UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

February 3, 2015 (February 1, 2015)

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

 

Protective Life Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

001-11339

 

95-2492236

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(Commission

 

(IRS Employer

of incorporation)

 

File Number)

 

Identification No.)

 

2801 Highway 280 South

Birmingham, Alabama 35223

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(205) 268-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o            Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o            Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CF 240.14d-2(b))

 

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



 

Introduction

 

Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 3, 2014 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Protective Life Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (“Dai-ichi Life”), and DL Investment (Delaware), Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life (“DL Investment”), on February 1, 2015, DL Investment merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life (the “Merger”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on February 1, 2015 (the “Effective Time of the Merger”), each share of common stock of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger (other than shares of common stock held by Protective, Dai-ichi Life or DL Investment, or by any holder who has properly exercised appraisal rights of such shares in accordance with Section 262 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware) was converted into the right to receive $70.00 in cash, without interest, less any applicable withholding taxes (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”).  The maximum aggregate cash consideration to be paid in connection with the Merger for the outstanding shares of common stock at the Effective Time of the Merger is approximately $5,554,059,350.

 

This description of the Merger does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this report.

 

On February 1, 2015, Protective issued a press release announcing the closing of the Merger.  A copy of that press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.

 

2



 

Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

The information set forth in the Introduction and Items 3.01, 3.03, 5.01 and 5.03 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.03. Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

 

On February 2, 2015, the Company and Protective Life Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“PLICO,” and together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with the several lenders from time to time a party thereto, Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, to provide for a $1 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “New Credit Facility”).  The Credit Agreement includes a $500 million sublimit for the potential issuance of letters of credit and a $50 million sublimit for swingline advances.

 

The Borrowers have the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the New Credit Facility be increased to a maximum amount of $1.25 billion.  Borrowings made available under the New Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes (including the refinancing of indebtedness).  Borrowings under the New Credit Facility must be repaid by February 2, 2020.  The New Credit Facility amends and restates in its entirety the credit facility, dated July 17, 2012, among the Borrowers, Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent and the lenders party thereto.

 

Revolving credit borrowings under the New Credit Facility will bear interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the Borrowers, (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), for the applicable period, plus a spread based on the ratings of the Company’s senior unsecured long-term debt (the “Company’s Senior Debt”) (which spread is currently 1.10%), or (ii) the sum of (A) a rate equal to the highest of (x) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (y) 0.50% above the Federal Funds rate, or (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% and (B) a spread based on the ratings of the Company’s Senior Debt (which spread is currently 0.10%).  The New Credit Facility also provides for a facility fee at a rate that also varies with the ratings of the Company’s Senior Debt (which rate is currently 0.15%) and that is calculated on the aggregate amount of commitments under the New Credit Facility, whether used or unused.

 

The Credit Agreement contains, among other provisions, covenants requiring the maintenance of certain financial ratios and restricting the indebtedness that the Borrowers and their subsidiaries can incur.  Amounts due under the New Credit Facility may be accelerated upon an “event of default,” as defined in the Credit Agreement, such as a breach of a covenant, material inaccuracy of a representation or the occurrence of bankruptcy, if not otherwise waived or cured, among others.  The Credit Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties.

 

From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, certain lenders and their agents (and their respective subsidiaries or affiliates) under the Credit Agreement have provided and may in the future provide, investment banking, underwriting, commercial banking, trust and other advisory services to the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates.  These parties have received, and may in the future receive, customary compensation from the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, for such services.  In addition, certain of the lenders under the New Credit Facility or their affiliates may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for the Company in the ordinary course of business.

 

The foregoing description of the Credit Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Credit Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.04. Triggering Events That Accelerate or Increase a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement.

 

The disclosure set forth in Item 2.03 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.01. Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing.

 

In connection with the completion of the Merger, on January 22, 2015 the Company notified the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) of its intent to remove the Company’s common stock from listing on the NYSE and requested that the NYSE file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an application on Form 25 to report the delisting of the Company’s common stock from the NYSE.  On February 2, 2015, in accordance with the Company’s request, the NYSE filed the Form 25 with the SEC in order to provide notification of such delisting and to effect the deregistration of the Company’s common stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Securities Exchange Act”).

 

The Company intends to file a Form 15 with the SEC to terminate or suspend its reporting obligations under Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act with respect to the Company’s common stock at the time such filing is permitted under SEC rules.  The Company will continue to make required securities filings with respect to its publicly-held debt.

 

3



 

Item 3.03. Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

 

The information set forth in the Introduction and Items 3.01, 5.02 and 5.03 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

As a result of the consummation of the Merger on February 1, 2015, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock was converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration.

 

At or immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, each stock appreciation right with respect to shares of common stock granted under any stock plan (a “SAR”) that was outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger and that had a base price per share of common stock underlying such SAR that was less than the Per Share Merger Consideration (an “In-the-Money SAR”), whether or not exercisable or vested, was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest, less any applicable withholding taxes, determined by multiplying (i) the excess of the Per Share Merger Consideration over the base price of such In-the-Money SAR by (ii) the number of shares of common stock subject to such In-the-Money SAR.  At the Effective Time of the Merger, each SAR that had a base price equal to or greater than the Per Share Merger Consideration, whether or not exercisable or vested, was cancelled and the holder of such SAR was not entitled to receive any payment in exchange for such cancellation.

 

At or immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, each restricted stock unit with respect to a share of common stock granted under any stock plan (an “RSU”) that was outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, whether or not vested, was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest, less any applicable withholding taxes, determined by multiplying (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration by (ii) the number of RSUs.

 

The number of performance shares earned for each award of performance shares granted under any stock plan will be calculated by determining the number of performance shares that would have been paid if the subject award period had ended on the December 31 immediately preceding the Effective Time of the Merger (based on the conditions set for payment of performance share awards for the subject award period), provided that the number of performance shares earned for each award were not less than the aggregate number of performance shares at the target performance level, and provided further that with respect to awards granted in 2015, performance shares were earned at the same percentage as awards granted in 2014.  At or immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, each performance share so earned that was outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, whether or not vested, was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest, less any applicable withholding taxes, determined by multiplying (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration by (ii) the number of performance shares.

 

The foregoing description of the rights of holders of Company common stock under the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this report.

 

Item 5.01. Changes in Control of Registrant.

 

The information set forth in the Introduction and Items 3.01, 3.03 and 5.02 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

After the Effective Time of the Merger, Dai-ichi Life became the beneficial owner of 100% of the Company’s voting securities.

 

4



 

Dai-ichi Life funded the aggregate consideration paid in connection with the Merger through cash on hand and other funds available to it, including funds available as a result of an equity offering.

 

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

The information set forth in Item 3.03 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

In connection with the consummation of the Merger, Robert O. Burton, Elaine L. Chao, Thomas L. Hamby, Charles D. McCrary, Hans H. Miller, Malcolm Portera, C. Dowd Ritter and Vanessa Wilson ceased to be directors of the Company at the Effective Time of the Merger.  The following persons were elected as directors in connection with the consummation of the Merger:  Richard J. Bielen, Shigeo Tsuyuki, Ungyong Shu and Shinichi Aizawa.  John D. Johns, Vanessa Leonard, John J. McMahon, Jr., Jesse J. Spikes, William A. Terry and W. Michael Warren, Jr. will continue to serve as directors of the Company.

 

On June 3, 2014, in connection with the Merger, the Board of Directors approved the termination of, as of the Effective Time of the Merger, the Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, approved by stockholders on April 11, 2012, and the Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, approved by stockholders on April 8, 2013.

 

Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

 

At the Effective Time of the Merger, the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of the Company, each as in effect immediately prior to the Merger, were amended in their entirety in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement.  Copies of the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws are attached to the Merger Agreement, filed as Exhibit 2.1 of this report and incorporated herein by reference.

 

After the Effective Time of the Merger, the Company’s Board of Directors amended and restated the bylaws, which are filed as Exhibit 3.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)                                 Exhibits.

 

2.1                               Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 3, 2014, by and among The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. and Protective Life Corporation.  Filed herewith.

 

3.1                               Amended and Restated Bylaws of Protective Life Corporation.  Filed herewith.

 

10.1                        Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2015, among Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company, as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time a party thereto, Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent.  Filed herewith.

 

5



 

99.1                        Press Release of Protective Life Corporation.  Filed herewith.

 

6



 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

 

 

/s/ Steven G. Walker

 

Steven G. Walker

 

Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

Dated:     February 3, 2015

 

 

7



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

 

 

 

2.1

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 3, 2014, by and among The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. and Protective Life Corporation.

 

 

 

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Protective Life Corporation.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2015, among Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company, as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time a party thereto, Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent.

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release of Protective Life Corporation.

 

8




Exhibit 2.1

 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

AMONG

 

THE DAI-ICHI LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED,

 

DL INVESTMENT (DELAWARE), INC.

 

AND

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

DATED AS OF JUNE 3, 2014

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS

Section 1.01.

Certain Defined Terms

1

Section 1.02.

Additional Defined Terms

9

Section 1.03.

Interpretation

10

ARTICLE II

THE MERGER AND CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS

Section 2.01.

The Merger

11

Section 2.02.

Closing

11

Section 2.03.

Effective Time

11

Section 2.04.

Surviving Corporation Constituent Documents

11

Section 2.05.

Surviving Corporation Directors and Officers

12

Section 2.06.

Effect on Capital Stock

12

Section 2.07.

Treatment of Equity Compensation Awards

13

ARTICLE III

PAYMENT FOR SHARES

Section 3.01.

Surrender and Payment

14

Section 3.02.

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates

16

Section 3.03.

Withholding Rights

16

Section 3.04.

Further Assurances

16

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PROTECTIVE

Section 4.01.

Organization

17

Section 4.02.

Subsidiaries

17

Section 4.03.

Capitalization

17

Section 4.04.

Authorization; Board Approval; Voting Requirements

18

Section 4.05.

Takeover Statutes; No Restrictions on the Merger

19

Section 4.06.

Consents and Approvals; No Violations

19

Section 4.07.

SEC Reports; Financial Statements

20

Section 4.08.

Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities

21

Section 4.09.

Proxy Statement

21

Section 4.10.

Absence of Certain Changes

21

Section 4.11.

Litigation

21

Section 4.12.

Compliance with Laws

21

Section 4.13.

Taxes

23

Section 4.14.

Real Property

25

Section 4.15.

Employee Benefit Plans and Related Matters; ERISA

25

Section 4.16.

Employees; Labor Matters

27

Section 4.17.

Intellectual Property

28

Section 4.18.

Contracts

29

Section 4.19.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

30

Section 4.20.

Insurance Coverage

31

Section 4.21.

Protective Insurance Subsidiaries

31

Section 4.22.

Statutory Statements; Examinations

31

Section 4.23.

Reinsurance

32

Section 4.24.

Insurance Reserves; Actuarial Reports

32

Section 4.25.

Insurance Contracts

33

 

i



 

Section 4.26.

Distributors

33

Section 4.27.

Separate Accounts

34

Section 4.28.

Product Tax Matters

34

Section 4.29.

Investment Assets

35

Section 4.30.

Investment Advisers

35

Section 4.31.

Broker-Dealers

36

Section 4.32.

Excess Reserve Financing Arrangements

37

Section 4.33.

Opinion of Financial Advisor

38

Section 4.34.

Brokers

38

Section 4.35.

No Other Representations or Warranties

38

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DAI-ICHI AND MERGER SUB

Section 5.01.

Organization

38

Section 5.02.

Merger Sub

38

Section 5.03.

Authorization; Board Approval

39

Section 5.04.

Consents and Approvals; No Violations

39

Section 5.05.

Litigation

40

Section 5.06.

Financing

40

Section 5.07.

Ownership of Common Stock

40

Section 5.08.

Proxy Statement

40

Section 5.09.

Brokers

40

Section 5.10.

No Other Representations or Warranties

41

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS OF PROTECTIVE

Section 6.01.

Operating Covenants

41

Section 6.02.

Preparation and Mailing of Proxy Statement

44

Section 6.03.

Stockholders Meeting; Recommendation

45

Section 6.04.

Access to Information; Confidentiality

45

Section 6.05.

Acquisition Proposals

46

Section 6.06.

Release under Confidentiality Agreement; State Takeover Laws

49

Section 6.07.

Section 16 of the Exchange Act

49

Section 6.08.

Stockholder Litigation

49

Section 6.09.

Cooperation

50

ARTICLE VII

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

Section 7.01.

Consents and Approvals

51

Section 7.02.

Employee Matters

53

Section 7.03.

Fees and Expenses

54

Section 7.04.

Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnification and Insurance

54

Section 7.05.

Public Announcements

55

Section 7.06.

Notice of Certain Events

55

Section 7.07.

Control of Operations

55

Section 7.08.

Certain Transfer Taxes

56

 

ii



 

ARTICLE VIII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

Section 8.01.

Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Merger

56

Section 8.02.

Conditions to Obligations of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub

56

Section 8.03.

Conditions to Obligations of Protective

57

Section 8.04.

Frustration of Closing Conditions

57

ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION

Section 9.01.

Termination

57

Section 9.02.

Effect of Termination

59

Section 9.03.

Termination Fee and Expense Reimbursement

59

ARTICLE X

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 10.01.

Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements

60

Section 10.02.

Notices

60

Section 10.03.

Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries

61

Section 10.04.

Severability

62

Section 10.05.

Assignment

62

Section 10.06.

Amendment

62

Section 10.07.

Extension; Waiver

62

Section 10.08.

Governing Law and Venue: Waiver of Jury Trial

62

Section 10.09.

Enforcement

63

Section 10.10.

Counterparts; Effectiveness

63

 

iii



 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER dated as of June 3, 2014 (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into among The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (“Dai-ichi”), DL Investment (Delaware), Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi (“Merger Sub”), and Protective Life Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Protective”). Dai-ichi, Merger Sub and Protective are referred to in this Agreement individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub have unanimously (a) approved the merger of Merger Sub with and into Protective with Protective surviving the Merger upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement (the merger of Merger Sub with and into Protective being referred to in this Agreement as the “Merger”) and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi as a result of the Merger, (b) approved the execution, delivery and performance by Dai-ichi and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and (c) adopted and declared advisable this Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Protective has unanimously (a) determined that the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are fair to, advisable and in the best interests of Protective and its stockholders, (b) approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Protective and consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (c) resolved to recommend the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by the stockholders of Protective and (d) adopted and declared advisable this Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, Protective, Dai-ichi and Merger Sub desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with this Agreement and also to prescribe certain conditions to the Merger.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and their respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS

 

SECTION 1.01.  Certain Defined Terms.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified in this Section 1.01.

 

Acquisition Proposal” means any proposal or offer from any Person for a direct or indirect (a) merger, binding share exchange, recapitalization, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution, business combination or consolidation, or any similar transaction, involving Protective, pursuant to which such Person (or the shareholders of any Person) would acquire, directly or indirectly, 15 percent or more of the aggregate voting power of Protective or of the surviving entity in a merger involving Protective or the resulting direct or indirect parent of Protective or such surviving entity, (b) acquisition of 15 percent or more of the consolidated assets (based on the fair market value thereof) of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or a series of related transactions (including by way of reinsurance or otherwise) or (c) purchase, tender offer, exchange offer or other acquisition (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or otherwise) that if consummated would result in the Beneficial Ownership by any Person of Securities representing 15 percent or more of the then-outstanding Common Stock (or of the shares of the surviving entity in a merger or of the direct or indirect parent of the surviving entity in a merger, in each case involving Protective); provided that the term “Acquisition Proposal” will not include the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 



 

Advisers Act” means the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such first Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by Contract, as trustee or executor or otherwise.

 

Affiliated Distributor” means any brokers, broker-dealers, insurance agents, producers, distributors or other Persons who market, produce or sell the Insurance Contracts, or any successors thereto, that are employees or Affiliates of Protective.

 

Beneficial Owner” means, with respect to a Security, any Person who, directly or indirectly, through any Contract, relationship or otherwise, has or shares (a) the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such Security, (b) the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such Security or (c) the right to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in such Security. The term “Beneficial Ownership” will be construed accordingly.

 

Benefit Plan” means any employment, bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, stock purchase, stock option, Equity Right, Stock Plan, termination indemnity, redundancy, change in control, performance, retention, severance or termination pay, holiday pay, sick pay, workers’ compensation, vacation pay, fringe benefit, educational assistance, housing assistance, relocation or expatriate, moving expense reimbursement, hospitalization or other medical, life, disability, welfare benefit or other insurance, supplemental unemployment benefits, profit-sharing, pension, superannuation or retirement plan, program or Contract, Tax gross-up or Tax indemnity Contract and each other employee benefit plan, program, or Contract (including employment Contracts), whether written or oral, currently sponsored, maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to by Protective, any Protective Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, for the benefit of any current or former director, officer or employee of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, other than any Multiemployer Plan or any such plan, program or Contract that is required by applicable Law.

 

Board of Directors” means the board of directors of a specified Person, or any committee thereof.

 

Broker-Dealer Activities” means activities by a Person that would require such Person to register with the SEC as a broker or dealer under the Exchange Act, except activities conducted pursuant to an exemption from such registration.

 

Burdensome Condition” means any arrangements, conditions or restrictions that (a) are not conditioned on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof (b) as to the insurance regulatory approvals set forth in Section 5.04(b) of the Dai-ichi Disclosure Letter, would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or (c) as to the approvals of the Japan Financial Services Agency set forth in Section 5.04(b) of the Dai-ichi Disclosure Letter, would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, operations or results of operations of Dai-ichi and the Dai-ichi Subsidiaries (not including Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries), taken as a whole.

 

Business Day” means any day, except Saturday or Sunday, on which commercial banks are not required or authorized to close in New York, New York, Dover, Delaware or Tokyo, Japan.

 

Change” means a change, circumstance, condition, event, effect, development or state of facts.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

2



 

Common Stock” means the Common Stock, par value $0.50 per share, of Protective.

 

Constituent Documents” means with respect to any entity, its certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws and any similar charter or other organizational documents of such entity.

 

Contract” means any legally binding contract, agreement, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, commitment, understanding, franchise, warranty, guaranty, mortgage, note, bond, option, warrant or other legally binding arrangement, in each case, whether written or oral and whether one or a series of related Contracts.

