (e) The Administrative Agents shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel) required to be reimbursed or paid by any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document. (f) The Collateral Agents shall have received counterparts of the Pledge Agreements signed on behalf of the Loan Parties party thereto, and the Collateral Agents shall have received certificates or other instruments representing all the outstanding Equity Interests of each Subsidiary owned by any Loan Party (except that stock certificates representing shares of common stock of a Foreign Subsidiary pledged by a U.S. Loan Party under the U.S. Pledge Agreement may be limited to 65% of the outstanding shares of common stock of such Foreign Subsidiary and each pledge shall be otherwise limited as specifically set forth in the applicable Pledge Agreement), together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank form. (g) The Collateral Agents shall have received counterparts of the Security Agreements signed on behalf of the Loan Parties party thereto, together with the following: (i) all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and Personal Property Security Act financing statements, required by law or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agents to be filed, registered or recorded to create or perfect the Liens intended to be created under the Security Agreements; and (ii) a completed Perfection Certificate from each of the Company and the Canadian Borrower dated the Effective Date and signed by an executive officer or Financial Officer of the Company and the Canadian Borrower, respectively, together with all relevant attachments contemplated thereby, including the then completed results of a search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent) filings made with respect to the applicable Loan Parties in the jurisdictions contemplated by the applicable Perfection Certificate and copies of the financing statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agents that the Liens indicated by such financing statements (or similar documents) are permitted by Section 6.02 or have been released. (h) The Collateral Agents shall have received counterparts of the Guarantee Agreements signed on behalf of the Loan Parties party thereto. (i) Each of the Mortgages, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the U.S. Collateral Agent, relating to each of the Mortgaged Properties shall have been duly executed by the parties thereto and delivered to the U.S. Collateral Agent and shall be in full force and effect, (ii) none of such Mortgaged Properties shall be subject to any Lien other than those permitted under Section 6.02, and (iii) the U.S. Collateral Agent shall have received such other documents, including a commitment or binder for a policy or policies of title insurance issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company, together with such endorsements as may be obtained at commercially reasonable rates and as may be reasonably requested by the U.S. Collateral Agent and the Lenders, insuring the Mortgages as valid first liens on the Mortgaged Properties, free of Liens other than those permitted under Section 6.02, together with such legal opinions required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the Mortgages or as reasonably requested by the Collateral Agents. (j) The Administrative Agents shall have received counterparts of the Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement signed on behalf of the Loan Parties party thereto. (k) The Administrative Agents shall have received evidence satisfactory to them that the insurance required by Section 5.07 and the Security Documents is in effect. (l) The U.S. Administrative Agent shall have received, and shall be satisfied with the results of, a Phase I environmental report (or its reasonable equivalent) prepared by Whitestone Associates, Inc. with respect to any Environmental Liabilities that may be attributable to such properties or operations as have been specified by the U.S. Administrative Agent for review. (m) The Administrative Agents shall have received a completed Borrowing Base Certificate dated the Effective Date and signed by a Financial Officer of each of the Company and the Canadian Borrower, calculating the U.S. Borrowing Base and the Canadian Borrowing Base as of the end of the most recent week ended at least eight Business Days prior to the Effective Date. (n) The Administrative Agents shall be satisfied that, prior to or concurrent with the initial extension of credit hereunder on the Effective Date, all principal, premium, if any, interest, fees and other amounts due and owing under the Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement dated as of June 10, 1997, among the Company, the Canadian Borrower, the lenders party thereto, The Chase Manhattan Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada shall be paid in full and the commitments thereunder shall be terminated. The Administrative Agents shall notify the Company, the Canadian Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans, of the Canadian Lenders to accept Acceptances and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 30, 2001 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time). SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan or to accept an Acceptance on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of each Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to receipt of the request therefor in accordance herewith and to the satisfaction of the following conditions: (a) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Borrowing or Acceptance or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable. (b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or Acceptance or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Each Borrowing, each Acceptance and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by each of the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section. ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and Acceptance Obligation and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, there are no Acceptances outstanding and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated and all L/C Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, each of the Borrowers covenants and agrees with the Lenders that: SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information. The Company will furnish to the Administrative Agents and each Lender: (a) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, and within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Canadian Borrower, its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by Deloitte & Touche LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a "going concern" or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Canadian Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries, as the case may be, in each case on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (or, in the case of the Canadian Borrower, generally accepted accounting principles in Canada) consistently applied; (b) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, the Company's consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes; (c) within 30 days after the end of each of the first two fiscal four-week periods of each fiscal quarter of the Company, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal four-week periods and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes; (d) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth (A) reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Sections 6.12, 6.13 and 6.14 and (B) the computation of the Company's Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter covered by such financial statements and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the Company's audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate; (e) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, a certificate of the accounting firm that reported on such financial statements stating whether they obtained knowledge during the course of their examination of such financial statements of any Default (which certificate may be limited to the extent required by accounting rules or guidelines); (f) within eight Business Days after the end of each calendar week, a completed Borrowing Base Certificate calculating and certifying each of the U.S. Borrowing Base and the Canadian Borrowing Base as of the last day of such calendar week, signed on behalf of each of the Company and the Canadian Borrower by one of its Financial Officers; (g) at least 30 days prior to the commencement of each fiscal year of the Company, a reasonably detailed consolidated budget for such fiscal year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet and related statements of projected operations and cash flow as of the end of and for each fiscal month during such fiscal year and setting forth the assumptions used for purposes of preparing such budget) and, promptly when available, any significant revisions of such budget; (h) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Company or any Subsidiary with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Company to its stockholders generally, as the case may be; and (i) promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Company or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as either Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request. SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events. The Company will furnish to the Administrative Agents and each Lender prompt written notice of the following: (a) the occurrence of any Default; (b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting the Company or any Affiliate thereof that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event or analogous event with respect to a Foreign Employee Benefit Plan or Foreign Pension Plan that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding U.S.$5,000,000; (d) a copy of each notice from each funding agent of each of the Foreign Employee Benefit Plans required to be delivered by such funding agent under Section 56.1 of the Pension Benefits Act of Ontario promptly after such notice is received by the Canadian Borrower or other Loan Party; and (e) any other development (other than those specified above as to which the Lenders have received due notice) that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect. Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Company setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto. SECTION 5.03. Information Regarding Collateral. (a) The Company will furnish to the Administrative Agents prompt written notice of any change (i) in any Loan Party's corporate name or in any trade name used to identify it in the conduct of its business or in the ownership of its properties, (ii) in the location of any Loan Party's chief executive office, its principal place of business, its "location" (as determined under Section 9-307 of Revised Article 9 of the UCC) any office in which it maintains books or records relating to Collateral owned by it or any office or facility at which Collateral owned by it is located (including the establishment of any such new office or facility), (iii) in any Loan Party's identity or corporate structure or (iv) in any U.S. Loan Party's Federal Taxpayer Identification Number. The Company agrees not to effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless all filings have been made under the Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise that are required in order for the Collateral Agents to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral. The Company also agrees promptly to notify the Administrative Agents if any material portion of the Collateral is damaged or destroyed. (b) Each year, at the time of delivery of annual financial statements with respect to the preceding fiscal year pursuant to clause (a) of Section 5.01, the Company shall deliver to the Administrative Agents a certificate of a Financial Officer and the chief legal officer of the Company (i) setting forth the information required pursuant to Section 2 of the Perfection Certificate or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Effective Date or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section and (ii) certifying that all Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) or other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations, including all refilings, rerecordings and reregistrations, containing a description of the Collateral have been filed of record in each governmental, municipal or other appropriate office in each jurisdiction identified pursuant to clause (i) above to the extent necessary to protect and perfect the security interests under the Security Agreements for a period of not less than 18 months after the date of such certificate (except as noted therein with respect to any continuation statements to be filed within such period). SECTION 5.04. Existence; Conduct of Business. The Company will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03. SECTION 5.05. Payment of Obligations. The Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay its Indebtedness and other obligations, including Tax liabilities, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) the Company or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP, (c) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and the enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation and (d) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. SECTION 5.06. Maintenance of Properties. The Company will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. SECTION 5.07. Insurance. The Company will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies (a) insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (b) all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Security Documents. The Company will furnish to the Lenders, upon request of either Administrative Agent, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained. SECTION 5.08. Casualty and Condemnation. The Borrowers (a) will furnish to the Administrative Agents and the Lenders prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of any Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any Collateral or any part thereof or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding and (b) will ensure that the Net Proceeds of any such event (whether in the form of insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or otherwise) are collected and applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Security Documents. SECTION 5.09. Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights. (a) The Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep proper financial records in accordance with GAAP. The Company will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by either Administrative Agent, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from such records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at reasonable times; provided that the Company need not permit any such inspection, evaluation or appraisal more frequently than twice in any period of 12 consecutive months commencing on or after the Effective Date, except that this proviso shall not apply if a Default shall have occurred and is continuing. (b) The Company will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by either Administrative Agent (including any consultants, accountants, lawyers and appraisers retained by such Administrative Agent) to conduct evaluations and appraisals of the computation of the U.S. Borrowing Base or the Canadian Borrowing Base (or both) and the assets included therein, including supporting systems, processes and controls, all at reasonable times; provided that, unless a Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company need not permit any such inspection, evaluation or appraisal more frequently than twice in any period of 12 consecutive months commencing on or after the Effective Date. The Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of any representatives retained by an Administrative Agent, or employees of such Administrative Agent, to conduct any such evaluation or appraisal, and, while no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, no more frequently than once in any period of 12 consecutive months commencing on or after the Effective Date, including reasonable and customary internally allocated fees and expenses of such employees. SECTION 5.10. Compliance with Laws. The Company will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. SECTION 5.11. Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit. The proceeds of the Loans and Acceptances will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions and, subject to the limitations contained herein, Capital Expenditures. No part of the proceeds of any Loan or Acceptance will be used, directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulation U. Letters of Credit will be issued only for general corporate purposes. SECTION 5.12. Additional Subsidiaries. If any additional Subsidiary is formed or acquired after the Effective Date, the Company will notify the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents and the Lenders thereof and (a) if such Subsidiary is a wholly-owned U.S. Subsidiary, the Company will cause such Subsidiary (i) to become a party to (A) the U.S. Guarantee Agreement, (B) the Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement, (C) the U.S. Security Agreement and (D) the U.S. Pledge Agreement, in each case in the manner provided therein and within 10 U.S. Business Days after such Subsidiary is formed or acquired and (ii) promptly to take such actions to perfect the Liens on such Subsidiary's assets granted under the Security Documents as the U.S. Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders shall reasonably request, (b) if such Subsidiary is a wholly-owned Canadian Subsidiary, the Company will cause such Subsidiary (i) to become a party to (A) the Canadian Guarantee Agreement, (B) the Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement, (C) the Canadian Security Agreement and (D) the Canadian Pledge Agreement, in each case in the manner provided therein and within 10 Canadian Business Days after such Subsidiary is formed or acquired and (ii) promptly to take such actions to perfect Liens on such Subsidiary's assets granted under the Security Documents as the Administrative Agents or the Required Lenders shall reasonably request and (c) if any Equity Interests of such Subsidiary are owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party, the Company will cause such Equity Interests to be pledged pursuant to the applicable Pledge Agreement within 10 Business Days after such Subsidiary is formed or acquired (except that, if such Subsidiary is a Foreign Subsidiary, shares of voting stock of such Subsidiary to be pledged pursuant to the U.S. Pledge Agreement may be limited to 65% of the outstanding shares of voting stock of such Subsidiary). SECTION 5.13. Additional Mortgaged Property. As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 30 days following the Effective Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the U.S. Collateral Agent a Mortgage on an additional parcel of real property owned by any U.S. Loan Party satisfactory to the Administrative Agents having an appraised value equal to or greater than U.S.$4,000,000 and such parcel of real property and the encumbrance thereof shall comply with the provisions set forth in Section 2.22(b) with respect to the addition of substitute property, mutatis mutandis. SECTION 5.14. Further Assurances. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, termination statements, fixture filings and other documents), which may be required under any applicable law, or which either Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Loan Parties. The Borrowers also agree to provide to the Administrative Agents, from time to time upon request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agents as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents. ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants Until the Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and Acceptance Obligation and all fees payable hereunder have been paid in full, there are no Acceptances outstanding and all Letters of Credit have expired or terminated and all L/C Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, each of the Borrowers covenants and agrees with the Lenders that: SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities. (a) The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except: (i) Indebtedness created under the Loan Documents; (ii) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except to the extent of any reasonable premiums, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any such extensions, renewals and replacements) or result in an earlier maturity date or decreased weighted average life thereof; (iii) Indebtedness of the Company to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to the Company or any other Subsidiary; provided that Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party owing to any Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04; (iv) Guarantees by the Company of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary and by any Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Company or any other Subsidiary; provided that (A) Guarantees by any Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (B) a Canadian Loan Party shall not Guarantee Indebtedness of a U.S. Loan Party; (v) Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except to the extent of any reasonable premiums, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any such extensions, renewals and replacements) or result in an earlier maturity date or decreased weighted average life thereof; provided that (A) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (B) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (v) and clause (vi) below, plus the aggregate book value of all assets sold after the Effective Date pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions permitted by clause (c) of Section 6.06, shall not exceed, at any time outstanding, 10% of the Company's Consolidated Tangible Net Worth; (vi) Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary for borrowed money secured by any real properties (other than Mortgaged Properties) and improvements thereto (but not inventory or other personal property located therein) owned by the Company or any Subsidiary, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except to the extent of any reasonable premiums, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any such extensions, renewals and replacements) or result in an earlier maturity date or decreased weighted average life thereof; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (vi) shall be subject to the limitation set forth in the proviso to clause (v) above; (vii) Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary relating to purchase money security interests (as defined in the New York Uniform Commercial Code, as amended) in the United States or such similar provision of Ontario law or any other applicable Province of Canada in an aggregate amount not exceeding U.S.$40,000,000 (or its equivalent) at any time outstanding; provided that, after giving effect to any such proposed transaction, (A) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (B) the total U.S. Exposure does not exceed the total U.S. Commitments, (C) the total Canadian Exposure does not exceed the total Canadian Commitments and (D) the sum of the U.S. Borrowing Base and the Canadian Borrowing Base is greater than the sum of the total U.S. Commitments and the total Canadian Commitments; and (viii) other unsecured Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding U.S.