 

DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended.

 

Distribution Agreement” means any Contract for the distribution, selling or revenue sharing related to the distribution of Insurance Contracts issued by any Protective Insurance Subsidiary in an offering registered with the SEC, including any principal underwriting agreement for any Registered Insurance Contract.

 

Environmental Law” means any Law relating to pollution or protection or preservation of the environment, including any Law pertaining to (a) treatment, storage, disposal, generation and transportation of toxic or hazardous substances or solid or hazardous waste, (b) air, water and noise pollution, (c) groundwater or soil contamination, (d) the release or threatened release into the environment of toxic or hazardous substances or solid or hazardous waste, including emissions, discharges, injections, spills, escapes or dumping into the environment of pollutants, contaminants or chemicals, (e) manufacture, processing, use, distribution, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or oil or petroleum products or solid or hazardous waste, (f) underground and other storage tanks or vessels, abandoned, disposed or discarded barrels, containers and other closed receptacles, (g) public health and safety or (h) the protection of wild life, marine sanctuaries and wetlands, including all endangered and threatened species.

 

Environmental Permit” means any permit, license, authorization or consent required pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws.

 

Equity Right” means, with respect to any Person, any security or obligation convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or giving any Person any right to subscribe for or acquire, or any options, calls, restricted stock, deferred stock awards, stock units, “phantom” awards, dividend equivalents, or commitments relating to, or any stock appreciation right or other instrument the value of which is determined in whole or in part by reference to the market price or value of, shares of capital stock or earnings of such Person.

 

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to any entity, any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with such entity and its Subsidiaries would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Expenses” means all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants to a Party or its Affiliates) incurred by or on behalf of a Party in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the preparation, printing, filing and mailing of the Proxy Statement and any

 

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amendments or supplements thereto, the solicitation of the Stockholder Approval and all other matters related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Expense Reimbursement” means the amount of all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket Expenses, not to exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate, incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Dai-ichi and its Affiliates.

 

Financial Statements” means the consolidated financial statements of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries included in the SEC Documents together, in the case of year-end statements, with reports thereon by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent auditors of Protective for the periods included therein, including in each case a consolidated balance sheet, a consolidated statement of income, a consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and a consolidated statement of cash flows, and accompanying notes.

 

Governmental Authority” means any (a) nation, region, state, county, city, town, village, district or other jurisdiction, (b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government, (c) department, agency or instrumentality of a foreign or other government, including any state-owned or state controlled instrumentality of a foreign or other government, (d) governmental or quasi-governmental entity of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department or other entity, any court or other tribunal, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (e) international or multinational organization formed by states, governments or other international organizations, (f) organization that is designated by executive order pursuant to Section 1 of the United States International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288 of 1945), as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or (g) other body (including any industry or self-regulating body) exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police or regulatory authority or power of any nature (including, in any respect, Taxes).

 

Hazardous Substance” means any substance, material, contaminant, pollutant or waste that is regulated under any Environmental Law, including any admixture or solution thereof, and including petroleum and all derivatives thereof, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials in any form or condition and polychlorinated biphenyls.

 

HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Indebtedness” means, without duplication, (a) indebtedness for borrowed money, (b) obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages or similar instruments or securities, (c) obligations upon which interest charges are customarily paid (other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices), (d) obligations under conditional sale or other title retention Contracts relating to any property purchased, (e) obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding obligations to creditors for inventory, services and supplies incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices), (f) obligations under capital leases, (g) reimbursement, payment or similar obligations under letters of credit and (h) all guarantees and Contracts with respect to any of the liabilities described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (g), other than clearing house guarantees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Indebtedness” will not include (i) obligations under operating leases or real property leases, (ii) undrawn letters of credit or (iii) intercompany indebtedness, obligations or liabilities between or among Protective and any wholly-owned Protective Subsidiaries.

 

Independent Distributor” means the brokers, broker-dealers, insurance agents, producers, distributors or other Persons who market, produce or sell the Insurance Contracts, or any successors thereto, that are not employees or Affiliates of Protective.

 

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Insurance Contracts” means the insurance or annuity policies and Contracts, together with all binders, slips, certificates, endorsements and riders thereto, issued or entered into by any Protective Insurance Subsidiary.

 

Insurance Laws” means any Law relating to the business of insurance or the regulation of insurance companies.

 

Intellectual Property” means rights in all of the following as recognized under applicable Law, whether or not filed, perfected, registered or recorded, including all renewals: (a) all patents and applications for patents (including all invention disclosures) and all related reissues, reexaminations, divisions, renewals, extensions, provisionals, continuations and continuations in part (collectively, “Patents”), (b) all copyrights, copyright registrations and copyright applications, and copyrightable works (collectively, “Copyrights”), (c) all trade dress and trade names, logos, internet addresses and domain names, trademarks and service marks and related registrations and applications, including any renewals or extensions, and all other indicia of commercial source or origin (collectively, “Trademarks”), (d) all computer software (including source and object code), firmware, development tools, proprietary languages, algorithms, files, records and technical drawings (collectively, “Software”), (e) all mask works, mask work registrations and mask work applications, (f) all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), know how, technology, technical data and (g) trade secrets, confidential business information, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, research and development information, financial, marketing and business data, pricing and cost information, business and marketing plans, advertising and promotional materials, customer, distributor, reseller and supplier lists and information, and other proprietary information of every kind (collectively, “Trade Secrets”).

 

Intellectual Property License Agreements” means Contracts granting or obtaining any right to use or practice any rights under any Intellectual Property to which Protective or any of the Protective Subsidiaries is a party or otherwise bound.

 

Internal IT Systems” means the hardware, Software, network and telecommunications equipment and internet-related information technology infrastructure owned or leased by Protective or any of the Protective Subsidiaries.

 

Intervening Event” means a material Change with respect to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries or the business of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, in each case taken as a whole, that (a) is unknown by the Board of Directors of Protective as of or prior to the date of this Agreement, (b) is not reasonably foreseeable as of the date of this Agreement and (c) first occurs, arises or becomes known to the Board of Directors of Protective after the date of this Agreement and on or prior to the date of the Stockholder Approval; provided that the receipt by Protective of an Acquisition Proposal or a Superior Proposal will not be deemed to constitute an Intervening Event.

 

Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

 

Knowledge of Protective” means the actual knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of any of the individuals set forth in Section 1.01 of the Protective Disclosure Letter.

 

Law” means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, international, multinational or other rule, regulation, statute, Order, ordinance, constitution, treaty, administrative interpretation, directive or code promulgated by any Governmental Authority, including any binding case law.

 

Lease” means any lease, sublease, license, occupancy agreement or similar Contract relating to real property.

 

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Leased Real Property” means all real property interests of Protective or any of the Protective Subsidiaries acquired pursuant to any Lease.

 

Lien” means any mortgage, claim, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit agreement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), servitude, easement, right of way, community or other material property interest, option, preference, priority, right of first offer or refusal or other charge or security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention Contract).

 

Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, operations or results of operations of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of Protective to consummate the Merger without material delay or impairment; provided that, solely for purposes of clause (a), none of the following will be deemed, either alone or in combination, to constitute, and none of the following will be taken into account in determining whether there has been, a Material Adverse Effect: (i) any Change generally affecting economic, regulatory or political conditions, (ii) any Change generally affecting the financial, credit, securities or other capital markets in the United States or any foreign jurisdiction, (iii) any Change generally affecting the industries in which Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries operate, (iv) any hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption or other natural disaster, (v) any Change in national or international political conditions, including acts of war, sabotage or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war, sabotage or terrorism occurring after the date of this Agreement, (vi) any Change occurring after the date of this Agreement in applicable Law, GAAP or SAP, (vii) the public announcement of the execution of this Agreement, (viii) any communication by Dai-ichi regarding plans or intentions with respect to modifications in the employment or business relationship between Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries and their respective employees or distributors following the Effective Time, (ix) any failure by Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts or revenue or earnings predictions for any period ending on or after the date of this Agreement (but not the facts or circumstances underlying or giving rise to such failure) or (x) any change in the market price or trading volume of the securities of Protective (but not the facts or circumstances underlying or giving rise to any such change), except, with respect to the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi), to the extent that the effects of any such matter are disproportionally adverse to the business, financial condition, operations or results of operations of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies operating in the industries and markets in which Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries operate.

 

Multiemployer Plan” means any plan or Contract that is a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Sections 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

 

Order” means any charge, order, writ, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling, determination, directive, award or settlement, whether civil, criminal or administrative.

 

Owned Intellectual Property” means all issued Patents, registered Trademarks or material unregistered Trademarks, registered Copyrights or material unregistered Copyrights, and Software material to the businesses of Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries, in each case, which are owned by Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries.

 

Owned Real Property” means real property, together with all improvements and fixtures located thereon or attached or appurtenant thereto, owned in fee by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, including all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances relating to the foregoing.

 

Permitted Liens” means (a) any Lien for Taxes not yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and, in each case, for which adequate reserves have been

 

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established in the Financial Statements, as applicable, (b) carrier’s, warehousemen’s, mechanic’s, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or other similar Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or which are being contested in good faith for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (c) pledges or deposits in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation, (d) Liens comprising deposits required by applicable Insurance Law, (e) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar encumbrances, which do not materially interfere with the use of the property subject thereto, (f) statutory Liens in favor of lessors arising in connection with leased property and (g) Liens that, individually or in the aggregate, do not, and would not reasonably be expected to, materially detract from the value of any of the property, rights or assets of the business of Protective or any of the Protective Subsidiaries or materially interfere with the use thereof as currently used by Protective or, as the case may be, any of the Protective Subsidiaries.

 

Permits” means qualifications, registrations, franchises, filings, licenses, permits, certificates, consents, approvals or authorizations issued or granted by Governmental Authorities.

 

Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, general or limited partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority, other entity or group (as defined in the Exchange Act).

 

Personal Data” means a natural person’s name, street address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, social security number, driver’s license number, passport number, or customer or account number, or any other piece of information that allows the identification of a natural person..

 

Preferred Stock” means the Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Protective.

 

Proceeding” means an action, suit, claim, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit, charge, complaint, review or controversy, whether judicial or administrative.

 

Protective Advisers” means ProEquities, Inc. and Protective Investment Advisers, Inc.

 

Protective Broker-Dealers” means ProEquities, Inc. and Investment Distributors, Inc.

 

Registered Insurance Contract” means any Insurance Contract issued in an offering registered with the SEC, including variable life insurance and annuities and modified guaranteed annuities issued in a registered offering.

 

Release” means any releasing, disposing, discharging, injecting, spilling, leaking, leaching, pumping, dumping, emitting, escaping, emptying, seeping, dispersal and migration, including the moving of any materials through, into or upon, any land, soil, surface water, groundwater or air, or otherwise entering into the environment.

 

SAP” means, as to any Person, statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the applicable Insurance Laws and the insurance regulatory authority of the jurisdiction in which such Person is domiciled.

 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any class or series of common stock, preferred stock, membership interest and any other equity securities or capital stock of such Person, however described and whether voting or non-voting.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Separate Accounts” means the separate accounts maintained by the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries that are utilized in connection with their respective Insurance Contracts.

 

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Stock Plan” means Protective’s 2012 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors or any other equity or equity-based compensation plan of Protective.

 

Subsidiary” means, when used with respect to any Person, any other Person, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which (a) more than 50 percent of the Securities or (b) Securities having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect more than 50 percent of the members of the Board of Directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other organization, is directly owned or controlled by such Person or by any one or more of its Subsidiaries.

 

Superior Proposal” means any bona fide binding written Acquisition Proposal (with the percentages set forth in the definition of such term changed from 15% to 50%) made by any Person (other than Dai-ichi or Merger Sub) that has not been withdrawn and did not result from a breach of the provisions of Section 6.05 and that the Board of Directors of Protective has determined in good faith (after consultation with outside legal counsel and a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation) is more favorable to Protective’s stockholders than the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (taking into account any proposals by Dai-ichi to amend the terms of this Agreement), after giving due consideration to whether the Acquisition Proposal is (a) more favorable from a financial point of view to the stockholders of Protective than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (b) reasonably capable of being completed, taking into account, in the case of both clause (a) and (b), all legal, financial, regulatory, timing and other aspects of such Acquisition Proposal, including the identity of the Person making such Acquisition Proposal.

 

Tax” means (a) any federal, state, local or foreign tax, charge, fee, duty (including customs duty), levy or assessment, including any income, gross receipts, net proceeds, alternative or add-on minimum, corporation, ad valorem, turnover, real property, personal property (tangible or intangible), sales, use, franchise, excise, value added, goods and services, consumption, stamp, leasing, lease, user, transfer, fuel, excess profits, profits, occupational, premium, interest equalization, windfall profits, severance, license, registration, payroll, environmental, capital stock, capital duty, disability, estimated, gains, wealth, welfare, employee’s income withholding, other withholding, unemployment or social security or other tax of whatever kind that is imposed by any Governmental Authority, but not including any guarantee fund assessment, or (b) any interest, fines, penalties or additions resulting from, attributable to, or incurred in connection with any items described in this paragraph.

 

Tax Return” means any report, return, filing, declaration, claim for refund, or information return or statement in connection with the determination, assessment, collection or imposition of any Taxes or otherwise related to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment, and including any amendment thereof.

 

Taxing Authority” means, with respect to any Tax, the Governmental Authority that imposes such Tax or is otherwise responsible for Tax Returns and the agency, if any, charged with the collection of such Tax for such Governmental Authority.

 

Termination Fee” means (a) if payable in connection with a termination of this Agreement on or prior to the No Shop Period Start Date by (i) Dai-ichi in accordance with Section 9.01(c)(ii) if the event giving rise to such termination is the submission of an Acquisition Proposal prior to the No Shop Period Start Date or (ii) Protective in accordance with Section 9.01(d)(ii) with respect to Protective entering into an definitive written agreement prior to the No Shop Period Start Date, then, in either case, an amount equal to $105,000,000, and (b) if payable in any other circumstance, an amount equal to $140,000,000.

 

Treasury Regulations” means the U.S. Treasury Regulations.

 

Virus” means any virus, Trojan horse, time bomb, key-lock, worm, malicious code or other software, program or file designed to or able to, without the knowledge and authorization of Protective

 

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or any of its Affiliates, disrupt, disable, harm or interfere with the operation of any Software, computer data, network, memory or hardware.

 

SECTION 1.02.  Additional Defined Terms.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified in the indicated Section of this Agreement.

 

Defined Term

 

Section

“Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement”

 

Section 6.05(a)

“Agreement”

 

Preamble

“Alternative Acquisition Agreement”

 

Section 6.05(c)

“Approval”

 

Section 4.06(b)

“Base Price”

 

Section 2.07(a)

“Certificate of Merger”

 

Section 2.03

“Certificate”

 

Section 2.06(f)

“Change in Recommendation”

 

Section 6.03(b)

“Closing Date”

 

Section 2.02

“Closing”

 

Section 2.02

“Copyrights”

 

Section 1.01, definition of “Intellectual Property”

“Confidentiality Agreement”

 

Section 6.04(c)

“Continuing Employee”

 

Section 7.02(a)

“D&O Insurance”

 

Section 7.04(a)

“Dai-ichi Disclosure Letter”

 

Article V

“Dai-ichi”

 

Preamble

“Dissenting Shares”

 

Section 2.06(c)

“DOJ”

 

Section 7.01(b)

“Effective Time”

 

Section 2.03

“End Date”

 

Section 9.01(b)(i)

“Exchange Agent”

 

Section 3.01(a)

“Exchange Fund”

 

Section 3.01(b)

“Excluded Shares”

 

Section 2.06(b)

“Filing”

 

Section 4.06(b)

“FINRA Rules”

 

Section 4.31(b)

“FTC”

 

Section 7.01(b)

“GAAP”

 

Section 4.07(b)

“Golden Gate Contracts”

 

Section 4.32(a)

“Indemnified Persons”

 

Section 7.04(a)

“Insurance Reserves”

 

Section 4.24(a)

“In-the-Money SAR”

 

Section 2.07(a)

“Investment Assets”

 

Section 4.29(a)

“Investment Guidelines”

 

Section 4.29(a)

“Maximum Annual Premium”

 

Section 7.04(a)

“Merger Consideration”

 

Section 2.06(a)

“Merger Sub”

 

Preamble

“Merger”

 

Recitals

“No Shop Period Start Date”

 

Section 6.05(a)

“Parties”

 

Preamble

“Party”

 

Preamble

“Per Share Merger Consideration”

 

Section 2.06(a)

“Performance Share Consideration”

 

Section 2.07(c)

“Performance Share”

 

Section 2.07(c)

 

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“Protective Actuarial Analyses”

 

Section 4.24(b)

“Protective Contracts”

 

Section 4.18(b)

“Protective Disclosure Letter”

 

Article IV

“Protective Financial Advisor”

 

Section 4.33

“Protective Insurance Subsidiary”

 

Section 4.21(a)

“Protective Reinsurance Contracts”

 

Section 4.23

“Protective Statutory Statements”

 

Section 4.22(a)

“Protective Subsidiary”

 

Section 4.02(a)

“Protective”

 

Preamble

“Proxy Statement”

 

Section 4.09

“Recommendation”

 

Section 6.03(b)

“Representatives”

 

Section 6.04(a)

“Restraints”

 

Section 8.01(d)

“RSU Consideration”

 

Section 2.07(b)

“RSU”

 

Section 2.07(b)

“SAR Consideration”

 

Section 2.07(a)

“SAR”

 

Section 2.07(a)

“SEC Documents”

 

Section 4.07(a)

“SEC”

 

Section 1.03

“Solicitation and Early Signing Period”

 

Section 6.05(a)

“Software”

 

Section 1.01, definition of “Intellectual Property”

“Stockholder Approval”

 

Section 4.04(d)

“Stockholders Meeting”

 

Section 6.03(a)

“Surviving Corporation Certificate of Incorporation”

 

Section 2.04

“Surviving Corporation Plans”

 

Section 7.02(b)

“Surviving Corporation”

 

Section 2.01

“Takeover Law”

 

Section 4.05

“Trade Secrets”

 

Section 1.01, definition of “Intellectual Property”

“Trademarks”

 

Section 1.01, definition of “Intellectual Property”

 

SECTION 1.03.  Interpretation.  The language in this Agreement is to be construed in all cases according to its fair meaning. Dai-ichi and Protective acknowledge and agree that each Party and its counsel have reviewed and revised this Agreement and that any rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party or the Party in favor of which a clause has been drafted or in favor of the Party who has committed itself in a clause, is not to be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever used herein, the words “include,” “includes” and “including” mean “include, without limitation,” “includes, without limitation” and “including, without limitation,” respectively. The masculine, feminine or neuter gender and the singular or plural number are each deemed to include the other whenever the context so indicates. The use of “or” is not intended to be exclusive unless expressly indicated otherwise. The word “days” means calendar days unless otherwise specified. Time periods within or following which any payment is to be made or act is to be done will, unless expressly indicated otherwise, be calculated by excluding the day on which the period commences and including the day on which the period ends and by extending the period to the next Business Day following if the last day of the period is not a Business Day. The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole (including any Exhibits, Schedules and the Parties’ disclosure letters) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and all Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are

 

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to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. Where this Agreement states that a Party “shall,” “will” or “must” perform in some manner or otherwise act or omit to act, it means that the Party is legally obligated to do so in accordance with this Agreement. Any reference to a statute, rule or regulation is deemed also to refer to any amendments or successor legislation as in effect at the relevant time. Any reference to a Contract or other document as of a given date means the Contract or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time through such date. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The Protective Disclosure Letter and the Dai-ichi Disclosure Letter, as well as all other schedules and exhibits hereto, will be deemed part of this Agreement and included in any reference to this Agreement. Whenever this Agreement provides that documents or information have been “made available” to Dai-ichi, Merger Sub or their Representatives, such documents or information will be deemed to have been so made available if (a) at least two Business Days prior to the date of this Agreement, they were filed as exhibits to the SEC Documents and publicly available on the internet website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or (b) not later than the last Business Day prior to the date of this Agreement, they were posted in the electronic data room entitled “Project Pearl” maintained at Merrill DataSite to which Dai-ichi, Merger Sub and their Representatives have been granted access by Protective, except, in each case, to the extent the contents of such documents were redacted.

 

ARTICLE II

THE MERGER AND CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS

 

SECTION 2.01.  The Merger.  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the DGCL, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Protective and the separate existence of Merger Sub will cease. Protective will continue as the surviving corporation in the Merger (as such, the “Surviving Corporation”) as a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Dai-ichi and will continue to be governed by the Laws of the State of Delaware. At the Effective Time, the effects of the Merger will be as provided in this Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, at the Effective Time, all of the property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of Protective and Merger Sub will vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of Protective and Merger Sub will become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.

 

SECTION 2.02.  Closing.  The closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) will take place at the offices of Baker & McKenzie, LLP, 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, at 10:00 a.m., local time, on the date when the Effective Time is to occur (the “Closing Date”).

 

SECTION 2.03.  Effective Time.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date, Dai-ichi and Protective will file a certificate of merger as contemplated by the DGCL (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, in such form as required by, and executed in accordance with, the DGCL. The Merger will become effective at such time as the Certificate of Merger is duly filed with such Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on the Closing Date, or at such other time as Dai-ichi and Protective may agree and specify in the Certificate of Merger. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, unless otherwise agreed by Dai-ichi and Protective, Dai-ichi and Protective will cause the Effective Time to occur not later than the fourth Business Day after all of the conditions set forth in Article VIII have been fulfilled or waived (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of those conditions). As used in this Agreement, the “Effective Time” means the time at which the Merger becomes effective.

 

SECTION 2.04.  Surviving Corporation Constituent Documents.  At the Effective Time, (a) the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation will be amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit A (the “Surviving Corporation Certificate of Incorporation”), and as so

 

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amended and restated, will be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with its terms and the DGCL and (b) the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation will be amended and restated to read in their entirety as set forth in Exhibit B, and as so amended and restated, will be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with their terms, the terms of the Surviving Corporation Certificate of Incorporation, as may be amended, and the DGCL

 

SECTION 2.05.  Surviving Corporation Directors and Officers.

 

(a)           The directors of Merger Sub in office immediately prior to the Effective Time will be the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation and will hold office from the Effective Time until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Surviving Corporation Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation or otherwise as provided by applicable Law.

 

(b)           The officers of Protective in office immediately prior to the Effective Time will be the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation and will hold office from the Effective Time until their respective successors are duly appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Surviving Corporation Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation or otherwise as provided by applicable Law.

 

SECTION 2.06.  Effect on Capital Stock.  At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Dai-ichi, Merger Sub, Protective or the holders of any of the following securities:

 

(a)           Each share of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares) will be converted into and will thereafter represent the right to receive $70.00 in cash, without interest (the “Per Share Merger Consideration” and in the aggregate for all shares of Common Stock, the “Merger Consideration”).

 

(b)           Each share of Common Stock owned by Dai-ichi or Protective or their respective direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiaries (“Excluded Shares”), in each case immediately prior to the Effective Time, will be canceled without any conversion thereof, and the Per Share Merger Consideration will not be paid with respect thereto.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if and to the extent required by the DGCL, shares of Common Stock which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and which are held by holders of such shares of Common Stock who have properly exercised appraisal rights with respect thereto (the “Dissenting Shares”) in accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL, will not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, and holders of such Dissenting Shares will be entitled to receive in lieu of the Merger Consideration payment of the appraised value of such Dissenting Shares determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 262 of the DGCL unless and until such holders fail to perfect or effectively withdraw or otherwise lose their rights to appraisal and payment under the DGCL. If, after the Effective Time, any such holder fails to perfect or effectively withdraws or loses such right, such Dissenting Shares will thereupon be treated as if they had been converted into and to have become exchangeable for, at the Effective Time, the right to receive the Merger Consideration payable in respect of Common Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.06(c), if this Agreement is terminated prior to the Effective Time, then the right of any stockholder to be paid the fair value of such stockholder’s Dissenting Shares pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL will cease. Protective will give Dai-ichi (i) prompt notice of any written demands received by the Protective for appraisal of Dissenting Shares, withdrawals of such demands and any other instruments served pursuant to the DGCL which are received by Protective relating to such holder’s rights of appraisal and (ii) the opportunity to direct all

 

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negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands for appraisal under the DGCL. Protective will not, except with the prior written consent of Dai-ichi, make any payment with respect to any demand for appraisal or offer to settle or settle any such demands, and Dai-ichi will not commit to make any such payment or enter into any such settlement prior to the Effective Time without the prior written consent of Protective.

 

(d)           Each share of the common stock of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into one fully paid and non assessable share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation.

 

(e)           If after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, Protective pays a dividend in, splits, combines into a smaller number of shares, or issues by reclassification any shares of Common Stock (or undertakes any similar act), then the Per Share Merger Consideration will be appropriately adjusted to provide to the holders of the Common Stock the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such action, and as so adjusted will, from and after the date of such event, be the Per Share Merger Consideration, subject to further adjustment in accordance with this provision.

 

(f)            From and after the Effective Time, the Common Stock converted into the Merger Consideration pursuant to this Section 2.06 will no longer remain outstanding and will automatically be cancelled and retired and will cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate previously representing any such Common Stock or shares of Common Stock that are in non-certificated book-entry form (either case being referred to in this Agreement, to the extent applicable, as a “Certificate”) will thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such Common Stock except the right to receive the Merger Consideration and any dividends or other distributions as provided in Section 3.01(e).

 

SECTION 2.07.  Treatment of Equity Compensation Awards.

 

(a)           At or immediately prior to the Effective Time, each stock appreciation right with respect to shares of Common Stock granted under any Stock Plan (each, a “SAR”) that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time and that has a base price per share of Common Stock underlying such SAR (the “Base Price”) that is less than the Per Share Merger Consideration (each such SAR, an “In-the-Money SAR”), whether or not exercisable or vested, will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest, determined by multiplying (i) the excess of the Per Share Merger Consideration over the Base Price of such In-the-Money SAR by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such In-the-Money SAR (such amount, the “SAR Consideration”). At the Effective Time, each SAR that has a Base Price that is equal to or greater than the Per Share Merger Consideration, whether or not exercisable or vested, will be cancelled and the holder of such SAR will not be entitled to receive any payment in exchange for such cancellation.

 

(b)           At or immediately prior to the Effective Time, each restricted share unit with respect to a share of Common Stock granted under any Stock Plan (each, a “RSU”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether or not vested, will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest, determined by multiplying (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration by (ii) the number of RSUs (such amount, the “RSU Consideration”).

 

(c)           At or immediately prior to the Effective Time, the number of performance shares earned for each award of performance shares granted under any Stock Plan will be calculated by determining the number of performance shares that would have been paid if the subject award period had ended on the December 31 immediately preceding the Effective Time (based on the conditions set for payment of performance share awards for the subject award period), provided that the number of performance shares earned for each award will not be less than the aggregate

 

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number of performance shares at the target performance level, and provided further that with respect to awards granted in the year in which the Effective Time occurs, performance shares will be earned at the same percentage as awards granted in the year preceding the year in which the Effective Time occurs. At or immediately prior to the Effective Time, each performance share so earned (each, a “Performance Share”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether or not vested, will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash, without interest, determined by multiplying (i) the Per Share Merger Consideration by (ii) the number of Performance Shares (such amount, the “Performance Share Consideration”).

 

(d)           Dai-ichi will cause the Surviving Company to pay the SAR Consideration, RSU Consideration and Performance Share Consideration, less any amounts required to be deducted or withheld with respect to the making of such payment under any applicable Law, at or reasonably promptly after the Effective Time, but in no event later than five Business Days after the Effective Time, through the payroll system of the Surviving Company; provided that, if payment of any such amount is subject to a deferral election, payment will be made in accordance with the terms specifed in such applicable election.

 

(e)           Prior to the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of Protective (or, if appropriate, any committee thereof administering any Stock Plan) will adopt such resolutions or take action by written consent in lieu of a meeting to terminate each Stock Plan and any relevant award agreements applicable to each Stock Plan, and to cancel any Equity Rights that are outstanding and unexercised, whether or not vested or exercisable, at the Effective Time, subject to the right of the holders of such Equity Rights as provided in this Section 2.07.

 

ARTICLE III

PAYMENT FOR SHARES

 

SECTION 3.01.  Surrender and Payment.

 

(a)           Prior to the Effective Time, Dai-ichi will appoint a U.S. bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to Protective (the “Exchange Agent”) for the purpose of exchanging Certificates for Merger Consideration. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, but in no event more than two Business Days following the Effective Time, Dai-ichi will send, or will cause the Exchange Agent to send, to each holder of record of shares of Common Stock as of the Effective Time, whose shares of Common Stock were converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, a letter of transmittal (which will specify that the delivery will be effected, and risk of loss and title will pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates (or effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) to the Exchange Agent) in such form as Protective and Dai-ichi may reasonably agree, including instructions for use in effecting the surrender of Certificates (or effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) to the Exchange Agent in exchange for the Merger Consideration.

 

(b)           At or prior to the Effective Time, Dai-ichi will cause to be deposited with the Exchange Agent, in trust for the benefit of the holders of shares of Common Stock, an amount of cash in United States dollars sufficient to make the payments contemplated by Section 2.06, payable upon due surrender of the Certificates (or effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) pursuant to the provisions of this Article III. All cash deposited with the Exchange Agent is referred to in this Agreement as the “Exchange Fund.” The Exchange Agent will, pursuant to irrevocable instructions, deliver the appropriate Merger Consideration out of the Exchange Fund. The Exchange Fund will not be used for any other purpose. The Exchange Agent will invest any cash included in the Exchange Fund as directed by Dai-ichi; provided that no such investment or losses thereon will affect the Merger Consideration payable to holders of shares of Common Stock entitled to receive such consideration and Dai-ichi will promptly cause to be provided additional funds to the

 

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Exchange Agent for the benefit of holders of shares of Common Stock entitled to receive such consideration in the amount of any such losses. Any interest and other income resulting from such investments will be the property of, and paid to, Dai-ichi.

 

(c)           Each holder of shares of Common Stock that have been converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a Certificate (or effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof), together with a properly completed letter of transmittal, duly executed and completed in accordance with the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may reasonably be required by the Exchange Agent, will be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a check in the amount, if any, that such holder has the right to receive in cash pursuant to Section 2.06 and this Article III. The Merger Consideration will be paid as promptly as practicable (by mail or, to the extent commercially practicable, made available for collection by hand if so elected by the surrendering holder of a Certificate) after receipt by the Exchange Agent of the Certificate and letter of transmittal in accordance with the foregoing. No interest will be paid or accrued on any Merger Consideration or on any unpaid dividends and distributions payable to holders of Certificates.

 

(d)           If any cash payment is to be made to a Person other than the Person in whose name the applicable surrendered Certificate is registered, it will be a condition of such payment that the Person requesting such payment will pay any transfer or other similar Taxes required by reason of the making of such cash payment to a Person other than the registered holder of the surrendered Certificate or will establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such Tax has been paid or is not payable. If any portion of the Merger Consideration is to be registered in the name of a Person other than the Person in whose name the applicable surrendered Certificate is registered, it will be a condition to the registration thereof that the surrendered Certificate will be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for transfer and that the Person requesting such delivery of the Merger Consideration will pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other similar Taxes required as a result of such registration in the name of a Person other than the registered holder of such Certificate or establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such Tax has been paid or is not payable.

 

(e)           After the Effective Time, there will be no further registration of transfers of shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the Effective Time other than as provided for in Section 2.06(d). From and after the Effective Time, the holders of Certificates representing shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will cease to have any rights with respect to such shares of Common Stock except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by applicable Law. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the Exchange Agent or Dai-ichi, they will be cancelled and exchanged for the consideration provided for, and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article II and this Article III. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Surviving Corporation is obligated to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which may have been declared or made by Protective with respect to shares of Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement prior to the Effective Time which remain unpaid at the Effective Time.

 

(f)            Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the holders of shares of Common Stock one year after the Effective Time will be returned to Dai-ichi, upon demand, and any such holder who has not exchanged his or her shares of Common Stock for the Merger Consideration in accordance with this Article III prior to that time will thereafter look only to Dai-ichi for delivery of the Merger Consideration in respect of such holder’s shares of Common Stock.

 

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(g)           Neither Dai-ichi, the Surviving Corporation nor the Exchange Agent will be liable to any former holder of Common Stock for any portion of the Merger Consideration delivered to any Government Authority pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law. In the event any Certificate has not been surrendered prior to the date as of which such Certificate or the Merger Consideration payable upon the surrender thereof escheats to or otherwise becomes the property of any Governmental Authority, Dai-ichi, the Surviving Corporation and the Exchange Agent will be permitted to comply with such Laws and the Merger Consideration otherwise payable upon the surrender of such Certificate will be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Common Stock represented by such Certificate.

 

SECTION 3.02.  Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.  If any Certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by Dai-ichi, the posting by such Person of a bond, in such reasonable and customary amount as Dai-ichi may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue, in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate, the Merger Consideration to be paid in respect of the shares of Common Stock represented by such Certificate as contemplated by Article II and this Article III.

 

SECTION 3.03.  Withholding Rights.  Dai-ichi, the Surviving Corporation and the Exchange Agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable to a holder of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Merger such amounts as Dai-ichi, the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so deducted or withheld and paid over to the applicable Governmental Authority or Taxing Authority, such deducted or withheld amounts will be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of shares of Common Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.

 

SECTION 3.04.  Further Assurances.  After the Effective Time, the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation will be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of Protective, any deeds, bills of sale, assignments or assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of Protective, any other actions and things to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving Corporation any and all right, title and interest in, to and under any of the rights, properties or assets acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger.

 

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PROTECTIVE

 

Except as otherwise disclosed in (a) the SEC Documents filed with the SEC and publicly available on the internet website of the SEC at least two Business Days prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding any portions of such SEC Documents that have been redacted and excluding any disclosure set forth in the sections titled “Risk Factors” or “forward-looking statements” or in any other section to the extent the disclosure is a forward-looking statement or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature) or (b) the letter (the “Protective Disclosure Letter”) dated as of the date hereof and delivered to Dai-ichi by Protective with respect to this Agreement (it being understood that any information contained therein will qualify and apply to the representations and warranties in this Article IV to which the information is specifically stated as referring to and will qualify and apply to other representations and warranties in this Article IV to the extent that it is reasonably apparent upon reading such information that such disclosure also qualifies or is responsive to such other sections), except that no information set forth in the SEC Documents will qualify or apply to the representations and warranties

 

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set forth in Section 4.03, Section 4.04, Section 4.06(b) or Section 4.34), Protective represents and warrants to Dai-ichi and Merger Sub as follows:

 

SECTION 4.01.  Organization.  Protective is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Protective (a) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted and (b) is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it make such licensing or qualification necessary, except where failure to have such power and authority, or to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Protective has made available to Dai-ichi accurate and complete copies of its Constituent Documents, as amended and in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 4.02.  Subsidiaries.

 

(a)           Each Subsidiary of Protective (individually, a “Protective Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Protective Subsidiaries”) is a corporation duly incorporated or a limited liability company, partnership or other entity duly organized and is validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization. Each Protective Subsidiary (a) has all requisite corporate or other power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted and (b) is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it make such licensing or qualification necessary, except where failure to have such power and authority, or to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           Protective or one or more Protective Subsidiaries is the record holder and Beneficial Owner of all of the outstanding Securities of each Protective Subsidiary, free and clear of any Liens and free of any other limitation or restriction, including any limitation or restriction on the right to vote, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Securities, other than generally applicable limitations or restrictions on transfer arising under applicable securities Laws and applicable Insurance Laws governing the acquisition of control of the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries. All of the Securities so owned by Protective have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and no such shares have been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights by which Protective or any Protective Subsidiary is bound. Except for the Securities of the Protective Subsidiaries and investment assets acquired in the ordinary course of business consistent with the investment policies and guidelines applicable to Protective at the time of acquisition, Protective does not own, directly or indirectly, any Securities or other ownership interests in any Person or any Indebtedness of any Person.

 

SECTION 4.03.  Capitalization.