$40,000,000 (or its equivalent) at any time outstanding. (b) The Company will not, nor will the Company permit any Subsidiary to, issue any preferred stock or other preferred Equity Interests, other than Qualified Preferred Stock. SECTION 6.02. Liens. The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except: (a) Liens created under the Loan Documents; (b) Permitted Encumbrances; (c) any Lien on any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; (d) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Company or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except to the extent of any reasonable premiums, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any such extensions, renewals and replacements); (e) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Company or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (v) of Section 6.01(a), (ii) such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such security interests shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary; (f) Liens on real properties (other than the Mortgaged Properties) and improvements thereto (but not inventory or other personal property located therein) owned by the Company or any Subsidiary; provided that such Liens secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (vi) of Section 6.01(a); and (g) Liens of sellers of goods to any Loan Party arising under the provisions of applicable law similar to Article 2 of the UCC in the ordinary course of business, covering only goods (other than Inventory included in the U.S. Borrowing Base or Canadian Borrowing Base). SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes. (a) The Company will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate or amalgamate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) any Subsidiary may merge into or amalgamate with the Company in a transaction in which the Company is the surviving corporation, (ii) any Subsidiary may merge into any Subsidiary in a transaction in which the surviving or amalgamated entity is a Subsidiary and (if any party to such merger is a Loan Party) is a Loan Party and (iii) any Subsidiary (other than a Borrower) may liquidate or dissolve if the Company determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04. (b) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto. SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a wholly owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any Equity Interests in or evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit, except: (a) Permitted Investments; (b) investments existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 6.04 and any other investments from time to time not to exceed at any time outstanding an aggregate principal amount in excess of the Net Proceeds received from the disposition of investments permitted by this Section 6.04(b); (c) investments by the Company and its Subsidiaries in Equity Interests in their respective Subsidiaries; provided that (i) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party shall be pledged pursuant to the applicable Pledge Agreement (subject to the limitations applicable to common stock of a Foreign Subsidiary referred to in Section 5.12), (ii) the aggregate amount of investments by Loan Parties in, and loans and advances by Loan Parties to, and Guarantees by Loan Parties of Indebtedness of, Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (including all such investments, loans, advances and Guarantees existing on the Effective Date) shall not exceed U.S.$20,000,000 (or its equivalent) at any time outstanding and (iii) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries will create or acquire any Subsidiary after the Effective Date that is not a Loan Party; (d) loans or advances made by the Company to any Subsidiary and made by any Subsidiary to the Company or any other Subsidiary; provided that the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties shall be subject to the limitation set forth in clause (c) above; (e) Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party shall be subject to the limitation set forth in clause (c) above; (f) investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business; and (g) non-cash consideration received in connection with the sale, transfer, lease or disposition of any asset in compliance with Sections 6.05 and 6.06. SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it, nor will the Company permit any of its Subsidiaries to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary, except: (a) sales, transfers, leases or other dispositions of inventory, used or surplus equipment or equipment to Canadian franchisees and Permitted Investments, in each case in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; (b) sales, transfers and dispositions to the Company or a Subsidiary; provided that any such sales, transfers or dispositions involving a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Section 6.09; (c) sales, transfers and other dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary) that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section; provided that the aggregate book value of all assets sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in reliance upon this clause (c) during any fiscal year of the Company shall not exceed an amount equal to 10% of the Company's Consolidated Net Tangible Assets as of the commencement of such fiscal year; and (d) sales of assets pursuant to sale an leaseback transactions permitted by Section 6.06; provided that all sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions permitted hereby (other than those permitted by clauses (a) and (b) above) shall be made for fair value and at least 80% cash consideration. SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereinafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred, except (a) the Contemplated Sale/Leaseback Transaction, (b) any such sale of any fixed or capital assets that is made for consideration having a cash component in an amount not less than the cost of such fixed or capital asset and is consummated within 180 days after the Company or such Subsidiary acquires or completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset and (c) any other such sale of fixed or capital assets, provided that the aggregate book value of all assets sold after the Effective Date pursuant to this clause (c) shall be subject to the limitation set forth in the proviso to clause (v) of Section 6.01(a). SECTION 6.07. Hedging Agreements. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any Hedging Agreement, other than Hedging Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Company or any Subsidiary is exposed in the conduct of its business or the management of its liabilities. SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness. (a) The Company will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except (i) the Company may declare and pay dividends with respect to its capital stock payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, (ii) Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their capital stock and (iii) the Company may make Restricted Payments, not exceeding $10,000,000 during any fiscal year, pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans or other benefit plans for management or employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries. (b) The Company will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), other than regularly scheduled payments as and when due, in respect of principal of, or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancelation or termination of, (i) any debt securities issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1991, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as indenture trustee or (ii) any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary that is scheduled to mature after the Maturity Date; provided that the Company may repurchase from time to time, prior to their maturity, the debt securities referred to in the preceding clause (i) in open market transactions for a purchase price less than par so long as the aggregate cost of all such repurchased debt securities does not exceed U.S.$40,000,000 over the term of the Availability Period; provided that, after giving effect to any proposed repurchase, (A) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (B) the total U.S. Exposure does not exceed 50% of the total U.S. Commitments, (C) the total Canadian Exposure does not exceed 50% of the total Canadian Commitments and (D) the sum of the U.S. Borrowing Base and the Canadian Borrowing Base is greater than the sum of the total U.S. Commitments and the total Canadian Commitments. SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates. The Company will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) transactions in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm's-length basis from unrelated third parties, or (b) transactions between or among the Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate. SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements. The Company will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of the Company or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any property or assets owned by it, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its capital stock or to make or repay loans or advances to the Company or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Company or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by any Loan Document, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions included in licenses, contracts, leases, agreements and other instruments restricting assignment and/or encumbrance, (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (iv) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (v) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases restricting the assignment thereof. SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents. The Company will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, amend, modify or waive any of (a) the provisions of its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other organizational documents or (b) its rights under other material documents, in the case of all of the foregoing, in a manner materially adverse to the Lenders. SECTION 6.12. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. The Company will not permit the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDAR to (b) Consolidated Fixed Charges, in each case for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending during any period set forth below, to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite such period: Period Ratio Effective Date to and including 1.40 to 1.00 last day of the fiscal year ending on or about February 23, 2002 Thereafter to and including last 1.65 to 1.00 day of the fiscal year ending on or about February 22, 2003 Thereafter 1.75 to 1.00 SECTION 6.13. Total Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio. The Company will not permit the ratio of (a) Total Funded Debt as of any date during any period set forth below to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended on or prior to such date, to exceed the ratio set forth below opposite such period. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period Ratio - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effective Date to but not including 4.80 to 1.00 last day of the fiscal year ending on or about February 23, 2002 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thereafter to but not including 4.25 to 1.00 last day of the fiscal year ending on or about February 22, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thereafter 3.50 to 1.00 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 6.14. Limitation on Capital Expenditures. The Company will not permit the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made by the Company and the Subsidiaries during any fiscal year set forth below to exceed the sum of, without duplication and to the extent not already deducted in determining Capital Expenditures, (a) the amount of Net Proceeds received during such fiscal year from sales of fixed or capital assets pursuant to transactions permitted by clause (c) of Section 6.05, plus (b) the application of Net Proceeds contemplated by clause (b) of the definition of "Prepayment Event", plus (c) the amount set forth below opposite such period: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal year ending on or about $300,000,000 February 23, 2002 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal year ending on or about $325,000,000 February 22, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each fiscal year thereafter $350,000,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 6.15. Foreign Employee Benefit Plans. Neither the Canadian Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, (a) permit the greater of the going concern unfunded liability or the solvency deficiency under the Foreign Employee Benefit Plans, but only to the extent they are permitted to remain unfunded under any laws, regulations or rules of any Governmental Authority, to result in an increase in the aggregate payments to be made by the Canadian Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of such Foreign Employee Benefit Plans in an amount (x) for any year, to be greater than Can.