 

(a)           The authorized capital stock of Protective consists of 160,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 4,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.

 

(b)           At the close of business on May 31, 2014, 78,857,942 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, 3,807,821 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the Stock Plans or pursuant to individual equity compensation award agreements, and no shares of Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. Except as set forth above, as of May 31, 2014, no other Securities of Protective were issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. All issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock have been, and all shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of outstanding Equity Rights will be, when issued in accordance

 

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with the terms thereof, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and are subject to no preemptive or similar rights by which Protective or any Protective Subsidiary is bound.

 

(c)           Section 4.03(c) of the Protective Disclosure Letter sets forth the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under each Stock Plan and, as of May 31, 2014, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding awards, whether or not vested, under each Stock Plan. Protective has made available to Dai-ichi the forms of grant agreements related to such awards. No changes (other than changes in vesting terms to accommodate particular circumstances) have been made to such forms in connection with any award that increase the rights provided under such an award in a manner that is materially detrimental to Protective.

 

(d)           There are no preemptive or similar rights that obligate Protective or any of the Protective Subsidiaries to issue or sell any Securities of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary. Neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary has outstanding any bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or which are convertible into or exercisable for Securities having the right to vote) with the holders of any class of Securities of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary on any matter submitted to such holders of Securities. Except pursuant to this Agreement and as described above, there are no options, warrants, calls, rights, convertible or exchangeable securities, “phantom” stock rights, stock appreciation rights, stock-based performance units, Contracts or undertakings of any kind to which Protective or any Protective Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them is bound (i) obligating Protective or any Protective Subsidiary to issue, deliver, sell or transfer or repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or cause to be issued, delivered, sold or transferred or repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired, any Securities of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, or any Security convertible or exercisable for or exchangeable into any Securities of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, (ii) obligating Protective or any Protective Subsidiary to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, security, Contract or undertaking or (iii) that give any Person the right to receive any economic benefit or right similar to or derived from the economic benefits and rights accruing to holders of Securities of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary. There are no proxies, voting trusts or other Contracts to which Protective or any Protective Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them is bound with respect to the voting of the Securities of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary or the registration of the Securities of Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries under any United States or foreign securities Law.

 

SECTION 4.04.  Authorization; Board Approval; Voting Requirements.

 

(a)           Protective has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and, subject to obtaining the Stockholder Approval, to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by Protective of this Agreement and the consummation by Protective of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Protective, subject to receipt of the Stockholder Approval and the filing of the appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Protective and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Dai-ichi and Merger Sub, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Protective, enforceable against Protective in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(b)           The Board of Directors of Protective, at a meeting duly called and held, has unanimously adopted resolutions approving an amendment to Protective’s bylaws to include the provision set

 

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forth in Exhibit C. As of the date of this Agreement, such resolutions have not been amended or withdrawn.

 

(c)           Subsequent to the adoption of the resolutions referred to in Section 4.04(b), the Board of Directors of Protective, at a meeting duly called and held, has unanimously adopted resolutions approving this Agreement, declaring this Agreement advisable and recommending that Protective’s stockholders adopt this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, such resolutions have not been amended or withdrawn.

 

(d)           The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at the Stockholders Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, to adopt this Agreement (the “Stockholder Approval”) is the only vote or approval of the holders of any class or series of Securities of Protective necessary to adopt this Agreement.

 

SECTION 4.05.  Takeover Statutes; No Restrictions on the Merger.  No “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “business combination” or similar anti-takeover statute or regulation (“Takeover Law”) is applicable to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Assuming the representations of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub set forth in Section 5.07 are true and correct, Protective has taken all necessary action to render the restrictions on business combinations contained in Section 203 of the DGCL inapplicable to this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No other Takeover Laws or provisions in the Constituent Documents of Protective, including Article VII of Protective’s certificate of incorporation, having such effect are applicable to the Merger, this Agreement, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

SECTION 4.06.  Consents and Approvals; No Violations.

 

(a)           Assuming that all Approvals of or from, or Filings with, Governmental Authorities described in Section 4.06(b) and Section 5.04(b) have been obtained or made, and that the Stockholder Approval is obtained, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Protective does not and the consummation by Protective of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) conflict with any provisions of the Constituent Documents of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, (ii) violate any Law or Order, (iii) result, after the giving of notice, with lapse of time, or otherwise, in any violation, default or loss of a benefit under, or permit the acceleration or termination of any obligation under or require any consent under, any Contract, (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any properties or assets of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary or (v) cause the suspension or revocation of any Permit of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, except, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           No clearance, consent, approval, order, waiver, license or authorization of or from (an “Approval”), or declaration, registration or filing with, or notice to, any Governmental Authority (a “Filing”) is required to be made or obtained by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary in connection with the execution or delivery of this Agreement by Protective or the consummation by Protective of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) compliance by Protective with the HSR Act, (ii) the matters set forth in Section 4.06(b) of the Protective Disclosure Letter, (iii) the filing with the SEC of the Proxy Statement in accordance with Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act and such reports under and such other compliance with the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the DGCL and (v) such other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 4.07.  SEC Reports; Financial Statements.

 

(a)           Protective has timely filed or furnished all registrations, statements, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by it with or to the SEC since January 1, 2011 (together with all exhibits, financial statements and schedules thereto and all information incorporated therein by reference, the “SEC Documents”). As of its respective date, or, if amended, as of the date of the last such amendment, each of the SEC Documents complied when filed or furnished (or, if applicable, when amended) in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Securities Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act applicable to such SEC Documents and did not, and any SEC Documents filed with the SEC subsequent to the date of this Agreement will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or incorporated by reference therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

(b)           The Financial Statements, which have been derived from the books and records of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, complied at the time they were filed as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto and have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis (“GAAP”) throughout the periods presented, except as otherwise noted therein. The consolidated balance sheets (including the related notes) included in the Financial Statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof, and the consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and consolidated statements of cash flows (in each case including the related notes) included in such Financial Statements present fairly in all material respects the results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries for the respective periods indicated, subject, in the case of any unaudited interim Financial Statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments.

 

(c)           The books and records of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries (i) are accurate and complete in all material respects, (ii) have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with applicable Law and (iii) are in material compliance with all record keeping maintenance requirements in applicable Insurance Contracts.

 

(d)           As of the date of this Agreement, Protective has provided Dai-ichi with accurate and complete unredacted copies of all documents filed as exhibits to the SEC Documents subject to a request to the staff of the SEC for confidential treatment. Protective has not submitted any request for confidential treatment of documents filed as exhibits to the SEC Documents that as of the date of this Agreement is currently pending or that has otherwise not been acted upon by staff of the SEC. Protective has timely responded to all comment letters of the staff of the SEC received by it since January 1, 2011 relating to the SEC Documents, and the SEC has not asserted that any of such responses are inadequate, insufficient or otherwise non-responsive. None of the SEC Documents is, to the Knowledge of Protective, the subject of ongoing SEC review.

 

(e)           The audit committee of the Board of Directors of Protective has established “whistleblower” procedures that meet the requirements of Exchange Act Rule 10A-3 in all material respects, and has made available to Dai-ichi accurate and complete copies of such procedures. Since January 1, 2011 and except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary has received any “complaints” (within the meaning of Exchange Act Rule 10A-3) in respect of any accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and, to the Knowledge of Protective, no complaint seeking relief under Section 806 of the

 

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Sarbanes-Oxley Act has been filed with the United States Secretary of Labor and no employee has threatened to file any such complaint.

 

SECTION 4.08.  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.  Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries do not have any liabilities or obligations, whether or not accrued, known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, and whether or not required to be recorded or reflected in a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP or SAP, other than liabilities or obligations (a) reserved against in the Financial Statements included in the SEC Documents filed with the SEC and publicly available at least two Business days prior to the date of this Agreement or specifically disclosed in the notes thereto, (b) that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (c) incurred pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with this Agreement.

 

SECTION 4.09.  Proxy Statement.  The letter to stockholders, notice of meeting, proxy statement and form of proxy that will be provided to the stockholders of Protective in connection with the Merger (including any amendments or supplements thereto) and any annexes, schedules or exhibits required to be filed with the SEC in connection therewith (collectively, the “Proxy Statement”) will not, on the date of filing with the SEC, at the time first mailed to the stockholders of Protective and at the time of the Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Protective makes no representation or warranty with respect to information supplied in writing by Dai-ichi, Merger Sub or any Representative or Affiliate of Dai-ichi or Merger Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act.

 

SECTION 4.10.  Absence of Certain Changes.  Since January 1, 2014, (a) Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (b) there have not been any Changes that, individually or in the aggregate, have had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 4.11.  Litigation.  There is no Proceeding (whether at Law or in equity) pending, or, to the Knowledge of Protective, threatened against or otherwise affecting Protective or any Protective Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers, properties or assets or any of the Separate Accounts, that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no Order outstanding against or, to the Knowledge of Protective, investigation by any Governmental Authority involving Protective or any Protective Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers, properties or assets or any of the Separate Accounts, that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonable be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 4.12.  Compliance with Laws.

 

(a)           Each of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries hold all material Permits necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses or ownership of their respective assets and properties, except where failure to hold Permits, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries is in compliance with the terms of the Permits, except where non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither Protective nor the Protective Subsidiaries has received at any time since January 1, 2011 any notice or other written communication from any Governmental Authority regarding any actual or threatened revocation, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation, termination or material modification of any Permit, except for matters that,

 

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individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, Protective, the Protective Subsidiaries and the Separate Accounts are and, since January 1, 2011, have been, in compliance with all applicable Laws. Since January 1, 2011, neither Protective nor any of the Protective Subsidiaries has received any written notice or, to the Knowledge of Protective, other communication from any Governmental Authority regarding any actual or possible noncompliance with any Law by Protective, any of the Protective Subsidiaries or any of the Separate Accounts, except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)           Each of the principal executive officer of Protective and the principal financial officer of Protective (or each former principal executive officer of Protective and each former principal financial officer of Protective, as applicable) has made all applicable certifications required by Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 under the Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with respect to the SEC Documents, and the statements contained in such certifications are accurate and complete. For purposes of this Agreement, “principal executive officer” and “principal financial officer” will have the meanings given to such terms in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

(d)           Protective maintains a system of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance (i) that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with management’s authorization, (ii) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and (iii) regarding prevention or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Protective’s properties or assets.

 

(e)           Protective’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Protective in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such information is accumulated and communicated to Protective’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of Protective required under the Exchange Act with respect to such reports.

 

(f)            Since January 1, 2011, neither the audit committee of the Board of Directors of Protective nor, to the Knowledge of Protective, any of Protective’s outside auditors has received any oral or written notification of (i) any “significant deficiencies” or “material weaknesses” in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect Protective’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information or (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Protective’s internal control over financial reporting. For purposes of this Agreement, the terms “significant deficiency” and “material weakness” will have the meanings assigned to them in Appendix A of Auditing Standard No. 5 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, as in effect on the date of this Agreement. Protective’s current outside auditors have confirmed to Protective in writing that they are independent registered certified public accountants as required by the Exchange Act and the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

 

(g)           Since January 1, 2011, (i) neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary has received any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of Protective or any Protective

 

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Subsidiary or any concerns from employees of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters with respect to Protective or any Protective Subsidiary relating to periods after January 1, 2011, in each case, which complaint, allegation, assertion, claim or concern is reasonably believed by Protective to be material to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in light of the facts known to Protective forming the basis of such complaint, allegation, assertion, claim or concern and (ii) no attorney representing Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, whether or not employed by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, has reported evidence of a violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by Protective or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents to the Board of Directors of Protective or any committee thereof or to the general counsel or chief executive officer of Protective pursuant to the rules of the SEC adopted under Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, in each case which report or purported violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation is reasonably believed by Protective to be material to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in light of the facts known to Protective forming the basis of such report.

 

(h)           This Section 4.12 does not relate to Tax matters (which is the subject of Section 4.13), employee plan matters (which is the subject of Section 4.15), intellectual property matters (which is the subject of Section 4.17), or environmental matters (which is the subject of Section 4.19).

 

SECTION 4.13.  Taxes.

 

(a)           Protective and each Protective Subsidiary has (i) duly and timely filed (or there have been duly and timely filed on its behalf), taking into account extensions, with the appropriate Governmental Authorities or Taxing Authorities all Tax Returns required to be filed by it in respect of any material Taxes, which Tax Returns were accurate and complete in all material respects, (ii) duly and timely paid in full (or Protective has paid on the Protective Subsidiaries’ behalf) all Taxes shown as due on such Tax Returns, (iii) duly and timely paid in full, or established adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP for, all material Taxes that are due and payable by it, whether or not such Taxes were asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority or Taxing Authority, (iv) established adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP for the payment of all material Taxes not yet due and payable by Protective and each Protective Subsidiary on the most recent financial statements contained in the SEC Documents through the date thereof and (v) complied in all material respects with all Laws applicable to the withholding and payment over of Taxes and has timely withheld and paid over (or set aside in accounts for such purpose) to, or, where amounts have not been so withheld, established adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP for the payment to, the respective proper Governmental Authorities or Taxing Authorities all material amounts required to be so withheld and paid over.

 

(b)           There is no Proceeding now pending, outstanding or, to the Knowledge of Protective as of the date of this Agreement, threatened (in writing or otherwise) against or with respect to Protective or any Protective Subsidiary in respect of any material Taxes or material Tax Returns.

 

(c)           There are no Tax rulings or determinations, requests for Tax rulings or determinations, closing agreements, advanced pricing agreements, or other similar agreements or requests (including any gain recognition agreements under Section 367 of the Code and applications for a change in accounting method or to change the basis for determining items under Section 481 or Section 807 of the Code), filed, pending or in effect with any Taxing Authority relating to Protective or any Protective Subsidiary which could materially affect Protective’s or such Protective Subsidiary’s liability for Taxes.

 

(d)           There are no material Tax sharing agreements, Tax indemnity agreements or other similar Contracts (other than Contracts between Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries and indemnities or gross-ups included in ordinary course Contracts) that will require any payment by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary of any Tax of another Person after the Closing Date.

 

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(e)           None of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary has any material liability for Taxes as a result of having been a member of any affiliated group within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code, or any similar affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for tax purposes under state, local or foreign Law (other than a group the common parent of which is Protective or any Protective Subsidiary), or has any material liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), or as a transferee or successor.

 

(f)            None of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any (i) change in method of accounting under Section 481 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), or change in the basis for determining any item referred to in Section 807(c) of the Code, for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date, (ii) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date, (iii) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date outside of the ordinary course of business, or (iv) any election under Section 108(i) of the Code.

 

(g)           No material claim, other than claims that have been resolved, has been made within the past five years by an authority in a jurisdiction where Protective or any Protective Subsidiary has not filed Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.

 

(h)           Protective has adequately disclosed on the consolidated U.S. federal income Tax Returns of its affiliated group for the past six years all positions taken therein that could give rise to a substantial understatement of Federal income tax within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code.

 

(i)            None of the Indebtedness of Protective or any U.S. Protective Subsidiary constitutes (i) “corporate acquisition indebtedness” (as defined in Section 279(b) of the Code) with respect to which any interest deductions may be disallowed under Section 279 of the Code or (ii) an “applicable high yield discount obligation” under Section 163(i) of the Code.

 

(j)            All material sales, use, value-added, good and services and similar Taxes that Protective or any Protective Subsidiary is required by Law to withhold or collect have been duly withheld or collected, or, where amounts have not been so withheld or collected, Protective or such Protective Subsidiary has established adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP with respect thereto. To the extent required by applicable Law, all such amounts have been paid over to the proper Governmental Authority.

 

(k)           There are no material Liens or other encumbrances for Taxes upon any material property or assets of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, except for Permitted Liens.

 

(l)            Neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary has participated in a “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(2) for any taxable period for which the statute of limitations remains open.

 

(m)          Neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary has currently in effect any waiver of any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or any agreement to any extension of time with regard to a material Tax assessment or deficiency (other than pursuant to extensions of time to file Tax Returns obtained in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices), and no such waivers are pending.

 

(n)           None of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary has been a “controlled corporation” or a “distributing corporation” in any distribution (other than any distribution of an indirect Subsidiary of Protective from one direct or indirect Subsidiary to another such Subsidiary or to Protective that was not part of the same plan or series of transactions as the Merger, within the meaning of

 

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Section 355(e) of the Code) occurring during the two-year period ending on the date of this Agreement that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 or Section 361 of the Code.

 

(o)           None of Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary has elected to be treated as a “domestic corporation” within the meaning of Section 953(d) of the Code.

 

(p)           Neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary owns any interest in any Person classified as a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code with respect to which Protective or any Protective Subsidiary which is a “United States shareholder” within the meaning of Section 951(b) of the Code.

 

(q)           Neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary has a “policyholders surplus account” within the meaning of Section 815 of the Code which has a positive balance.

 

(r)            Protective and each Protective Insurance Subsidiary is and has been a life insurance company under Section 816(a) of the Code and subject to United States federal income taxation under Section 801 of the Code.

 

SECTION 4.14.  Real Property.

 

(a)           With respect to the Owned Real Property and Leased Real Property all buildings, structures, fixtures and improvements are in all respects adequate and sufficient and in satisfactory condition, to support the operations of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries as presently conducted, except in respects that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           With respect to each parcel of material Owned Real Property (i) Protective or the applicable Protective Subsidiary has good and marketable fee simple (or equivalent) title to such Owned Real Property, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, (ii) there are no outstanding written agreements or other Contracts to purchase, exchange, place a Lien against, lease or otherwise transfer such Owned Real Property, other than Contracts to acquire or dispose of investment assets in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and the Investment Guidelines and (iii) there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Protective, threatened condemnation or other Proceedings relating to the Owned Real Property, except, in each case, in respects that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expect to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)           With respect to each Lease relating to a parcel of material Leased Real Property (i) Protective or the applicable Protective Subsidiary that is party thereto has good and valid leasehold interests in such Lease (subject to the terms of the applicable Lease governing its interests therein), in each case free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens, (ii) each such Lease is the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of Protective or the applicable Protective Subsidiary that is lessee thereunder and (iii) Protective or the applicable Protective Subsidiary has complied with the terms of such Lease, except, in each case, in respects that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expect to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 4.15.  Employee Benefit Plans and Related Matters; ERISA.

 

(a)           With respect to each of the material Benefit Plans, Protective has made available to Dai-ichi accurate and complete copies of each of the following documents: (i) such Benefit Plan (including all material amendments thereto), (ii) the annual report and actuarial report, if required under ERISA or the Code, for the most recent plan year ending prior to the date hereof, (iii) the most recent summary plan description, together with each summary of material modifications, if required under ERISA, (iv) if the Benefit Plan is funded through a trust or any third party funding

 

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vehicle, the trust or other funding Contract (including all amendments thereto) and the latest financial statements with respect to the reporting period ended most recently preceding the date thereof, (v) the most recent determination letter or opinion letter received from the IRS with respect to each Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and (vi) all material notices with respect to any Benefit Plan that were given by any Governmental Authority to Protective, any Protective Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate of the foregoing or any Benefit Plan in the last three plan years ending prior to the date of this Agreement or in the period ending on the date of this Agreement. Section 4.15(a) of the Protective Disclosure Letter contains an accurate and complete list of each material Benefit Plan in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

 

(b)           Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) no liability under Title IV of ERISA has been incurred by Protective or any ERISA Affiliate of Protective that has not been satisfied in full when due, and no condition exists that could be reasonably expected to present a material risk to Protective or any ERISA Affiliate of Protective of incurring a liability under Title IV of ERISA, (ii) no Benefit Plan subject to the minimum funding requirements of Section 302 of ERISA or any trust established thereunder has failed to meet such minimum funding standards (as described in Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived, as of the last day of the most recent fiscal year of such Benefit Plan ended prior to the date of this Agreement, (iii) no Benefit Plan is a multiple employer welfare association within the meaning of Section 3(40) of ERISA, (iv) any cessation of benefit accruals under a Benefit Plan was effected in accordance with any applicable requirements of ERISA and the Code, including (to the extent applicable) Section 204(h) of ERISA and (v) all contributions required to be made to any Benefit Plan by applicable Law and the terms of such Benefit Plan, and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Benefit Plan, for any period through the Closing Date, have been timely made or paid in full, or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the Closing Date, have been fully reflected in line items on the applicable financial statements of Protective or Protective Subsidiary, as applicable. Neither Protective nor any ERISA Affiliate of Protective maintains or contributes to any Multiemployer Plan and neither Protective nor any ERISA Affiliate of Protective has incurred or has any reason to believe it has incurred or will incur any withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA.

 

(c)           Each Benefit Plan intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter or opinion letter from the IRS, on which it can currently rely, as to its qualification and, to the Knowledge of Protective as of the date of this Agreement, no event has occurred that could reasonably be expected to result in disqualification of such Benefit Plan.

 

(d)           Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Benefit Plans has been maintained, operated and administered in all respects in accordance with its terms and all applicable Laws, including ERISA and the Code.

 

(e)           Section 4.15(e) of the Protective Disclosure Letter includes an accurate and complete list of all change in control, severance and similar agreements to which any officer of Protective is a party as of the date hereof and information in reasonable detail regarding all Equity Rights held by such officer as of the date of this Agreement. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Contracts and information set forth on Section 4.15(e) of the Protective Disclosure Letter, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) entitle any current or former director, officer, employee or agent of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary to any material severance pay, unemployment compensation or any other payment or (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or materially increase the amount of compensation due to any such current or

 

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former director, officer, employee or agent. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in any material prohibited transaction described in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code for which an exemption is not available or accelerate the funding of any nonqualified deferred compensation plan or arrangement.

 

(f)            Section 4.15(f) of the Protective Disclosure Letter includes an accurate and complete list of each material Benefit Plan that provides benefits, including death or medical benefits (whether or not insured), with respect to current or former directors, officers, employees or agents of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary beyond their retirement or other termination of service, other than (i) coverage mandated solely by applicable Law, (ii) death benefits or retirement benefits under any “employee pension plan” (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), (iii) deferred compensation benefits accrued as liabilities on the books of Protective or a Protective Subsidiary or (iv) benefits the full costs of which are borne by the current or former director, officer, employee or agent or his or her beneficiary.

 

(g)           Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, there are no pending or, to the knowledge of Protective, threatened claims by or on behalf of any of the Benefit Plans, by any employee or beneficiary covered under any Benefit Plan or otherwise involving any Benefit Plan.

 

(h)           Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Benefit Plan and each employment, management, severance, consulting, relocation, repatriation, expatriation or similar agreement between Protective or any Protective Subsidiary and any current or former employee, consultant or independent contractor that provides deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code is in compliance with applicable guidance under Section 409A of the Code in form and operation.

 

(i)            Except for circumstances that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, Protective or a Protective Subsidiary, as applicable, has the right to modify and terminate benefits (other than vested benefits) with respect to both retired and active employees under each Benefit Plan (other than vested benefits under any defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plans).

 

SECTION 4.16.  Employees; Labor Matters.  Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) as of the date of this Agreement, there is no organizational effort currently being made or, to the Knowledge of Protective, threatened by or on behalf of any labor union, works council, employee committee or representative or other labor organization to organize any employees of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary and (ii) as of the date of this Agreement, to the Knowledge of Protective, no petition has been filed, nor has any Proceeding been instituted by any employee of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary or group of employees of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary with any labor relations board or commission seeking recognition of a collective bargaining or similar representative in the past three years. Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, there is no labor union, works council, employee committee or representative or other labor organization representing employees of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary which, pursuant to applicable Law or any applicable collective bargaining agreement or other Contract, must be notified, consulted or with which negotiations are required to be conducted in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary is party to or otherwise bound by any collective bargaining agreement or similar labor Contract with any labor union, works council, employee committee or representative or other labor organization with respect to employees of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary.

 

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SECTION 4.17.  Intellectual Property.

 

(a)           Except in respects that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries are the owners of (with valid right, title and interest in), free and clear of all Liens (except Permitted Liens), and have a valid right to use in their business as currently conducted, all items of Owned Intellectual Property. Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries have a valid right to use in their business as currently conducted all items of Intellectual Property that are the subject of any Intellectual Property License Agreement, subject to the terms of the applicable Intellectual Property License Agreement and except where the failure to have the right to use such Owned Intellectual Property, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Protective, threatened Proceedings before any court, agency, arbitral tribunal or registration authority in any jurisdiction alleging that the activities or conduct of the business of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries infringe upon, misappropriate or constitute the unauthorized use of the Intellectual Property rights of any third party or challenging Protective’s ownership, use, validity, enforceability or registrability of any Owned Intellectual Property, except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)           To the Knowledge of Protective, the conduct of the business of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries by Protective as currently conducted does not infringe upon or misappropriate (either directly or indirectly, such as through contributory infringement or inducement to infringe) any Intellectual Property rights of any other Person, except where such infringement or misappropriation, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(d)           To the Knowledge of Protective, no third party is misappropriating, infringing, or diluting any Owned Intellectual Property, and no Proceedings or other adversarial claims have been brought or threatened against any third party by Protective, except for such misappropriation, infringement or dilution or Proceeding or claim that, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(e)           Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries have taken reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of their Trade Secrets. None of the material Trade Secrets of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries has been disclosed or authorized to be disclosed to any third party other than pursuant to a nondisclosure agreement, except where such disclosure or authorization, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of Protective, no third party to any nondisclosure agreement with Protective or any Protective Subsidiary is in material breach, violation or default, except where such breach, violation or default, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f)            Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries are and, since January 1, 2011, have been in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign Laws, as well as their own policies, relating to privacy, data protection, breach notification, export and the collection and use of Personal Data and user information gathered or accessed in the course of the operations of its business, except where such noncompliance, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries use commercially reasonable measures to protect the secrecy of Personal Data that they collect and maintain and to prevent unauthorized access to such Personal Data by any Person. Since January 1, 2011, none of Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of Protective, any third Person working on behalf of any of them, has had a breach of security or an

 

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incident of unauthorized access, disclosure, use destruction or loss of any Personal Data and, with respect to any such breach or incident, each of them has complied with all data breach notification and related obligations under all applicable Laws and has taken reasonable corrective action to prevent recurrence of the foregoing, except, with respect to any of the foregoing, to the extent any such breach or incident, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(g)           Except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, all Internal IT Systems (i) are in good repair and operating condition and are adequate and suitable for the purposes for which they are being used or held for use, (ii) conform in all material respects with their related documentation and (iii) to the Knowledge of Protective, do not contain any Virus that would reasonably be expected to interfere with the ability to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted. Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries in the operation of their respective businesses, maintain and follow a commercially reasonable disaster recovery plan that will enable the Internal IT Systems to be replaced and substituted in the event of a disaster without material disruption to their business.

 

SECTION 4.18.  Contracts.

 

(a)           As of the date of this Agreement, all Contracts required to be filed as exhibits to the SEC Documents have been so filed. Section 4.18(a) of the Protective Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of the following Contracts to which Protective or any Protective Subsidiary is a party or by which it is bound, except for the Golden Gate Contracts and those Contracts and other documents filed as exhibits to, or incorporated by reference in, the SEC Documents:

 

(i)            any joint venture, partnership, limited liability company or other similar Contract relating to the formation, creation, operation, management, sharing of profit or losses or control of any partnership, strategic alliance or joint venture, in each case, material to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, but excluding investment portfolio transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices;

 

(ii)           any Contract, including any option Contract, entered into since January 1, 2006, relating to the acquisition or disposition, with material obligations remaining to be performed or material liabilities continuing after the date of this Agreement, of any business or real property that is material to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise);

 

(iii)          any investment advisory Contract or any other Contract relating to investment management, investment advisory or subadvisory services to which any Protective Insurance Subsidiary is a party or under which any Protective Subsidiary provides such services and which involves annual fee revenue in excess of $1,000,000 per year;

 

(iv)          the top five Contracts, measured by payments received thereunder by Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2013, under which any Protective Insurance Subsidiary or any Separate Account invests in or provides services to any mutual fund in connection with any Insurance Contract;

 

(v)           the top five Distribution Agreements, measured by commissions and other fees paid by Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries thereunder in the 12-month period ended December 31, 2013;

 

(vi)          any Contract (including any exclusivity Contract) that limits or restricts or purports to limit or restrict either the type of business in which Protective or any Protective Subsidiary (or, after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation or its Affiliates) may engage or the manner or locations in which any of them may so engage in any business, including any

 

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covenant not to compete (geographically or otherwise), “most favored nations” or similar rights, in each case that is material to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(vii)         any Contract that imposes “standstill” restrictions on any Person with respect acquisitions of Common Stock or mergers, consolidations, acquisitions of stock or assets or other business combinations involving Protective or any Protective Subsidiary; or

 

(viii)        any “material contract” within the meaning of Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act that has not been filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

(b)           The Contracts listed or required to be listed in Section 4.18(a) of the Protective Disclosure Letter or filed as an exhibit to any SEC Document are referred to herein as the “Protective Contracts.” Except for matters which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Protective Contract is a valid and binding Contract of Protective or a Protective Subsidiary, as the case may be, and to the Knowledge of Protective, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect, except, in each case, as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity and (ii) none of Protective, any Protective Subsidiary or, to the Knowledge of Protective, any other party thereto is (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) in default or breach under the terms of any such Protective Contract. Protective has made available to Dai-ichi accurate and complete copies of each such Protective Contract (including all modifications and amendments thereto and any material waivers by Protective or the applicable Protective Subsidiary thereunder).

 

SECTION 4.19.  Environmental Laws and Regulations.  Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect:

 

(a)           Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and have obtained and are in compliance with all Environmental Permits currently required for their respective business and operations.

 

(b)           Since January 1, 2011, neither Protective nor any of the Protective Subsidiaries has received any written notice of violation, notification of liability, demand, request for information, citation, summons or order alleging any liability of Protective or any Protective Subsidiaries pursuant to any Environmental Law. No complaint has been filed, and no penalty or fine has been assessed, against Protective or any Protective Subsidiaries in writing by any Governmental Authority under any applicable Environmental Law that remains unresolved. No remedial or corrective action by Protective or any Protective Subsidiaries is being required or requested to be taken (or, to the Knowledge of Protective, is being threatened) in writing by any Governmental Authority or any other Person. No Proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of Protective, threatened by any Person against Protective or any Protective Subsidiary relating to or arising under any Environmental Law.

 

(c)           No Release of Hazardous Substances has occurred at, on, above, under or from any properties currently or, to the Knowledge of Protective, formerly owned, leased, operated or used by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary that, in each case, has resulted in or would reasonably be expected to result in any cost, liability or obligation of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary under applicable Environmental Law for any cleanup or other remedial action.

 

(d)           Except in compliance with applicable Environmental Law, neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary is currently operating any landfill, surface impoundment, disposal area or underground storage tank at any properties or assets currently owned, leased, operated or used by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary.

 

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(e)           There have been no Releases of Hazardous Substances that could reasonably be expected to result in any liability or obligation of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary under any Environmental Law for any cleanup or other remedial action relating to (i) the environmental conditions at, on or under any properties or assets currently owned, leased, operated or used (or, to the Knowledge of Protective, formerly owned, leased operated or used) by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary or (ii) the past or present use, management, handling, transport, treatment, generation, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 4.20.  Insurance Coverage.  Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries maintain policies of insurance in such amounts and against such risks as Protective believes to be commercially reasonable. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, all such insurance policies are in full force and neither Protective nor any of the Protective Subsidiaries is in breach or default under any such policy.

 

SECTION 4.21.  Protective Insurance Subsidiaries.

 

(a)           Each Protective Subsidiary that conducts the business of insurance (each, a “Protective Insurance Subsidiary”) holds all material Permits necessary to conduct its business as currently conducted. All such material Permits are valid and in full force and effect. No Protective Insurance Subsidiary is “commercially domiciled” under the Laws of any jurisdiction. Protective and the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries have timely filed all material reports, statements, documents, registrations, filings or submissions (including any sales material) required to be filed with any Governmental Authority since January 1, 2011 in the manner prescribed by applicable Laws. Such reports, statements, documents, registrations, filings and submissions complied when filed with the requirements of applicable Laws, and no deficiencies have been asserted in writing by any such Governmental Authority with respect to such reports, statements, documents, registrations, filings or submissions that have not been remedied, except for any non-compliance or deficiencies that, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           Neither Protective nor any of the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries is a party to any written Contract, consent decree or memorandum of understanding with, or a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or subject to any cease-and-desist or other order or directive by, or a recipient of any extraordinary supervisory letter from, or has adopted any policy, procedure or board or stockholder resolution at the request of, any Governmental Authority that restricts materially the conduct of its business or gives rise to any capital maintenance obligations.

 

SECTION 4.22.  Statutory Statements; Examinations.

 

(a)           Protective has made available to Dai-ichi accurate and complete copies of all annual and quarterly statements, together with all exhibits, interrogatories, notes, schedules and actuarial opinions, affirmations or certifications filed or submitted by each Protective Insurance Subsidiary with or to the appropriate Governmental Authority of the jurisdiction in which such Protective Insurance Subsidiary is domiciled since the later of January 1, 2011 and the date such Protective Insurance Subsidiary became a Subsidiary of Protective (collectively, the “Protective Statutory Statements”). The financial statements included in the Protective Statutory Statements were prepared in conformity with SAP in effect as of the date of the respective Protective Statutory Statements, applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved, and fairly present in all material respects the statutory financial position of the relevant Protective Insurance Subsidiary as of the respective dates thereof and the results of operations and changes in capital and surplus of such Protective Insurance Subsidiary for the respective periods then ended. The Protective Statutory Statements complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws when filed or submitted and no material violation or deficiency has been asserted in writing by any

 

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Governmental Authority with respect to any of the Protective Statutory Statements that has not been cured or otherwise resolved to the satisfaction of such Governmental Authority.

 

(b)           Protective has made available to Dai-ichi true and complete copies of all material examination reports and market conduct reports of any Governmental Authority received by it on or after January 1, 2011 through the date of this Agreement. To the Knowledge of Protective, all material deficiencies or violations noted in such examination reports have been cured or resolved to the satisfaction of the applicable Governmental Authority.

 

SECTION 4.23.  Reinsurance.  Each reinsurance treaty or agreement, slip, binder, cover note or other similar arrangement pursuant to which any Protective Insurance Subsidiary cedes premium (the “Protective Reinsurance Contracts”) is valid and binding on the applicable Protective Insurance Subsidiary, and to the Knowledge of Protective, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect, except, in each case, as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity, and except where the failure to be valid, binding or in full force and effect, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the applicable Protective Insurance Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Protective, any counterparty to any Protective Reinsurance Contract is (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) in default or breach under the terms of such Protective Reinsurance Contract, except where such default or breach, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Protective, any reinsurer under any Protective Reinsurance Contract is insolvent or the subject of a rehabilitation, liquidation, conservatorship, receivership, bankruptcy or similar proceeding and the financial condition of any such reinsurer is not impaired to the extent that a default thereunder is reasonably anticipated, except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No notice of intended cancellation has been received by the Protective Insurance Subsidiary from any such reinsurer, and there are no disputes under any Protective Reinsurance Contract, except for cancellations or disputes that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Protective Reinsurance Contract contains any provision providing that any party thereto (other than Protective or any Protective Subsidiary) may terminate, cancel or commute the same by reason of the consummation of the Merger.

 

SECTION 4.24.  Insurance Reserves; Actuarial Reports.

 

(a)           The reserves for benefits, losses (including incurred but not reported losses and losses in course of settlement), claims, expenses and unearned premium arising under or in connection with the Insurance Contracts (collectively, “Insurance Reserves”) contained in the Protective Statutory Statements (i) were based on assumptions and methodologies that were in accordance with or more conservative than those called for in the provisions of the relevant Insurance Contracts, (ii) were determined in accordance with generally accepted actuarial standards consistently applied throughout the specified period and the immediately prior period, (iii) are fairly stated in accordance with sound actuarial principles and SAP and (iv) satisfied the requirements of all applicable Laws with respect to the establishment of reserves and are at least as great as the minimum aggregate amounts required by applicable Law. Protective does not make any representation or warranty in this Section 4.24 or in any other provision of this Agreement to the effect that the Insurance Reserves will be sufficient or adequate for the purposes for which they were established or that such Insurance Reserves may not develop adversely or, subject to Section 4.23, that the reinsurance recoverables taken into account in determining the amount of the Insurance Reserves will be collectible.