$10,000,000 for such year when compared to the prior year or (y) to be greater than Can.$20,000,000 in the aggregate (taking into account all Foreign Employee Benefit Plans of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) plus, in each case the initial annual amount of contributions required by the multi-employer pension plan referred to on Schedule 3.10(b), (b) fail to make minimum required contributions to amortize any funding deficiencies under all Foreign Employee Benefit Plans within the time period set out by the funding agent or as required by any Governmental Authority; or (c) fail to make a required contribution under any Foreign Employee Benefit Plan which could result in the imposition of a Lien upon the assets of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries within 30 days after the date such payment becomes due, unless such payment is being contested pursuant to Section 5.05. SECTION 6.16. Limitation on Change in Fiscal Year. The Company will not permit its fiscal year to end on a date other than the last Saturday in the month of February in each calendar year. ARTICLE VII Events of Default If any of the following events ("Events of Default") shall occur: (a) any Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or Acceptance Obligation or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any L/C Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof (including, as required under Section 2.10(b)) or otherwise; (b) any Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or Acceptance Obligation or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days; (c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Borrower or any other Loan Party in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; (d) any Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Sections 5.02, 5.04 (with respect to the existence of any Borrower) or 5.11 or in Article VI; (e) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof from either Administrative Agent to the Company (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender); (f) the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable; (g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (after the giving of notice and/or the lapse of any applicable grace period) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness; (h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Company or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered; (i) the Company or any Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Company or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; (j) the Company or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due; (k) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of U.S.$35,000,000 (or its equivalent) shall be rendered against the Company, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Company or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment; (l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding U.S.$10,000,000 (or its equivalent); (m) any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any material portion of the Collateral, with the priority required by the applicable Security Document, except (i) as a result of the sale or other disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents, (ii) as a result of a Collateral Agent's failure (x) to maintain possession of any stock certificates, promissory notes or other instruments delivered to it under a Pledge Agreement or (y) to file any document delivered by the Loan Parties to it for filing or (iii) as a result of a Collateral Agent's failure to take any action that the Company reasonably requests, in writing, such Collateral Agent to take; or (n) a Change in Control shall occur; then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to a Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the U.S. Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Company, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans and Acceptance Obligations then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans and Acceptance Obligations so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by each of the Borrowers; and in case of any event with respect to any Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans and Acceptance Obligations then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by each of the Borrowers. Solely for purposes of determining whether a Default has occurred under clause (h) or (i) or (j) of this Article VII, any reference in any such clause to any "Subsidiary" shall be deemed not to include any Subsidiary (after any such event referred to in such clauses, each such Subsidiary shall be deemed an "Excluded Subsidiary") affected by any event or circumstance referred to in any such clause that meets all the following conditions: (a) the Company's direct and indirect investments in and advances to the Subsidiary is less than 1% of the total assets of the Company consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; (b) the Company's direct and indirect proportionate share of the total assets (after intercompany eliminations) of the Subsidiary is less than 1% of the total assets of the Company consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; and (c) the Company's direct and indirect equity in the income from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of the Subsidiary is less than 1% of such income of the Company consolidated for the most recently completed fiscal year; provided that (i) if it is necessary to exclude more than one Subsidiary from clause (h) or (j) of Section 7.01 pursuant to this paragraph in order to avoid a Default thereunder, all excluded Subsidiaries shall be considered to be a single consolidated Subsidiary for purposes of determining whether the conditions specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above are satisfied and (ii) a Subsidiary shall not be excluded from clauses (h) and (j) of Section 6.01 if such Subsidiary holds rights under any long-term contracts for the purchase of inventory accounting for more than 5% of the total inventory purchased by the Company and its Subsidiaries during the most recent Calculation Period. ARTICLE VIII The Agents Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints each of the Agents as its agent and authorizes the Agents to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to each such Agent, respectively, by the terms of the Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Each bank serving as an Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent, and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business with the Company or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if it were not an Agent hereunder. No Agent shall have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) an Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) an Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated by the Loan Documents that such Agent is required to exercise in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02), and (c) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, an Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Company or any Subsidiary that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as an Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. An Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct. An Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to such Agent by a Borrower or a Lender, and an Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to such Agent. Each Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person. Each Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. Each Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrowers), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts. Each Agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by it. Each Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding paragraphs shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of (i) each Agent and (ii) any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Agent. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Agent as provided in this paragraph, an Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the other Agents, the Issuing Banks and the Company. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Company, to appoint a successor. If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its resignation, then such retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or Toronto, Ontario, as applicable, or an Affiliate of any such bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and such retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. The fees payable by the Company to a successor Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Company and such successor. After an Agent's resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Agent. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agents or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agents or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder. ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous SECTION 9.01. Notices. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows: (a) if to any Borrower, to it in care of the Company at Two Paragon Drive, Montvale, New Jersey 07645, Attention of the Treasurer (Telecopy No. (201) 571-8036); (b) if to the U.S. Administrative Agent, to The Chase Manhattan Bank, Loan and Agency Services Group, One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10081, Attention of Concetta Prainito (Telecopy No. (212) 552-7500), with a copy to The Chase Manhattan Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attention of Ruby Tulloch (Telecopy No. (212) 270-7594); (c) if to the Canadian Administrative Agent, to it at One First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Suite 6900, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1A4, Attention of Amanda Staff (Telecopy No. (416) 216-4162); (d) if to the U.S. Issuing Bank, to it at Letters of Credit Department, The Chase Manhattan Bank, Attention of Christine Siebel (Telecopy No. (718) 242-6540); (e) if to the Canadian Issuing Bank, to it at Corporate Accounts, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Attention of Zorida Shaw and/or Bonnie McKee (Telecopy No. (416) 866-6489); and (f) if to a Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire. Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt. SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments. (a) No failure or delay by an Administrative Agent, a Collateral Agent, an Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of an Acceptance or a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether an Administrative Agent, a Collateral Agent, any Lender or an Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time. (b) Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except, in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the Required Lenders or, in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Agent that is a party thereto and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto, in each case with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan, Acceptance Obligation or unreimbursed L/C Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iii) postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan under Section 2.09, or date for the payment of any Acceptance Obligation, or the required date of reimbursement of any L/C Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest or fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.17(b) or (c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the written consent of each Lender, (v) change any of the provisions of this Section or the percentage set forth in the definition of "Required Lenders" or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (or each Lender of such Class, as the case may be), (vi) change any of the provisions of the definitions of "Canadian Borrowing Base", "U.S. Borrowing Base", "Eligible Store Inventory", "Eligible Warehouse Inventory", or "Eligible Real Estate", in each case in a manner adverse to the interests of the Lenders, without the written consent of the Required Lenders (calculated for this purpose as though the percentage specified in the definition of "Required Lenders" were 66-2/3% instead of 50%), (vii) increase the total U.S. Commitments or the total Canadian Commitments (other than pursuant to a reallocation or consolidation of Commitments in accordance with Section 2.08 or 2.21), without the written consent of the Required Lenders (calculated for this purpose as though the percentage specified in the definition of "Required Lenders" were 66-2/3% instead of 50%), (viii) release any Loan Party from its Guarantee under the applicable Guarantee Agreement (except as expressly provided in such Guarantee Agreement), or limit its liability in respect of such Guarantee, without the written consent of each Lender, (ix) release all or any substantial part of the Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents (except with respect to sales or transfers of, and other transactions relating to, Collateral permitted pursuant to the Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender or (x) effect any waiver, amendment or modification that by its terms affects the U.S. Lenders only without the prior written consent of a majority in interest of the U.S. Lenders, or affects the Canadian Lenders only without the prior written consent of a majority in interest of the Canadian Lenders or affects the rights and interests of U.S. Lenders differently than those of Canadian Lenders, or affects the rights and interests of Canadian Lenders differently than those of U.S. Lenders, without in any such case the prior written consent of a majority in interest of the U.S. Lenders and the Canadian Lenders, as separate classes; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of any Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank or Collateral Agent without the prior written consent of such Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank or Collateral Agent, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any provision of this Agreement may be amended by an agreement in writing entered into between the Borrowers, the Required Lenders and the Administrative Agents (and, if their rights or obligations are affected thereby, the Issuing Banks) if (i) by the terms of such agreement the Commitment of each Lender not consenting to the amendment provided for therein shall terminate upon the effectiveness of such amendment and (ii) at the time such amendment becomes effective, each Lender not consenting thereto receives payment in full of the principal of and interest accrued on each Loan and Acceptance Obligation owed to it and all other amounts owing to it or accrued for its account under this Agreement. SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver. (a) The U.S. Borrowers agree, jointly and severally, and the Canadian Borrower agrees, to pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents and their respective Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agents and the Collateral Agents in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Banks in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents, the Issuing Banks or any Lender, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents, the Issuing Banks or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of their rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including their rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made, Acceptances created or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans, Acceptances or Letters of Credit. (b) The U.S. Borrowers agree, jointly and severally, and the Canadian Borrower agrees, to indemnify the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents, the Issuing Banks and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an "Indemnitee") against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the parties to the Loan Documents of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan, Acceptance or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any Mortgaged Property or any other property currently or formerly owned or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of such Indemnitee. (c) To the extent that the Borrowers fail to pay any amount required to be paid by them to an Administrative Agent, a Collateral Agent or an Issuing Bank under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to such Administrative Agent, such Collateral Agent or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such Lender's pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Administrative Agent, such Collateral Agent or such Issuing Bank in its capacity as such. For purposes hereof, a Lender's "pro rata share" shall be determined based upon its share of the sum of the aggregate amount of the total Commitments at the time. (d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, none of the Borrowers shall assert, and each of the Borrowers hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan, Acceptance or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof. (e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor. SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns. (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of an Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that no Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each of the Lenders (and any attempted assignment or transfer by a Borrower without such consent shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of an Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement. (b) Each Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment, the Loans and Acceptance Obligations at the time owing to it and its participation in Letters of Credit); provided that (i) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, each of the Company, the Administrative Agents and the Issuing Banks must give their prior written consent to such assignment (which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld), (ii) except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender's Commitment, the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender to be assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment is delivered to the applicable Administrative Agent) shall not be less than U.S. $5,000,000 unless each of the Company and the applicable Administrative Agent otherwise consent, (iii) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, except that this clause (iii) shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender's rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans, (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the applicable Administrative Agent an Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing and recordation fee of U.S.$3,500, in the case of fees payable to the U.S. Administrative Agent, or Cdn.$4,500, in the case of fees payable to the Canadian Administrative Agent (except such fee shall not be payable in the case of an assignment by any Lender to any of its affiliates or an assignment pursuant to Sections 2.08 or 2.18) and (v) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the applicable Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire; and provided further that any consent of the Company otherwise required under this paragraph shall not be required if a Default has occurred and is continuing. Subject to acceptance and recordation in the Register pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, which effective date shall be at least five U.S. Business Days (or, if the assignee is a Canadian Lender, five Canadian Business Days) after the execution and recordation thereof, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this paragraph shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (e) of this Section. (c) The Canadian Administrative Agent shall furnish to the U.S. Administrative Agent a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance with respect to a Canadian Commitment. The U.S. Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at one of its offices in The City of New York a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and Acceptance Obligations and L/C Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the "Register"). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agents, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers, the Issuing Banks and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. (d) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee's completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the applicable Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Acceptance and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph. (e) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrowers, the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents or the Issuing Banks, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a "Participant") in all or a portion of such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender's obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce the Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the Loan Documents; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (f) of this Section, each Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.17(c) as though it were a Lender. (f) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.14 or 2.16 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with a Borrower's prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Non-U.S. Lender or a Non-Canadian Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.16 unless the Company is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrowers, to comply with Section 2.16(e) as though it were a Lender. (g) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto. SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans, the acceptance of any Acceptances and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that an Administrative Agent, a Collateral Agent, an Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit or Acceptance Obligations is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans and Acceptance Obligations, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof. SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by each of the Administrative Agents and when the U.S. Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If one or more Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender shall have the right, in addition to and not in limitation of any right which any such Lender may have under applicable law or otherwise, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by such Lender or its Affiliates to or for the credit or the account of any of the Borrowers against any of and all the obligations of any of the Borrowers now or hereafter existing under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents held by such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or such other Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of each Lender under this Section 9.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender may have. SECTION 9.09. GOVERNING LAW; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. (b) Each of the Borrowers hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that an Administrative Agent, a Collateral Agent, an Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any of the Borrowers or their respective properties in the courts of any jurisdiction. (c) Each of the Borrowers hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court. (d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION. SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement. SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agents, the Collateral Agents, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below) except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates' directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (g) with the consent of the Company or the Canadian Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to an Administrative Agent, a Collateral Agent, an Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrowers. For the purposes of this Section, "Information" means all information received from any of the Borrowers relating to the Borrowers or their business, other than any such information that is available to an Administrative Agent, a Collateral Agent, an Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any of the Borrowers; provided that, in the case of information received from a Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information. SECTION 9.13. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively, the "Charges"), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the "Maximum Rate") which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate (or, in the case of amounts denominated in Canadian dollars, the rate from time to time determined by the Canadian Administrative Agent to represent its cost of overnight Canadian dollars) to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written. THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC., by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Senior Vice President THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC COMPANY OF CANADA, LIMITED, by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Treasurer THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as U.S. Administrative Agent, by /s/ Barry K. Bergman Name: Barry K. Bergman Title: Vice President THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK OF CANADA, as Canadian Administrative Agent, by /s/ Christine Chan Name: Christine Chan Title: Vice President by /s/ Sara Collins Name: Sara Collins Title: Authorized Representative THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, TORONTO BRANCH, as a Lender party hereto, by /s/ Christine Chan Name: Christine Chan Title: Authorized Representative by /s/ Sara Collins Name: Sara Collins Title: Authorized Representative COMPASS FOODS, INC., by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Vice President BORMAN'S, INC., by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Vice President KOHL'S FOOD STORES, INC., by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Vice President SHOPWELL, INC., by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Vice President WALDBAUM, INC., by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Vice President SUPER FRESH FOOD MARKETS, INC., by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Vice President SUPER MARKET SERVICE CORP., by /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Name: Mitchell P. Goldstein Title: Vice President FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Rina Shinoda Name: Rina Shinoda Title: Vice President THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Michael Seguin Name: Michael Seguin Title: Associate by /s/ K. Coulson Name: K. Coulson Title: Director LA SALLE BUSINESS CREDIT, INC. as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Lawrence P. Garni Name: Lawrence P. Garni Title: First Vice President FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Michael Kerneklian Name: Michael Kerneklian Title: Vice President HELLER FINANCIAL, INC., as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Thomas W. Bukowski Name: Thomas W. Bukowski Title: Senior Vice President TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Stephen Goetschius Name: Stephen Goetschius Title: Senior Vice President DEBIS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., as a Lender party hereto by /s/ James M. Vandervalk Name: James M. Vandervalk Title: President of ABL Division IBJ WHITEHALL BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Tod R. Angus Name: Tod R. Angus Title: Vice President CITIZENS BUSINESS CREDIT CO., A DIVISION OF CITIZENS LEASING CORP., as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Vincent P. O'Leary Name: Vincent P. O'Leary Title: Senior Vice President GMAC COMMERCIAL CREDIT LLC, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Frank Imperati Name: Frank Imperati Title: Senior Vice President GMAC COMMERCIAL CREDIT CORPORATION CANADA, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Sam Cirelli Name: Sam Cirelli Title: Executive Vice President GMAC BUSINESS CREDIT, LLC, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ W. Wakefield Smith Name: W. Wakefield Smith Title: Director NATIONAL CITY BANK, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Thomas J. McDonnell Name: Thomas J. McDonnell Title: Senior Vice President AMSOUTH BANK, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ George Grieco Name: George Grieco Title: Attorney-in-fact BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK GIROZENTRALE, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Alexander Kohnert Name: Alexander Kohnert Title: First Vice President by /s/ Wolfgan Kottmann Name: Wolfgan Kottmann Title: Vice President SIEMENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Frank Amodio Name: Frank Amodio Title: Vice President EUROPEAN AMERICAN BANK, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Anthony V. Pantina Name: Anthony V. Pantina Title: Vice President FIRSTAR BANK, N.A., as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Sandra J. Hartay Name: Sandra J. Hartay Title: Vice President HIBERNIA NATIONAL BANK, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Lloyd Drumm Name: Lloyd Drumm Title: Assistant Vice President MICHIGAN NATIONAL BANK, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Jason Bierlein Name: Jason Bierlein Title: Relationship Manager THE PROVIDENT BANK, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Jose V. Garde Name: Jose V. Garde Title: Vice President THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Lender party hereto by /s/ Howard F. Bascom, Jr. Name: Howard F. Bascom, Jr. Title: Vice President [NyCorp; creditagreement501; 05/14/01--11:20 AM] SCHEDULE 1(a) Existing U.S. Letters of Credit Letters of Credit Issued by The Chase Manhattan Bank L/C Number Beneficiary Amount Landlord P-210627 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp U.S.$118,751 Valley Stream-Grocery, LLC P-210621 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 213,775 Valley Stream-Grocery, LLC P-210642 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 424,234 Benenson Howard Beach, LLC P-210612 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 437,460 Farmingdale-Grocery, LLC P-210605 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 127,428 Benenson Howard Beach, LLC P-471348 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 471,348 Huntington-Grocery, LLC P-210611 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 157,921 Farmingdale-Grocery, LLC P-210607 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 187,880 Huntington-Grocery, LLC P-210613 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 12,000 Farmingdale-Grocery, LLC P-210620 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 12,000 Valley Stream-Grocery, LLC P-210619 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 359,208 Hoboken-Clinton Avenue-Grocery, LLC P-210624 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 213,775 Valley Stream-Grocery, LLC P-210623 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 424,234 Benenson Howard Beach, LLC P-210618 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 2,386,536 Baltimore-Grocery, LLC P-210629 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 2,359,039 Central Islip-Grocery, LLC P-210628 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 490,560 Lindenhurst-Grocery, LLC P-210616 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 437,460 Farmingdale-Grocery, LLC P-210625 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 471,348 Huntington-Grocery, LLC P-210614 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 359,208 Hoboken-Clinton Avenue-Grocery, LLC P-210617 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 306,651 Ocean City-Grocery, LLC P-210618 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 2,386,536 Baltimore-Grocery, LLC P-210622 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 2,359,039 Central Islip-Grocery, LLC P-210630 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 490,560 Lindenhurst-Grocery, LLC P-210631 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 306,651 Ocean City-Grocery, LLC P-210632 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 397,461 White Oak-Grocery, LLC P-210633 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 397,461 White Oak-Grocery, LLC P-210593 Salomon Brothers Realty Corp 351,245 Central Islip-Grocery, LLC ------------------------------ Total amount of Chase Letters of Credit U.S.$16,659,769 Letters of Credit Issued by The Bank of New York - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- L/C Number Type Amount Maturity - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30228 Standby U.S.$15,059,000 2/14/02 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 139372 Commercial 1,648,394 6/21/01 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 196380 Commercial 2,750,000 6/21/01 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total amount of BoNY Letters of Credit U.S.$19,457,394 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 [NyCorp; creditagreement501; 05/14/01--11:20 AM] Existing Canadian Letters of Credit L/C Number Amount Expiry SLC-70773 Can.$39,000 8/13/2001 SLC-70774 20,000 7/31/2001 SLC-70775 30,700 7/19/2001 SLC-70776 41,000 7/19/2001 SLC-70777 30,000 4/24/2001 SLC-70779 78,300 4/24/2001 SLC-70780 240,000 4/24/2001 SLC-70787 50,000 7/1/2001 SLC-70789 30,000 7/1/2001 SLC-70853 30,000 4/24/2001 SLC-70857 20,000 7/8/2001 SLC-70858 17,000 5/1/2001 SLC-70860 24,000 5/1/2001 SLC-70862 62,000 6/17/2001 SLC-70866 32,390 6/17/2001 SLC-70869 30,000 6/7/2001 SLC-70870 18,000 6/18/2001 SLC-70871 20,000 6/6/2001 SLC-73296 1,700 8/27/2001 SLC-73303 1,575 8/27/2001 SLC-73307 4,500 8/27/2001 SLC-73312 36,000 8/27/2001 SLC-73315 35,000 9/13/2001 SLC-73638 25,000 9/20/2001 SLC-73964 30,000 10/17/2001 SLC-73967 30,000 10/11/2001 SLC-76351 18,000 11/7/2001 SLC-77215 25,000 11/24/2001 SLC-79460 10,000 12/30/2001 SLC-79683 3,000 11/27/2001 SLC-79684 14,990 9/12/2001 SLC-79686 9,000 9/12/2001 SLC-79689 25,000 12/4/2001 SLC-82017 20,000 2/2/2002 SLC-82024 15,000 2/2/2002 SLC-85007 70,000 3/10/2001 SLC-87511 45,000 4/20/2001 SLC-98360 5,000 11/2/2001 SLC-99397 30,000 11/20/2001 SLC-99870 25,000 11/30/2001 SLC-103515 36,650 2/18/2002 SLC-104268 35,000 3/3/2001 SLC-104274 18,000 3/8/2001 SLC-104719 10,500 3/16/2001 SLC-107745 670 5/13/2001 SLC-112723 14,240 8/24/2001 SLC-118373 25,000 12/16/2001 SLC-123155 28,500 3/31/2001 SLC-124660 27,500 5/2/2001 SLC-125033 39,000 5/9/2001 SLC-128914 21,710 7/26/2001 SLC-128918 9,700 7/26/2001 SLC-129547 7,000 8/11/2001 SLC-129551 34,000 8/11/2001 SLC-129553 25,000 8/11/2001 SLC-129557 62,050 8/11/2001 SLC-130071 - 1/19/2001 SLC-130072 30,000 8/23/2001 SLC-130073 1,250 8/23/2001 SLC-130081 10,400 9/14/2001 SLC-130097 27,000 10/4/2001 SLC-132650 - 1/18/2001 SLC-132657 - 2/9/2001 SLC-134668 4,800 11/24/2001 SLC-134778 400 11/25/2001 SLC-135669 18,000 12/14/2001 SLC-138789 25,000 2/23/2002 SLC-140006 38,000 3/21/2001 SLC-143886 30,000 6/5/2001 SLC-144251 3,700 6/12/2001 SLC-144498 5,000 6/15/2001 SLC-146448 35,650 7/20/2001 SLC-148451 - 11/30/2000 SLC-149842 15,000 10/4/2001 SLC-150066 4,000 10/10/2001 SLC-152666 1,000 12/31/2001 SLC-154227 20,000 1/7/2002 Total amount of The Bank of Nova Scotia Cdn.$1,954,875 Letters of Credit SCHEDULE 2.01 U.S. Lenders ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Lender U.S. Commitment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Foothill Capital Corporation U.S.