 

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(b)           Protective has made available to Dai-ichi an accurate and complete copy of any material actuarial reports prepared by third-party actuaries with respect to any Protective Insurance Subsidiary from January 1, 2011 (or such later date as the applicable Protective Insurance Subsidiary became a Subsidiary of Protective) through the date of this Agreement, and all attachments, addenda, supplements and modifications thereto (the “Protective Actuarial Analyses”). The factual information and data furnished by any Protective Insurance Subsidiary to its actuaries in connection with the preparation of the Protective Actuarial Analyses were (i) obtained from the books and records of the relevant Protective Insurance Subsidiaries and (ii) complete and accurate in all material respects.

 

SECTION 4.25.  Insurance Contracts.  The Insurance Contracts are, and since January 1, 2011 have been, to the extent required under applicable Law, on forms and at rates approved by applicable Governmental Authorities or filed and not objected to by such Governmental Authority within the period provided for objection, in each case except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 4.26.  Distributors.

 

(a)           Each of the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries, each of the Affiliated Distributors and, to the Knowledge of Protective, each of their respective Independent Distributors are and have been since January 1, 2011, in connection with the Insurance Contracts, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws regulating the marketing and sale of life insurance policies and annuity contracts, regulating advertisements, requiring mandatory disclosure of policy information, requiring employment of standards to determine if the purchase of a policy or contract is suitable for an applicant, prohibiting the use of unfair methods of competition and deceptive acts or practices and regulating replacement transactions. For purposes of this Section 4.26(a), (i) “advertisement” means any material designed to create public interest in life insurance policies and annuity contracts or in an insurer, or in an insurance producer, or to induce the public to purchase, increase, modify, reinstate, borrow on, surrender, replace or retain such a policy or contract and (ii) “replacement transaction” means a transaction in which a new life insurance policy or annuity contract is to be purchased by a prospective insured and the proposing producer knows or should know that one or more existing life insurance policies or annuity contracts will lapse, or will be forfeited, surrendered, reduced in value or pledged as collateral.

 

(b)           Except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, since January 1, 2011 (i) each Affiliated Distributor and, to the Knowledge of Protective, each Independent Distributor, at the time that such Distributor wrote, sold or produced any Insurance Contract, was duly licensed, authorized and appointed (for the type of business written, sold or produced by such Distributor) in the particular jurisdiction in which such Distributor wrote, sold or produced such business, and no such Distributor violated any term or provision of applicable Law relating to the writing, sale or production of such business in any material respect, (ii) no Affiliated Distributor and, to the Knowledge of Protective, no Independent Distributor has breached the terms of any agency or broker Contract with Protective, any Protective Insurance Subsidiary or any of their respective Affiliates in any material respect or violated any applicable Law or policy of Protective, any Protective Subsidiary or any such Affiliate in the solicitation, negotiation, writing, sale or production of such business in any material respect and (iii) no Affiliated Distributor and, to the Knowledge of Protective, no Independent Distributor has been enjoined, indicted, convicted or made the subject of any consent decree or judgment on account of any violation in any material respect of any applicable Law in connection with such Distributor’s actions in his, her or its capacity as a Distributor for the Insurance Contracts, and there exists no enforcement or disciplinary proceeding alleging any such violation.

 

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SECTION 4.27.  Separate Accounts.

 

(a)           Each Separate Account is (i) duly and validly established and maintained in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law and (ii) is operating and, at all times since January 1, 2011 (or, if later, the date of its establishment), has been operated in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law.

 

(b)           Each Separate Account is either duly registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, and such registration is in full force and effect, or is excluded from the definition of “investment company” pursuant to Section 3(c)(1), 3(c)(7) or 3(c)(11) of the Investment Company Act. Each Separate Account that is registered under the Investment Company Act is, and since January 1, 2011 has been, operated in compliance with the Investment Company Act, has filed all reports and amendments of its registration statement required to be filed, has been granted all exemptive relief necessary to conduct its operations as currently conducted, and is in compliance with all conditions to any such relief, except, in each case, as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Insurance Contracts under which Separate Account assets are held are duly and validly issued and are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act or were sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and such registration statement is currently in effect to the extent necessary to allow the applicable Protective Insurance Subsidiary to receive contributions under such Insurance Contracts. Since January 1, 2011, the relevant registration statements, at the time that each became effective, contained no untrue statement of a material fact, and did not omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading.

 

(c)           Since January 1, 2011, each prospectus, offering document, sales brochure, sales literature or advertising material, as amended or supplemented, relating to any Separate Account, as of their respective mailing dates or dates of use, complied in all material respects with applicable Law, including U.S. federal and state securities Laws and Insurance Laws. Since January 1, 2011, all advertising or marketing materials relating to a Separate Account that were required to be filed with FINRA or any other Governmental Authority have been or will be timely filed therewith, except where such failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 4.28.  Product Tax Matters.

 

(a)           The Tax treatment of each Insurance Contract is not, and since the time of issuance or subsequent modification has not been, less favorable to the purchaser, policyholder or intended beneficiaries thereof, than the Tax treatment either that was purported to apply in written materials provided by the issuer of such Insurance Contract, in each case at the time of its issuance (or any subsequent modification of such Insurance Contract) or for which such Insurance Contract would reasonably have been expected to qualify at the time of issuance (or subsequent modification), in each case except where the failure to have such Tax treatment, individually or in the aggregate, is not, and would not reasonably be expected to be, material to the issuer of any such Insurance Contract. The issuer of any Insurance Contract has no reason to believe that the Tax treatment of any such Insurance Contract will at any time be less favorable to the purchaser, policyholder or intended beneficiaries thereof than the Tax treatment either that was purported to apply in written materials provided by the issuer of such Insurance Contract, in each case at the time of its issuance (or any subsequent modification of such Insurance Contract), or for which any such Insurance Contract would reasonably have been expected to qualify, at the time of issuance (or subsequent modification), except where the failure to have such tax treatment would not be material to any such issuer.

 

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(b)           The issuer of each Insurance Contract maintains systems that are adequate to maintain compliance with qualification provisions of the Code, including Sections 7702 and 7702A of the Code, and to comply with the withholding and reporting requirements of the Code applicable to the Insurance Contracts, including Sections 3405 and 6047 of the Code, except where failure to maintain such systems would not be material to any such issuer.

 

SECTION 4.29.  Investment Assets.

 

(a)           Protective has made available to Dai-ichi (i) a true, correct and complete list of all of the investment assets and cash owned beneficially or of record by any of the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries (together with investment assets and cash owned beneficially or of record by Protective or any other Protective Subsidiary, the “Investment Assets”) as of March 31, 2014 and (ii) accurate and complete copies of the investment policies and guidelines applicable to the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries’ investment activities in effect as of the date of this Agreement (the “Investment Guidelines”).

 

(b)           Except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of the Investment Assets owned by a Protective Insurance Subsidiary complied in all material respects with the investment policies and guidelines as in effect at the time such Investment Asset was acquired by the applicable Protective Insurance Subsidiary and (ii) Protective and each Protective Subsidiary has good and marketable title in and to all of the Investment Assets it purports to own, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens.

 

(c)           Except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) neither Protective nor any Protective Subsidiary has any material funding obligations of any kind, or material obligation to make any additional advances or investments (including any obligation relating to any currency or interest rate swap, hedge or similar arrangement) in respect of, any of the Investment Assets and (ii) there are no material outstanding commitments, options, put agreements or other arrangements relating to the Investment Assets to which Protective or any Protective Subsidiary may be subject upon or after the Closing.

 

SECTION 4.30.  Investment Advisers.

 

(a)           Each Protective Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act or is exempt from such registration and is registered as an investment adviser in each state in which such registration is required, and each Protective Adviser is a member in good standing of such other organizations in which its membership is required in order to conduct its business as now conducted, in each case except such failures, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           No Protective Adviser is required to register as a commodity trading adviser or commodity pool operator with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

 

(c)           Each Protective Adviser has filed a Form ADV with the appropriate Governmental Authorities, which form at the time of filing, and as amended and supplemented as of the date hereof, is in effect pursuant to and in material compliance with the requirements of the Advisers Act or applicable state investment adviser Laws. Protective has made available to Dai-ichi accurate and complete copies of such Forms ADV as amended or supplemented through the date of this Agreement.

 

(d)           Each Protective Adviser has adopted a code of ethics, which complies in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Advisers Act (including Section 204 thereof and Rule 204A-1 thereunder), and each Protective Adviser has adopted a written policy regarding

 

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insider trading and other material policies as required by applicable Law, copies of which have been made available to Dai-ichi. Since January 1, 2011, there have been no material violations or, to the Knowledge of Protective, allegations of material violations of such code of ethics, insider trading policies and material policies.

 

(e)           The officers and employees of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries who are required to be approved, licensed or registered as investment advisory representatives for the activities conducted by them on behalf of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries are and at all times since January 1, 2011 have been duly approved, licensed or registered in each state or jurisdiction in which and with each Governmental Authority with whom such approval, licensing or registration is so required, except where the failure to be so approved, licensed or registered, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f)            Each ERISA client to which a Protective Adviser provides investment management, advisory or sub-advisory service has, since January 1, 2011, been managed or advised by such Protective Adviser such that the exercise of such management or provision of such advisory services is in compliance in all material respects with (i) the applicable requirements of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code and (ii) the applicable Contract. The Protective Advisers do not provide discretionary advisory services to any ERISA client.

 

SECTION 4.31.  Broker-Dealers.  Except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:

 

(a)           Each Protective Broker-Dealer is and has been, since January 1, 2011, duly registered as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act and in all jurisdictions where such registration, licensing or qualification is so required. Since January 1, 2011, none of Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries other than the Protective Broker-Dealers engages or has engaged in Broker-Dealer Activities other than pursuant to an exemption from registration. Each Protective Broker-Dealer is a member of FINRA and such other organizations in which its membership is required in order to conduct its business as now conducted, except as , individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Protective has made available to Dai-ichi accurate and complete copies of each Protective Broker-Dealer’s Form BD as most recently filed with the SEC and all state registration forms, each as amended to the date of this Agreement. The information contained in each such form was accurate and complete in all material respects at the time of filing and each Protective Broker-Dealer has made all amendments to such form as it is required to make under any applicable Law, except as , individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           No Protective Broker-Dealer nor, to the Knowledge of Protective, any “associated person” (within the meaning of the Exchange Act) of any Protective Broker-Dealer is ineligible or disqualified pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Exchange Act to act as a broker-dealer or as an associated person of a registered broker-dealer. There is no Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of Protective, threatened in writing that would reasonably be expected to result in any Protective Broker-Dealer or, to the Knowledge of Protective, any “associated person” (as defined in the Exchange Act or the rules under FINRA (the “FINRA Rules”)) thereof becoming ineligible to act in such capacity.

 

(c)           Each of the Protective Broker-Dealers’ respective officers, employees, “associated persons” (as defined under the FINRA Rules) and independent contractors, or any other natural persons who are “associated persons” of Protective or a Protective Subsidiary and who are parties to any selling, distribution or wholesaling agreement to which a Protective Broker- Dealer is a party, who are required under applicable Law to be registered, licensed or qualified as a “registered representative” (as such term is defined under the FINRA Rules) are, and have been

 

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since January 1, 2011, duly registered as such and such registrations are and were, since January 1, 2011, in full force and effect, or are or were in the process of being registered as such within the time periods required by any Governmental Authority, as applicable, except as, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 4.32.  Excess Reserve Financing Arrangements.

 

(a)           The Contracts listed in Section 4.32 of the Protective Disclosure Letter (the “Golden Gate Contracts”) constitute all of the material contracts comprising the excess reserve financing arrangements known as Golden Gate, Golden Gate II, Golden Gate III, Golden Gate IV and Golden Gate V. Each of the Golden Gate Contracts is valid and binding on Protective or the applicable Protective Subsidiary that is a party thereto, as the case may be, and to the Knowledge of Protective, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect, except, in each case, as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity. None of Protective, any Protective Subsidiary or, to the Knowledge of Protective, any other party thereto is (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) in default or breach in any material respect under the terms of any such Golden Gate Contract. Protective has made available to Dai-ichi accurate and complete copies of each such Golden Gate Contract (including all modifications and amendments thereto and any material waivers by Protective or the applicable Protective Subsidiary thereunder). To the Knowledge of Protective, (i) no counterparty under any such Golden Gate Contract is insolvent or the subject of a rehabilitation, liquidation, conservatorship, receivership, bankruptcy or similar proceeding and (ii) the financial condition of any such counterparty is not impaired to the extent that a default thereunder is reasonably anticipated. No notice of intended cancellation or termination has been received by Protective or by any of the Protective Subsidiaries from any such counterparty, and neither Protective nor any of the Protective Subsidiaries has received or delivered any notice of dispute under any such Golden Gate Contract, except as would not reasonably be expected to permit any such counterparty to terminate any such Golden Gate Contract or would not otherwise reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.

 

(b)           Protective and the applicable Protective Subsidiaries have received all material clearances, consents, approvals, orders, waivers, licenses or authorizations of or from, and have made all material declarations and filings with, all Governmental Authorities required to be obtained or made by Protective and such Protective Subsidiaries in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Golden Gate Contracts and all such clearances, consents, approvals, orders, waivers, licenses and authorizations are in full force and effect and have not been withdrawn, revoked or rescinded. With respect to any reinsurance agreement included in the Golden Gate Contracts for which any Protective Insurance Subsidiary has taken credit on a balance sheet included within the Protective SAP Statements, such taking of credit was in compliance with the applicable Law of the Protective Insurance Subsidiary’s domiciliary state. No Golden Gate Contract contains any provision providing that any party thereto (other than Protective or a Protective Subsidiary) may terminate, cancel or commute the same by reason of the consummation of the Merger.

 

(c)           Since the date of this Agreement, The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has not changed its accreditation standards, and there has not been any change in statutory accounting principles or applicable Law (including model Laws) adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, in either case that: (A)(i) relates to the use of captive reinsurers as a means of financing statutory reserves associated with level premium term life insurance policies and universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantee or (ii) changes the required treatment under SAP of the financings effected through the Golden Gate Contracts; and

 

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(B) after giving effect to any measures that have been taken by Protective or any of its Affiliates, or Dai-ichi or any of its Affiliates, pursuant to Section 6.09(d) to mitigate the effects of any such change, has had a material adverse effect on the statutory financial condition of the Protective Insurance Subsidiaries that are cedants under the Golden Gate Contracts, taken as a whole, as would be reflected in financial statements of such Protective Insurance Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with applicable SAP as of the Closing Date

 

SECTION 4.33.  Opinion of Financial Advisor.  The Board of Directors of Protective has received the written opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (the “Protective Financial Advisor”), dated as of June 3, 2014 that, as of such date and subject to the limitations and assumptions set forth therein, the Per Share Merger Consideration to be paid to the holders of Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

 

SECTION 4.34.  Brokers.  No Person other than the Protective Financial Advisor is entitled to any brokerage, financial advisory, finder’s or similar fee or commission payable by any Party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon Contracts made by or on behalf of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary. Protective has made available to Dai-ichi an accurate and complete copy of each Contract between Protective or any Protective Subsidiary and the Protective Financial Advisor relating to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

SECTION 4.35.  No Other Representations or Warranties.  Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article IV, Dai-ichi acknowledges that none of Protective, the Protective Subsidiaries or any other Person on behalf of Protective makes any other express or implied representation or warranty in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DAI-ICHI AND MERGER SUB

 

Except as otherwise disclosed in the letter (the “Dai-ichi Disclosure Letter”) dated as of the date hereof and delivered to Protective by Dai-ichi with respect to this Agreement (it being understood that any information contained therein will qualify and apply to the representations and warranties in this Article V to which the information is specifically stated as referring to and will qualify and apply to other representations and warranties in this Article V to the extent that it is reasonably apparent that such disclosure also qualifies or is responsive to such other sections), Dai-ichi and Merger Sub jointly and severally represent and warrant to Protective as follows:

 

SECTION 5.01.  Organization.  Dai-ichi is a joint stock company (kabushiki kaisha) duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of Japan. Dai-ichi has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted, except where failure to have such power or authority, individually or in the aggregate, has not prevented or materially impaired or materially delayed and would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or materially delay the ability of Dai-ichi to consummate the Merger. Dai-ichi has made available to Protective accurate and complete copies of its Constituent Documents, as amended and in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.02.  Merger Sub.

 

(a)           Merger Sub is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate or other power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted, except where failure to be so incorporated or organized, existing or in good standing or to have such power or authority, individually or in the aggregate, has not prevented or materially impaired or materially delayed and would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or materially delay the ability of Dai-ichi to consummate the Merger.

 

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(b)           Dai-ichi is, directly or indirectly, the record holder and Beneficial Owner of all of the outstanding Securities of Merger Sub, free and clear of any Liens. All of the Securities so owned by Dai-ichi have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and no such shares have been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights by which Dai-ichi or any of its Subsidiaries is bound.

 

(c)           Merger Sub has been formed by Dai-ichi solely for purposes of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Merger Sub has not conducted any business or activities other than those incident to its formation and pursuant to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

SECTION 5.03.  Authorization; Board Approval.

 

(a)           Each of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Dai-ichi or Merger Sub are necessary for it to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for the filing of the appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL. No vote of holders of capital stock of Dai-ichi is necessary to approve this Agreement and the Merger and to consummate the other transactions contemplated by this hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Protective, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub, enforceable against each of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

(b)           The Board of Directors of Merger Sub, acting by unanimous written consent in lieu of special meeting, has duly adopted resolutions (i) approving this Agreement, (ii) declaring this Agreement advisable and (iii) recommending that Dai-ichi, as Merger Sub’s sole stockholder, adopt this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, such resolutions have not been amended or withdrawn.

 

(c)           The Board of Directors of Dai-ichi, at a meeting duly called and held, has duly and unanimously adopted resolutions adopting this Agreement and approving the payment of the Merger Consideration upon the consummation of the Merger in accordance with this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, such resolutions have not been amended or withdrawn.

 

SECTION 5.04.  Consents and Approvals; No Violations.

 

(a)           Assuming that all Approvals of or from, or Filings with, Governmental Authorities described in Section 4.06(b) and Section 5.04(b) have been obtained or made, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Dai-ichi and Merger Sub does not and the consummation by Dai-ichi and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) conflict with any provisions of the Constituent Documents of Dai-ichi, Merger Sub or any material Dai-ichi Subsidiary, (ii) violate any Law or Order, (iii) result, after the giving of notice, with lapse of time, or otherwise, in any violation, default or loss of a benefit under, or permit the acceleration or termination of any obligation under or require any consent under, any Contract, (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any properties or assets of Dai-ichi, Merger Sub or any material Dai-ichi Subsidiary or (v) cause the suspension or revocation of any Permit of Dai-ichi or Merger Sub, except, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), any matters that, individually or in

 

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the aggregate, have not prevented or materially impaired or materially delayed and would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or materially delay the ability of Dai-ichi to consummate the Merger.

 

(b)           No clearance, consent, approval, order, waiver, license or authorization of or from, or declaration, registration or filing with, or notice to, or permit issued by, any Governmental Authority is required to be made or obtained by Dai-ichi or any Dai-ichi Subsidiary in connection with the execution or delivery of this Agreement by Dai-ichi and Merger Sub or the consummation by Dai-ichi and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) compliance by Dai-ichi with the HSR Act, (ii) the matters set forth in Section 5.04(b) of the Dai- ichi Disclosure Letter, (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the DGCL, and regulations to permit the consummation of the Merger and (iv) such other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not prevented or materially impaired or materially delayed and would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or materially delay the ability of Dai-ichi to consummate the Merger.

 

(c)           As of the date of this Agreement, Dai-ichi has a reasonable basis to believe that all of the clearances, consents, approvals, orders, waivers, licenses or authorizations of or from any Governmental Authority that are necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Dai-ichi and Merger Sub and the consummation by Dai-ichi and Merger Sub of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement will be obtained prior to the End Date.

 

SECTION 5.05.  Litigation.  There is no Proceeding (whether at Law or in equity) pending, or, to the knowledge of Dai-ichi, threatened against or otherwise affecting Dai-ichi, Merger Sub or any Dai-ichi Subsidiary that seeks to enjoin, or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of preventing, making illegal or otherwise interfering with, any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or materially delay, the ability of Dai-ichi to consummate the Merger. There is no Order outstanding against Dai-ichi or Merger Sub or any of their respective properties or assets that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or materially delay the ability of Dai-ichi to consummate the Merger.

 

SECTION 5.06.  Financing.  Dai-ichi and Merger Sub will have available at the Effective Time sufficient funds to make the deposit into the Exchange Fund required pursuant to Section 3.01(b) and to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

 

SECTION 5.07.  Ownership of Common Stock.  Neither Dai-ichi nor any of its Subsidiaries own any shares of Common Stock and, at the time immediately preceding the execution of this Agreement, neither Dai-ichi nor any of its affiliates or associates (as such terms are defined in Section 203 of the DCGL) was or had been within the prior three years, with respect to Protective, an “interested stockholder” of Protective, as such term is defined in Section 203 of the DGCL.

 

SECTION 5.08.  Proxy Statement.  None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Dai-ichi, Merger Sub or any Representative or Affiliate of Dai-ichi or Merger Sub in writing for inclusion in the Proxy Statement will, on the date of filing with the SEC, at the time first mailed to the stockholders of Protective and at the time of the Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Neither Dai-ichi nor Merger Sub makes any representation or warranty with respect to any information supplied by any other Person that is included in the Proxy Statement.

 

SECTION 5.09.  Brokers.  No Person other than Goldman, Sachs & Co. is entitled to any brokerage, financial advisory, finder’s or similar fee or commission payable by any Party in connection

 

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with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon Contracts made by or on behalf of Dai-ichi or any Dai-ichi Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 5.10.  No Other Representations or Warranties.  Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article V, Protective acknowledges that none of Dai-ichi, Merger Sub or any other Person on behalf of Dai-ichi makes any other express or implied representation or warranty in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS OF PROTECTIVE

 

SECTION 6.01.  Operating Covenants.  From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, unless Dai-ichi otherwise consents in writing (which will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) or except as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Protective Disclosure Letter or as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, Protective will, and will cause each of the Protective Subsidiaries to, conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, and will use its reasonable best efforts to preserve intact its business organization and goodwill and relationships with all Governmental Authorities, customers, suppliers, business associates, distributors, strategic and joint venture partners and others having business dealings with it, to keep available the services of its current officers and key employees and to maintain its current rights and franchises, in each case, consistent with past practices. In addition to and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as expressly set forth in Section 6.01 of the Protective Disclosure Letter or as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement or as required by applicable Law, from the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, without the prior written consent of Dai-ichi (which will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), Protective will not, and will not permit any Protective Subsidiary to:

 

(a)           amend or modify any of the Constituent Documents of Protective (as amended as provided in Section 4.04(b)) or any Protective Subsidiary;

 

(b)           declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of any of its Securities, other than dividends or distributions (i) by wholly-owned Protective Subsidiaries to another such Protective Subsidiary or to Protective or (ii) regular quarterly cash dividends by Protective consistent with past practices to holders of Common Stock, which will not exceed $0.24 per share per calendar quarter;

 

(c)           split, combine or reclassify any of its Securities or issue or authorize the issuance of any other Securities or Equity Rights in respect of, in lieu of, or in substitution for, its Securities, other than issuances of shares of Common Stock in connection with the exercise of Equity Rights that are outstanding on the date of this Agreement or granted thereafter in accordance with Section 6.01(e)(i);

 

(d)           repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or settle any Securities or Equity Rights of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any such Securities, other than (i) the acquisition by Protective of shares of Common Stock in connection with the surrender of shares of Common Stock by holders of Equity Rights in order to pay the exercise price thereof, (ii) the withholding of shares of Common Stock to satisfy Tax obligations with respect to awards granted pursuant to the Stock Plans or pursuant to individual equity compensation award agreements, (iii) the acquisition by Protective of Equity Rights of Protective in connection with the forfeiture of such Equity Rights or (iv) as required by any Benefit Plan as in effect on the date of this Agreement;

 

(e)           issue, sell, grant, pledge or otherwise encumber any Securities, or Equity Rights, other than (i) issuances of Equity Rights in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices

 

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in accordance with the terms of the Stock Plans or pursuant to individual award agreements with directors, officers, employees or agents of Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries, (ii) issuances of Common Stock in connection with the exercise of or settlement of Equity Rights that are outstanding on the date of this Agreement or any Equity Rights granted after the date hereof in accordance with the foregoing clause (i) and (iii) issuance of Securities between or among Protective and any wholly-owned Protective Subsidiaries;

 

(f)            merge or consolidate with any Person or acquire, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets or Securities of any other Person;

 

(g)           knowingly (after being advised by Dai-ichi that an intended action would violate the covenant set forth in this Section 6.01(g)) establish, acquire or dispose of any affiliated Person that would become a “subsidiary” (kogaisha, as defined under Article 2, item 12 of the Insurance Business Act of Japan), “subsidiary, etc.” (ko houjin tou, as defined under Article 13-5-2, paragraph 3 of the Cabinet Order for Enactment of the Insurance Business Act of Japan) or “affiliate, etc.” (kanren houjin tou, as defined under Article 13-5-2, paragraph 4 of the Cabinet Order for Enactment of the Insurance Business Act of Japan) of Dai-ichi upon the Closing;

 

(h)           knowingly (after being advised by Dai-ichi that an intended action would violate the covenant set forth in this Section 6.01(h)) make any change in lines of business of, or otherwise make such change with respect to, Protective or any affiliated Person that would become a “subsidiary” (kogaisha, as defined under Article 2, item 12 of the Insurance Business Act of Japan), “subsidiary, etc.” (ko houjin tou, as defined under Article 13-5-2, paragraph 3 of the Cabinet Order for Enactment of the Insurance Business Act of Japan) or “affiliate, etc.” (kanren houjin tou, as defined under Article 13-5-2, paragraph 4 of the Cabinet Order for Enactment of the Insurance Business Act of Japan) of Dai-ichi upon the Closing, as would require a revision to or otherwise affect the application for Approval or the Filing with the Japanese Financial Services Agency;

 

(i)            make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person other than (i) by Protective or any wholly-owned Protective Subsidiary to or in Protective or any wholly-owned Protective Subsidiary, (ii) policy loans under Insurance Contracts in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, (iii) pursuant to any Contract or other legal obligation existing at the date of this Agreement set forth on Section 6.01(i) of the Protective Disclosure Letter or (iv) acquisitions of Investment Assets consistent with the Investment Guidelines;

 

(j)            create, incur, guarantee or assume any Indebtedness, issuances of debt securities, guarantees, loans or advances not in existence as of the date of this Agreement, except (i) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices not to exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate, (ii) Indebtedness incurred under facilities or lines of credit in existence on the date of this Agreement, (iii) Indebtedness in replacement of existing Indebtedness on customary commercial terms, consistent in all material respects with the Indebtedness being replaced, and (iv) guarantees by Protective of Indebtedness of wholly-owned Protective Subsidiaries or guarantees by Protective Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of Protective;

 

(k)           make or commit to make any capital expenditure, except for (i) aggregate expenditures (calculated net of proceeds from normal course asset disposals) in an amount not in excess of (and for projects consistent with) the capital expenditure budget made available to Dai-ichi prior to the date of this Agreement (the amount of the capital expenditure budget being set forth in Section 6.01(k) of the Protective Disclosure Letter) and (ii) additional expenditures in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate;

 

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(l)            make any material change in the actuarial, underwriting, claims administration, reinsurance, reserving or payment policies, practices or principles of any Protective Insurance Subsidiary;

 

(m)          make any material change to the Investment Guidelines or acquire or dispose of any Investment Assets in any manner inconsistent with the Investment Guidelines;

 

(n)           abandon, modify, waive or terminate any material Permit;

 

(o)           materially amend or, other than pursuant to its current terms, terminate, renew or extend any Protective Contract, or enter into any Contract that would be a Protective Contract if in effect on the date of this Agreement or amend any Golden Gate Contract;

 

(p)           other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, forgive, cancel or compromise any debt or claim, or waive or release any right, of material value, or fail to pay or satisfy when due any material liability or obligation (other than any such liability or obligation that is being contested in good faith);

 

(q)           other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, as required by any Benefit Plan or as necessary to comply with applicable Law, (i) amend or otherwise modify benefits under any Benefit Plan, (ii) accelerate the payment or vesting of benefits or amounts payable or to become payable under any Benefit Plan as currently in effect on the date of this Agreement or (iii) terminate or establish any Benefit Plan;

 

(r)            except as required by any Benefit Plan, grant any material increase (determined with reference to the compensation paid to the individuals involved) in the compensation or benefits of directors, officers, employees or agents of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary; provided that Protective or any Protective Subsidiary may grant increases (i) in base salaries to non-executive employees, non-executive officers and agents in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or (ii) in compensation and benefits in the context of promotions based on job performance or workplace requirements, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and provided that such increases are consistent with the past practices of increasing compensation and benefits to promoted employees in similar positions;

 

(s)            enter into or materially amend or modify any severance, consulting, retention or employment agreement, plan, program or Contract, other than (i) in the case of consulting agreements, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or (ii) with respect to new hires or employees in the context of promotions based on job performance or workplace requirements, in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; provided that (i) in the case of new hires, such agreements, plans, programs or Contracts, or any amendments or modifications thereto, are consistent with the past practices of entering into such agreements, plans, programs or Contracts, for newly hired employees in similar positions and (ii) in the case of promotions, such amendments or modifications are consistent with the past practices of making such amendment or modifications for promoted employees in similar positions;

 

(t)            enter into or otherwise become bound by a collective bargaining agreement or similar labor Contract with a labor union, works council, employee committee or representative or other labor organization with respect to employees of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary;

 

(u)           settle or compromise any Proceeding involving claims for monetary damages (excluding settlements and compromises relating to Taxes), other than (i) settlements or compromises of claims under Insurance Contracts within applicable policy limits or (ii) settlements or compromises that require only payments of money by Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries without ongoing limits on the conduct or operation of Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries, which payments of money will not exceed $5,000,000 per Proceeding or $15,000,000 in the aggregate for all such

 

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Proceedings, or enter into any consent, decree, injunction or similar restraint or form of equitable relief that, individually or in the aggregate, are material to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or would reasonably be expected to impede or delay in any material respect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including obtaining the Stockholder Approval;

 

(v)           adopt or implement a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolution providing for or authorizing such liquidation or a dissolution, merger, restructuring, consolidation, recapitalization or other reorganization of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary; provided that any Tax election otherwise permitted by Section 6.01(w) will not be prohibited by this Section 6.01(v);

 

(w)          other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, (i) make, revoke or amend any material election relating to Taxes, file any amended Tax Return or surrender any right to claim a Tax refund, offset or other reduction in Tax liability, (ii) settle or compromise any Proceeding relating to Taxes in an amount in excess of $2,500,000 per Proceeding or $10,000,000 in the aggregate for all such Proceedings, (iii) make a request for a written ruling of a Taxing Authority relating to Taxes, other than any request for a determination concerning qualified status of any Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or (iv) except as required by Law, change any method of Tax accounting or change the basis for determining any item referred to in Section 807(c) of the Code, in each case, to the extent that such action would reasonably be expected to materially increase the Taxes of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary;

 

(x)           for non-Tax purposes, change in any material respect any method of accounting or accounting principles or practices (or any system of internal accounting controls) by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary, except for any such change required by a change in GAAP or SAP or by a Governmental Authority or applicable Law; or

 

(y)           agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.

 

SECTION 6.02.  Preparation and Mailing of Proxy Statement.

 

(a)           As promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, Protective will prepare and file the Proxy Statement with the SEC. The Proxy Statement will comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act.

 

(b)           Protective (i) will provide Dai-ichi with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Proxy Statement (such comments to be provided as promptly as reasonably practicable) and any amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement and any related communications (including any responses to any comments of the SEC) prior to filing such documents or communications with the SEC, (ii) will not file such document or communication with the SEC prior to receiving the approval of Dai-ichi (which will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) and (iii) will promptly provide Dai- ichi with a copy of all such filings and communications made with the SEC. Protective will, as promptly as reasonably practicable after receipt thereof, provide Dai-ichi with copies of any written comments and advise Dai-ichi of any oral comments with respect to the Proxy Statement received from the staff of the SEC.

 

(c)           Protective will cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to its stockholders as promptly as practicable after the date the SEC staff advises that it has no further comments thereon or that Protective may commence mailing the Proxy Statement. Each of Protective and Dai-ichi will take all actions reasonably required to be taken under any applicable state securities Laws in connection with the Merger and will furnish all information concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.

 

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(d)           If at any time prior to the Effective Time any information relating to the Parties, or any of their respective Affiliates, directors or officers, is discovered by any of the Parties which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement so that the Proxy Statement would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the Parties will file as promptly as practicable with the SEC a mutually acceptable (as reasonably determined by the Parties) amendment of, or supplement to, the Proxy Statement and, as required by Law, disseminate the information contained in such amendment or supplement to the stockholders of Protective.

 

SECTION 6.03.  Stockholders Meeting; Recommendation.

 

(a)           Protective will duly take all lawful action, in accordance with its Constituent Documents, to call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of the stockholders of Protective (the “Stockholders Meeting”) on a date as promptly as practicable after the expiration of the applicable SEC review period for the purpose of obtaining the Stockholder Approval. Subject to Section 6.05, Protective will take all lawful action to solicit and obtain the Stockholder Approval. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Protective will engage a proxy solicitation firm reasonably acceptable to Dai-ichi for purposes of assisting in the solicitation of proxies for the Stockholders Meeting.

 

(b)           Subject to Section 6.05, the Board of Directors of Protective will include in the Proxy Statement its recommendation of the adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of Protective to the effect set forth in Section 4.04(c) (the “Recommendation”). Subject to Section 6.05, neither the Board of Directors of Protective nor any committee thereof will (i) fail to include the Recommendation in the Proxy Statement, (ii) change, withhold, withdraw or adversely qualify or modify, or propose publicly to change, withhold, withdraw or adversely qualify or modify, the Recommendation or (iii) approve, endorse or recommend, or publicly propose to approve, endorse or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal (any of the foregoing actions, a “Change in Recommendation”).

 

SECTION 6.04.  Access to Information; Confidentiality.

 

(a)           Upon reasonable notice, Protective will, and will cause each of the Protective Subsidiaries to, afford to Dai-ichi and its directors, officers, employees, accountants, auditors, counsel, financial advisors, consultants, financing sources and other advisors or representatives (collectively, “Representatives”) reasonable access during normal business hours to the respective properties, books, records (including Tax records), Contracts, commitments and personnel of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries and will furnish, and will cause to be furnished, as promptly as practicable to Dai-ichi and its Representatives (i) a copy of each material report, including all Protective Statutory Statements, filed or submitted with insurance regulatory authorities after the date of this Agreement and (ii) all other information with respect to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries, as applicable, as Dai-ichi or its Representatives may reasonably request.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding Section 6.04(a), Protective will not be required to permit any inspection, or to disclose any information, that in the reasonable judgment of Protective would (i) violate applicable Law, (ii) waive the protection of an attorney-client privilege or other legal privilege (subject to reasonable cooperation between the Parties with respect to entering into appropriate joint defense, community of interest or similar agreements or arrangements with respect to the preservation of such privileges) or (iii) result in the disclosure of any trade secrets of third parties or violate any of its obligations with respect to confidentiality. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event that Protective does not provide access or information in reliance on the immediately preceding sentence, it will provide notice to Dai-ichi that it is withholding such access or information and will use reasonable efforts to communicate, to the extent feasible, the applicable

 

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information in a way that would not violate the applicable Law, Contract or obligation or risk waiver of such privilege.

 

(c)           All information furnished pursuant to this Section 6.04 or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to the confidentiality agreement dated as of April 12, 2014 between Protective and Dai-ichi (the “Confidentiality Agreement”). No investigation pursuant to this Section 6.04 will affect the representations, warranties or conditions to the obligations of the Parties contained in this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.05.  Acquisition Proposals.