$ 35,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ GMAC Commercial Credit LLC 13,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ GMAC Business Credit, LLC 17,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ La Salle Business Credit, Inc. 23,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fleet Capital Corporation 23,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Heller Financial, Inc. 23,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Transamerica Business Credit Corporation 23,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ debis Financial Services, Inc. 23,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ IBJ Whitehall Business Credit Corporation 20,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Citizens Business Credit Co., a division of 20,000,000 Citizens Leasing Corp. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ National City Bank 15,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amsouth Bank 15,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale, Cayman Islands 15,000,000 Branch ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Siemens Financial Services, Inc. 15,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ European American Bank 10,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Firstar Bank, N.A. 10,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hibernia National Bank 10,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Michigan National Bank 10,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Provident Bank 10,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Bank of New York 10,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total U.S. Commitment U.S.$ 340,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Canadian Lenders ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Canadian Lender Canadian Commitment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Chase Manhattan Bank, Toronto Branch U.S.$ 40,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Bank of Nova Scotia 40,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ GMAC Commercial Credit Corporation-Canada 5,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Canadian Commitment U.S.$ 85,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EX-23 5 ex23501.txt Exhibit 23 ---------- INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT ----------------------------- THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC.: We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 2-92428 on Form S-8, Post Effective Amendment No. 7 to Registration Statement No. 2-59290 on Form S-8, Post Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement No. 2-73205 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-36225 on Form S-3 and Registration Statement No. 333-80347 on Form S-3 of our report dated April 5, 2001, contained in the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Shareholders and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. for the year ended February 24, 2001. Deloitte & Touche LLP Parsippany, New Jersey May 23, 2001 10-K 6 f10kfiscal2000.txt FORM 10-K UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) [ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended February 24, 2001 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period to Commission file number 1-4141 THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC. ---------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Maryland 13-1890974 --------------------------- --------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 2 Paragon Drive Montvale, New Jersey 07645 (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 201-573-9700 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered - ------------------- ----------------------------------------- Common Stock - $1 par value New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None 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 [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ] The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant at May 7, 2001 was approximately $195,674,000. The number of shares of common stock outstanding at May 7, 2001 was 38,347,216. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE The information required by Part I, Items 1(d) and 3, and Part II, Items 5, 6, 7, 7A, 8 and 14(a)1) are incorporated by reference from the Registrant's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. The Registrant has filed with the S.E.C. since the close of its last fiscal year ended February 24, 2001, a definitive proxy statement. Certain information required by Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 is incorporated by reference from the proxy statement in this Form 10-K. PART I ITEM 1 - Business General The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. ("A&P" or the "Company") is engaged in the retail food business. The Company operated 752 stores averaging approximately 37,100 square feet per store as of February 24, 2001. In addition, the Company served as wholesaler to 68 franchise stores in Canada averaging approximately 29,700 square feet per store as of February 24, 2001. On the basis of reported sales for fiscal 2000, the Company believes that it is one of the 10 largest retail food chains in the United States. Operating under the trade names A&P, Super Fresh, Sav-A-Center, Farmer Jack, Kohl's, Waldbaum's, Super Foodmart, Ultra Food & Drug, Dominion, Food Basics, The Barn Markets and Food Emporium, the Company sells groceries, meats, fresh produce and other items commonly offered in supermarkets. In addition, many stores have bakery, delicatessen, pharmacy, floral, fresh fish and cheese departments, and on-site banking. National, regional and local brands are sold as well as private label merchandise. In support of its retail operations, the Company also operates one coffee roasting plant in the United States. Through its Compass Foods Division, the Company manufactures and distributes a line of whole bean coffees under the Eight O'Clock, Bokar and Royale labels, for sale through its own stores as well as other food and convenience retailers. The other private label products sold in the Company's stores are sold under the Company's own brand names which include America's Choice, Master Choice, Health Pride, Savings Plus and The Farm. Building upon a broad base of A&P supermarkets, the Company has historically expanded and diversified within the retail food business through the acquisition of other supermarket chains and the development of several alternative store types. The Company now operates its stores with merchandise, pricing and identities tailored to appeal to different segments of the market, including buyers seeking gourmet and ethnic foods, unusual produce, a wide variety of premium quality private label goods and health and beauty aids along with the array of traditional grocery products. Modernization of Facilities The Company is engaged in a continuing program of modernizing its operations including retail stores, warehousing and distribution facilities, supply and logistics and processes. In support of its modernizing program, on March 13, 2000, the Company announced its Great Renewal - Phase II supply chain and business process initiative ("GR II"), a plan to develop a state of the art supply chain and business management infrastructure over the next four years. During fiscal 2000, the Company expended approximately $416 million for capital projects which included 47 new supermarkets, 10 new franchised stores and 45 major remodels or enlargements. The Company's plans for fiscal 2001 anticipate capital expenditures of approximately $100 million relating to GR II and $275 million relating to ongoing capital projects which include the opening of 25 new supermarkets. In addition, the Company plans to continue with similar levels of capital expenditures in fiscal 2002 and several years thereafter. Sources of Supply The Company obtains the merchandise sold in its stores from a variety of suppliers located primarily in the United States and Canada. The Company has long-standing and satisfactory relationships with its suppliers. The Company maintains a processing facility that produces coffee products. The main ingredients for coffee products are purchased principally from Brazilian and Central American sources. Other ingredients are obtained from domestic suppliers. Employees As of February 24, 2001, the Company had approximately 83,000 employees, of which 69% were employed on a part-time basis. Approximately 88% of the Company's employees are covered by union contracts. Competition The supermarket business is highly competitive throughout the marketing areas served by the Company and is generally characterized by low profit margins on sales with earnings primarily dependent upon rapid inventory turnover, effective cost controls and the ability to achieve high sales volume. The Company competes for sales and store locations with a number of national and regional chains as well as with many independent and cooperative stores and markets. Foreign Operations The information required is contained under the captions "Management's Discussion and Analysis", "Note 4 - Wholesale Franchise Business", "Note 5 - Indebtedness", "Note 6 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments", "Note 8 - Income Taxes", "Note 9 - Retirement Plans and Benefits", and "Note 13 - Operating Segments" in the 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 2 - Properties At February 24, 2001, the Company owned 139 properties consisting of the following: Stores Not Including Stores in Owned Shopping Centers ----------------------------------------------------- Land and building owned 32 Building owned and land leased 17 --- Total stores 49 Shopping Centers Land and building owned 17 Building owned and land leased 4 --- Total shopping centers 21 Warehouses Land and building owned 7 Building owned and land leased - --- Total warehouses 7 Administrative and Other Properties Land and building owned 20 Building owned and land leased 3 Property under development building owned and land leased 10 Property under development land and building owned 2 Property under development land only 2 Undeveloped land 25 --- Total other properties 62 --- Total Properties 139 === At February 24, 2001, the Company operated 752 retail stores and serviced 68 franchised stores. These stores are geographically located as follows: Company Stores: New England States: Connecticut 39 Massachusetts 18 New Hampshire 1 Vermont 2 --- Total 60 --- Middle Atlantic States: District of Columbia 1 Delaware 10 Maryland 41 New Jersey 105 New York 152 Pennsylvania 29 --- Total 338 --- Midwestern States: Michigan 101 Ohio 3 Wisconsin 37 --- Total 141 --- Southern States: Louisiana 21 Mississippi 5 North Carolina 1 Virginia 11 --- Total 38 --- Total United States 577 --- Ontario, Canada 175 --- Total Stores 752 === Franchised Stores: Ontario, Canada 68 --- Total Franchised Stores 68 === The total area of all Company operated retail stores is 27.9 million square feet averaging approximately 37,100 square feet per store. Excluding liquor and Food Emporium stores, which are generally smaller in size, the average store size is approximately 39,400 square feet. The total area of all franchised stores is 2.0 million square feet averaging approximately 29,700 square feet per store. The 47 new stores added in fiscal 2000 consisted of 45 supermarkets, of which 4 were Food Emporium stores, and 2 liquor stores. Excluding the Food Emporium and liquor stores, the supermarkets opened in fiscal 2000 had a range in size from 21,400 to 70,500 square feet, with an average size of approximately 51,400 square feet. The stores built by the Company over the past several years and those planned for fiscal 2001 and thereafter, generally range in size from 50,000 to 60,000 square feet. The selling area of new stores is approximately 74% of the total square footage. The Company operates one coffee roasting plant in the United States. In addition, the Company maintains 14 warehouses that service its store network. These warehouses are geographically located as follows: Indiana 1 Louisiana 1 Maryland 1 Michigan 2 New Jersey 2 New York 2 Pennsylvania 1 Wisconsin 1 --- Total United States 11 Ontario, Canada 3 --- Total Warehouses 14 === The net book value of real estate pledged as collateral for all mortgage loans amounted to $4.5 million as of February 24, 2001. The net book value of real estate pledged as collateral for the Company's $425 million Secured Revolving Credit Agreement expiring December 31, 2003 amounted to $88.1 million as of February 24, 2001. ITEM 3 - Legal Proceedings The information required is contained under the caption "Note 11 - Litigation" in the 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000. PART II ITEM 5 - Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters The information required is contained under the captions "Summary of Quarterly Results", "Five Year Summary of Selected Financial Data", and "Stockholder Information" in the 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 6 - Selected Financial Data The information required is contained under the caption "Five Year Summary of Selected Financial Data" in the 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis The information required is contained under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis" in the 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 7A - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk The information required is contained in the section "Market Risk" under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis" the in the 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (a) Financial Statements: The financial statements required to be filed herein are described in Part IV, Item 14 of this report. Except for the sections included herein by reference, the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders is not deemed to be filed as part of this report. (b) The information required is contained under the caption "Summary of Quarterly Results" in the 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None PART III ITEMS 10 and 11 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant and Executive Compensation Executive Officers of the Company are as follows: Name Age Current Position - ------------------ --- -------------------------- Christian W.E. Haub 36 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Corrado 61 Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Culligan 51 Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer William P. Costantini 53 Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary Mitchell P. Goldstein 40 Senior Vice President, Finance & Treasurer Nicholas L. Ioli, Jr. 57 Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer Laurane S. Magliari 50 Senior Vice President, People Resources and Services Brian Pall 41 Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer Brian Piwek 54 Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company of Canada, Limited Don Sommerville 42 Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Craig C. Sturken 57 President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Region Operations Executive officers of the Company are chosen annually and serve at the pleasure of the Chief Executive Officer with the consent of the Board of Directors. Mr. Haub was elected a director on December 3, 1991, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company on December 7, 1993 and Co-Chief Executive Officer on April 2, 1997. He was elected President and Chief Executive Officer effective May 1, 1998. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors on March 20, 2001, effective May 1, 2001. He is Chairman of the Executive Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Mr. Corrado has been a director since 1990. During the past five years, Mr. Corrado has served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer. He is Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Ms. Culligan was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective January 8, 2001. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Culligan was President, Nabisco International at Nabisco Holdings Corporation since 1998 and, before that, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Nabisco Biscuit Division. Mr. Costantini was elected Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary effective April 24, 2000. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Costantini was Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Olsten Corporation and, before that, Senior Vice President & General Counsel of Olsten. Mr. Goldstein was elected Senior Vice President, Finance & Treasurer effective January 17, 2000. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Goldstein was Chief Financial Officer at Vlasic Foods International, and, before that, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development at Vlasic Foods International. Before that, he was Vice President of Strategic Planning at Campbell Soup Company. Mr. Ioli was elected Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer on July 13, 1999. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ioli was Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Citizens Utilities Company. Ms. Magliari was elected Senior Vice President, People Resources and Services on February 16, 1999. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Magliari was Vice President, Human Resources, Publishers Clearing House and, before that, Vice President, Global Marketing, The Chase Manhattan Bank. Mr. Pall was appointed Chief Development Officer of the Company on May 1, 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Pall was Senior Vice President, Development and, before that, Corporate Vice President, Real Estate Development. Mr. Piwek was appointed Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company of Canada, Limited on February 14, 2000. Before that, Mr. Piwek was Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company of Canada, Limited. Prior to joining the Company, he was President of Overwaitea Food Group, a retailer and franchisor in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. Mr. Sommerville was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer on October 4, 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Sommerville was Vice President and General Manager of the Company's Compass Foods division since 1998. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Sommerville was Director of Marketing at the Lipton Company. Mr. Sturken was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Region on October 25, 2000. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer, Midwestern Operations. The Company has filed with the Commission since the close of its fiscal year ended February 24, 2001 a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A, involving the election of directors. Accordingly, the information required in Items 10 and 11, except as provided above, appears in the Company's fiscal 2000 definitive proxy statement and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management The information required is contained under the captions "Certain Beneficial Owners" and "Security Ownership of Directors and Management" in the Company's fiscal 2000 definitive proxy statement and is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The information required is contained under the captions "Certain Beneficial Owners" and "Certain Relationships and Transactions" in the Company's fiscal 2000 definitive proxy statement and is herein incorporated by reference. PART IV ITEM 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Documents filed as part of this report 1) Financial Statements: The financial statements required by Item 8 are included in the fiscal 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. The following required items are herein incorporated by reference: Statements of Consolidated Operations Statements of Consolidated Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive (Loss) Income Consolidated Balance Sheets Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Independent Auditors' Report 2) Financial Statement Schedules are omitted because they are not required or do not apply, or the information is included elsewhere in the financial statements or notes thereto. 3) Exhibits: Exhibit Incorporation by reference Numbers Description (If applicable) --------- ------------------------------ ------------------------ 2) Not Applicable 3) Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws a) Articles of Incorporation as Exhibit 3)a) to Form amended through July 1987 10-K for fiscal year ended February 27, 1988 b) By-Laws as amended through Exhibit 3)b) to Form March 1989 10-K for fiscal year ended February 25, 1989 4) Instruments defining the rights of Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K security holders, including dated as of January 1, indentures * 1991 9) Not Applicable 10) Material Contracts a) Management Compensation and Exhibit 10)b) to Form Termination Agreements 10-K for the fiscal years ended February 25, 1989, February 24, 1990, Exhibit 10)a) for the fiscal years ended February 26, 1994, February 25, 1995, February 22, 1997, February 28, 1998, February 27, 1999, February 26, 2000 and Exhibit 10 of Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ending June 17, 2000, September 9, 2000 and December 2, 2000 b) Supplemental Executive Exhibit 10)b) to Form Retirement Plan, amended 10-K for the fiscal years and restated ended February 27, 1993, February 28, 1998 and attached * Agreements with respect to long-term debt where the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis shall be furnished to the Commission on request. c) 1984 Stock Option Plan, Exhibit 10)e) to Form as amended 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 23, 1991 d) 1994 Stock Option Plan Exhibit 10)e) to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 25, 1995 e) 1994 Stock Option Plan Exhibit 10)f) to Form for Non-Employee Directors 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 25, 1995 f) Directors' Deferred Exhibit 10)h) to Form Payment Plan 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 22, 1997 g) Competitive Advance and Exhibit 10) to Form 8-K Revolving Credit Facilities filed on June 12, 1997; Agreement dated as of Exhibit 10)i) to Form June 10, 1997 and amendment 10-K for the fiscal year dated February 17, 1999 ended February 27, 1999 h) Project Great Renewal - Exhibit 99.1) to Form 8-K Phase I dated as of filed December 9, 1998; December 8, 1998; Phase II Exhibit 99) to Form 8-K dated March 13, 2000 filed March 24, 2000 i) 1998 Long Term Incentive Exhibit 10)k) to Form and Share Award plan 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 1999 j) Supplemental Retirement and Benefit Restoration Plan k) Credit Agreement dated as of February 23, 2001 11) Not Applicable 12) Not Applicable 13) 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders 18) Not Applicable 21) Subsidiaries of Registrant 22) Not Applicable 23) Independent Auditors' Consent 24) Not Applicable (b) Reports on Form 8-K None SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) 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. The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (registrant) Date: May 15, 2001 By: /s/ Fred Corrado ------------------------------------ Fred Corrado, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and as of the date indicated. /s/ Christian W.E. Haub Chairman of the Board, President - ------------------------ and Chief Executive Officer Christian W.E. Haub /s/ Fred Corrado Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief - ------------------------ Financial Officer and Director Fred Corrado /s/ John D. Barline Director - ------------------------ John D. Barline /s/ Rosemarie Baumeister Director - ------------------------ Rosemarie Baumeister /s/ Helga Haub Director - ------------------------ Helga Haub /s/ Dan Kourkoumelis Director - ------------------------ Dan Kourkoumelis /s/ Edward Lewis Director - ------------------------ Edward Lewis /s/ Richard L. Nolan Director - ------------------------ Richard L. Nolan /s/ R.L. "Sam" Wetzel Director - ------------------------ R.L. "Sam" Wetzel The above-named persons signed this report on behalf of the registrant on May 15, 2001. /s/ Kenneth A. Uhl Vice President, Controller - ------------------------ Kenneth A. Uhl May 15, 2001 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----