 

(a)           During the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and continuing until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 29, 2014 (such period, the “Solicitation and Early Signing Period” and such date, the “No Shop Period Start Date”), Protective and its Representatives will have the right to (i) initiate, solicit, facilitate or encourage any inquiry or the making or announcement of any proposal that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal and (ii) participate or engage in or continue any discussions or negotiations regarding, furnish to any Person any information or data with respect to, or otherwise cooperate with or take any other action to facilitate any proposal that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to any Acquisition Proposal. Any non-public information relating to Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries furnished to any such Person will be furnished pursuant to and in accordance with a written confidentiality agreement containing confidentiality terms that are no more favorable in the aggregate than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement (as amended by the terms of this Agreement) (any such confidentiality agreement, an “Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement”). No Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement may contain any provision that would prevent Protective from complying with its obligation to provide any disclosure to Dai-ichi required pursuant to this Section 6.05(a), Section 6.05(d) or Section 6.05(h). All information provided or made available by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary to any Person entering into an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement that has not been previously provided or made available to Dai-ichi must be provided or made available by Protective concurrently with, or, if impractical, within 48 hours following, the time it is provided or made available to such Person. From the tenth day following the date of this Agreement through the No Shop Period Start Date, Protective will provide a written report to Dai-ichi every five Business Days setting forth (i) the total number of Persons contacted to date pursuant to this Section 6.05(a), (ii) the number of Persons that have affirmatively declined to receive information or enter into discussions regarding an Acquisition Proposal, (iii) the number of Persons that have affirmatively expressed interest in receiving information or entering into discussions regarding an Acquisition Proposal and (iv) the number of Persons that have executed an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement. The foregoing reports will not be required to include the identity of any of the foregoing Persons. In addition, as of 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on June 28, 2014, Protective will provide Dai-ichi with a written list identifying each Person that, on or prior to such date, has executed an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement and has not subsequently affirmatively declined to receive information or enter into discussions regarding an Acquisition Proposal. Protective will be required to provide information in accordance with Section 6.05(h) with respect to any Acquisition Proposal received by Protective after the date of this Agreement whether prior to, on or following the No Shop Period Start Date.

 

(b)           Except as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.05, from and after the No Shop Period Start Date, Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries will immediately cease and cause to be terminated, and Protective will cause its Representatives to terminate, any existing discussions or negotiations with any Person or its Representatives (other than Dai-ichi and Merger Sub and their Representatives) conducted prior to the No Shop Period Start Date with respect to any Acquisition Proposal.

 

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(c)           Except as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.05, from and after the No Shop Period Start Date, Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries will not, and Protective will cause its Representatives not to, directly or indirectly (i) initiate, solicit or knowingly facilitate or encourage any inquiry or the making or announcement of any proposal that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal, (ii) participate or engage in or continue any discussions or negotiations regarding, furnish to any Person any information or data with respect to, or otherwise cooperate with or knowingly take any other action to facilitate any proposal that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal, (iii) enter into any Contract (including any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle) providing for an Acquisition Proposal (an “Alternative Acquisition Agreement”), (iv) take any action to make the provisions of any “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “business combination” or similar anti-takeover statute or regulation (including the approval of any Person becoming an “interested stockholder” pursuant to Section 203 of the DGCL), or any restrictive provision of any applicable anti-takeover provision in Protective’s Constituent Documents, inapplicable to any transactions contemplated by an Acquisition Proposal or (v) resolve, propose or agree to do any of the foregoing.

 

(d)           Notwithstanding Section 6.05(b) and Section 6.05(c), at any time prior to the receipt of the Stockholder Approval, with respect to any Person that has executed an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement during the Solicitation and Early Signing Period, Protective, after the No Shop Period Start Date, may continue to furnish information and data to such Person or its Representatives pursuant to and in accordance with such Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement and continue to participate and engage in discussions or negotiations with such Person or its Representatives regarding such Acquisition Proposal or any successor Acquisition Proposal, if and only if, and after such time as, such Person submits a bona fide written Acquisition Proposal and the Board of Directors of Protective determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation, that such Acquisition Proposal or successor Acquisition Proposal constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal. Notwithstanding Section 6.05(b) and Section 6.05(c), at any time prior to the receipt of the Stockholder Approval, with respect to any Person that has submitted an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal on or after the No Shop Period Start Date that did not result from a breach of this Section 6.05, Protective may furnish information and data to such Person or its Representatives pursuant to and in accordance with an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement and participate and engage in discussions or negotiations with such Person or its Representatives regarding such Acquisition Proposal, if and only if the Board of Directors of Protective has determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation, that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal. Any material non-public information provided by Protective or any Protective Subsidiary to any Person entering into an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement that has not been previously provided to Dai-ichi must be provided to Dai-ichi concurrently with, or, if impractical, within 48 hours following, the time it is provided or made available to such Person.

 

(e)           Notwithstanding Section 6.03(b) but subject to Section 6.05(f), at any time prior to the Stockholder Approval, if (i) an Intervening Event has occurred or (ii) Protective receives an Acquisition Proposal that the Board of Directors of Protective has determined constitutes a Superior Proposal, then, in either case, the Board of Directors of Protective may effect a Change in Recommendation if and only if the Board of Directors of Protective has determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation, that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with the directors’ fiduciary duties to the stockholders of Protective under applicable Law.

 

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(f)            Notwithstanding Section 6.05(e), the Board of Directors of Protective may not effect a Change in Recommendation unless (i) the Board of Directors of Protective has first provided written notice to Dai-ichi that it is prepared to effect a Change in Recommendation, which notice will, in the case of the occurrence of an Intervening Event, include a written description in reasonable detail of such Intervening Event, and in the case of a Superior Proposal, attach the most current unredacted version of the proposed agreement relating to such Superior Proposal (or if there is no proposed agreement, a description in reasonable detail of the material terms and conditions of such Superior Proposal, including the identity of the Person making such Superior Proposal) and (ii) Dai-ichi does not make, within five Business Days after the receipt of such notice, a proposal that the Board of Directors of Protective determines in good faith (taking into account any revisions to the terms of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement proposed by Dai-ichi as provided in this Section 6.05(f)), after consultation with outside legal counsel and a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation, obviates the need for a Change in Recommendation. Protective agrees that, during such five Business Day period, Protective and its Representatives will negotiate in good faith with Dai- ichi and its Representatives regarding any revisions to the terms of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement proposed by Dai-ichi. If, following the execution by the Parties of an amendment to this Agreement providing for revisions to the terms of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that obviate the need for a Change in Recommendation or the proposal by Dai-ichi of such revisions, there is a material change in the facts or circumstances relating to the Intervening Event or to the terms and conditions of the Superior Proposal, in each case that gave rise to such Change in Recommendation, or Protective receives a Superior Proposal from another Person, then the provisions of this Section 6.05(f) will be applicable with respect to a Change in Recommendation relating to such Intervening Event or amended or additional Superior Proposal. Any other provision of this Agreement notwithstanding, Dai-ichi will be permitted to exercise its rights under this Section 6.05(f) on not more than two occasions with respect to a Superior Proposal or a successor Superior Proposal made by any particular Person and Protective will have no obligation under clause (i) of this Section 6.05(f) or otherwise to provide or deliver any subsequent notice that it is prepared to effect a Change in Recommendation with respect to any such Superior Proposal or of any changes to the pertinent Superior Proposal or to afford to Dai-ichi any further period to negotiate or propose changes. If the rights set forth in this Section 6.05(f) have been exercised or are exercisable by Dai-ichi prior to the No Shop Period Start Date with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, the No Shop Period Start Date will be deemed extended until the second day following the day Dai-ichi is no longer entitled to exercise any rights with respect to pertinent Superior Proposal under this Section 6.05(f). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Protective may not enter into an Alternative Acquisition Agreement without effecting a Change in Recommendation and complying with the provisions of this Section 6.05(f).

 

(g)           Notwithstanding any Change in Recommendation, the Board of Directors of Protective will continue to comply with its obligations under Section 6.02 and Section 6.03 and will submit this Agreement to the stockholders of Protective for the purpose of obtaining the Stockholder Approval unless this Agreement has been terminated prior to the date of the Stockholders Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, in accordance with Article IX.

 

(h)           Except as set forth in Section 6.05(f), as promptly as practicable after the receipt by Protective of any Acquisition Proposal, whether orally or in writing, and in any case within 48 hours after the receipt thereof by an executive officer of Protective, Protective will provide oral or written notice to Dai-ichi of such Acquisition Proposal, the identity of the Person making any such Acquisition Proposal and the material terms and conditions of such Acquisition Proposal. Protective (or its outside counsel) will, in person, by email or by telephone, keep Dai-ichi (or its outside counsel) reasonably informed on a prompt basis (and in any event within 48 hours) with respect to any change to price or other material terms of such Acquisition Proposal. Protective

 

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will, promptly upon receipt or delivery thereof (and in any event within 48 hours), provide Dai-ichi (or its outside counsel) with copies of material documents comprising such Acquisition Proposal and any amendments thereto.

 

(i)            Nothing contained in Section 6.03(b) or this Section 6.05 will prohibit Protective from complying with Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act with respect to any Acquisition Proposal; provided that (i) any disclosure of a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a) or Rule 14d-9 under the Exchange Act other than a “stop, look and listen” or similar communication of the type contemplated by Rule 14d-9(f) under the Exchange Act, a rejection of or recommendation against any applicable Acquisition Proposal or a reaffirmation of the Recommendation will be deemed to be a Change of Recommendation and (ii) neither Protective or the Board of Directors of Protective may effect a Change in Recommendation except in accordance with Section 6.05(f).

 

(j)            Protective will promptly inform its and the Protective Subsidiaries’ respective Representatives of the restrictions set forth in this Section 6.05. Any breach or violation of the restrictions set forth in this Section 6.05 by any Representative of Protective or any Protective Subsidiary will be deemed to be a breach or violation of this Section 6.05 by Protective.

 

SECTION 6.06.  Release under Confidentiality Agreement; State Takeover Laws.  Protective hereby releases Dai-ichi and Merger Sub from the “standstill” provisions contained in the Confidentiality Agreement. If any “fair price,” “business combination” or “control share acquisition” statute or other similar statute or regulation is or becomes applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Protective and its Board of Directors will use their reasonable best efforts to grant such approvals and take such actions as are necessary so that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by this Agreement and will otherwise act to minimize the effects of any such statute or regulation on the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.07.  Section 16 of the Exchange Act.  Prior to the Effective Time, Protective will take all such steps as may be required to cause any dispositions of Protective equity securities (including derivative securities with respect to Common Stock) resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by each individual who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

SECTION 6.08.  Stockholder Litigation.  Protective will promptly advise Dai-ichi orally and in writing of any Proceeding brought by any stockholder of Protective against Protective or its directors or officers relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and will keep Dai-ichi fully informed regarding any such litigation. Protective will give Dai-ichi the opportunity to participate in, subject to a customary joint defense agreement, but not control the defense of any such litigation, will give due consideration to Dai-ichi’s advice with respect to such litigation and will not settle any such litigation without the prior written consent of Dai-ichi, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. Dai-ichi will promptly advise Protective orally and in writing of any Proceeding brought by any stockholder of Dai-ichi against Dai-ichi or its directors or officers relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and will keep Protective fully informed regarding any such litigation. Dai-ichi will give Protective the opportunity to participate in, subject to a customary joint defense agreement, but not control the defense of any such litigation, will give due consideration to Protective’s advice with respect to such litigation and will not settle any such litigation without the prior written consent of Protective if such settlement would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or materially delay the consummation of the Merger.

 

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SECTION 6.09.  Cooperation.

 

(a)           Protective will, and will cause its Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives to, reasonably cooperate with Dai-ichi and its Representatives and provide all financial and other information reasonably requested by Dai-ichi from time to time in order to permit Dai-ichi to comply with its obligations under applicable Law and the listing rules of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including with respect to Dai-ichi’s arrangement of financing in connection with such transactions. Dai-ichi will, promptly upon request by Protective, reimburse Protective for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by Protective or its Subsidiaries in connection with such cooperation. All Evaluation Material (as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement) regarding Protective and its Subsidiaries obtained by Dai-ichi or its Representatives pursuant to this Section 6.09 will be subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement; provided that, after giving reasonable advance written notice to Protective of such disclosure, Dai-ichi may disclose such information to Persons providing financing to Dai-ichi in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the Representatives of such Person who reasonably need to have access to such information) so long as such Persons and their Representatives acknowledge and agree to be bound by the confidentiality obligations set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement applicable to Representatives of Dai-ichi.

 

(b)           The Parties and their legal counsel will cooperate in good faith to develop and implement appropriate procedures to facilitate compliance by Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries with the covenants sets forth in Section 6.01(g) and Section 6.01(h). Dai-ichi, upon the request of Protective from time to time, will consult and cooperate with Protective and its legal advisors in good faith to determine whether actions proposed to be taken by Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries may be taken in compliance with such covenants.

 

(c)           Dai-ichi and Protective will discuss in good faith and cooperate with respect to matters which require reporting to Dai-ichi and with respect to the future governance model between Dai-ichi and Protective following the Closing for the purpose of compliance with the Laws (including any rules of any applicable securities exchange) applicable to Dai-ichi or for the purpose of compliance with Dai-ichi’s internal consolidated accounting reporting requirement and other internal policies, or for the purposes of dealing with the applicable Governmental Authorities in Japan. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limitation thereto, Dai-ichi and Protective will establish a steering committee after the date of this Agreement for the purpose of discussing in advance of the Closing governance structure and other relevant arrangements following the Closing.

 

(d)           In the event that Protective reasonably believes that actions taken by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners after the date of this Agreement may materially and adversely affect reserve financing structures that are already established by Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries or contemplated to be established by any of them in the future, then Protective and Dai-ichi will in good faith discuss possible ways in which Dai-ichi might mitigate the effect of any such actions by providing reserve financing or otherwise reasonably assisting Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries with their efforts to secure alternative financing.

 

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ARTICLE VII

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

 

SECTION 7.01.  Consents and Approvals.

 

(a)           Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of Dai-ichi and Protective will, and will cause its Affiliates to, use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law to consummate promptly the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including (i) determining all necessary or, in the reasonable judgment of Dai-ichi and Protective, advisable Filings necessary to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including Filings with Governmental Authorities or third parties), (ii) preparing and filing as promptly as practicable (but in no event more than 45 days after the date of this Agreement) documentation necessary to effect such Filings, (iii) obtaining all Approvals from any Governmental Authority or third party necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any such Approvals required under applicable Insurance Laws and the HSR Act, it being understood and agreed that “reasonable best efforts” will be deemed to include, subject to Section 7.01(f), complying with any requirements of applicable Law or of any Governmental Authority that may arise or be imposed in connection with such Approvals and (iv) defending any Proceeding, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(b)           In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each of Dai-ichi and Protective will (i) make, or cause to be made, the Filings required of such Party (or, in the reasonable judgment of Dai-ichi and Protective, Filings that are advisable to be made by such Party) with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement, (ii) comply at the earliest practicable date with any request for additional information, documents or other materials (including a “second request” under the HSR Act) received by such Party from the United States Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) or any other Governmental Authority under any applicable Laws with respect to such Filings and Approvals, (iii) act in good faith and reasonably cooperate with the other Party in connection with any such Filings and in connection with resolving any investigation or other inquiry of any such agency or other Governmental Authority under any applicable Insurance Laws, the HSR Act or any other applicable Laws with respect to any such Filing or any such transaction and (iv) not extend any waiting period under the HSR Act or enter into any agreement with any Governmental Authority not to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except with the prior written consent of the other Party.

 

(c)           To the extent not prohibited by applicable Law, each of Dai-ichi and Protective will use its reasonable best efforts to furnish to the other Party all information required by such other Party for any Filing to be made pursuant to any applicable Law in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that materials may be redacted (i) to remove references concerning the valuation of Dai-ichi, Protective or any of their Subsidiaries, (ii) as necessary to comply with contractual arrangements and (iii) as necessary to address reasonable privilege or confidentiality concerns. Subject to applicable Laws and the requirements of any Governmental Authority, Protective and Dai-ichi will keep each other apprised of the status of matters relating to the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby, including promptly furnishing each other with copies of notices or other communications received by Protective or Dai-ichi, as the case may be, or any of their respective Subsidiaries, from any third party and/or any Governmental Authority with respect to the such transactions. Protective and Dai-ichi will each permit the other Party a reasonable opportunity to review in advance, and consider in good faith the views of the other Party in connection with, any proposed Filing or other material written communication with any

 

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Governmental Authority and will each provide the other party copies of all written communications (other than communications relating to non-substantive matters) to any Governmental Entity promptly after their filing or submission, in each case subject to applicable Laws and the requirements of any Governmental Authority.

 

(d)           Each of Dai-ichi and Protective will give the other Party reasonable prior notice of any communication with, and any proposed understanding, undertaking or Contract with, any Governmental Authority regarding any such Filings. Each of Dai-ichi and Protective will not independently participate in any substantive meeting, or engage in any substantive conversation, with any Governmental Authority in respect of any such filings, investigation or other inquiry without using reasonable best efforts to give such other Party prior notice of the meeting or conversation and, unless prohibited by any such Governmental Authority, the opportunity to attend or participate in such meeting or conversation. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7.01, Dai-ichi will, on behalf of Dai-ichi and Protective, control and lead all communications and strategy related to the any filings, obtaining any necessary approvals, and resolving any investigation or other inquiry of any such agency or other Governmental Authority under any applicable Laws.

 

(e)           Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.01, each of Dai-ichi and Protective will use its reasonable best efforts to resolve such objections, if any, as may be asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any applicable Insurance Laws or the HSR Act. Each of Dai-ichi and Protective will use its reasonable best efforts to take such action as may be required to cause the expiration of the notice periods under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as possible after the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, nothing in this Section 7.01 will limit the right of a Party to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.01, so long as such Party has until that time complied in all material respects with its obligations under this Section 7.01.

 

(f)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.01(e) or anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement will be deemed to require Dai-ichi or Protective or any of their respective Subsidiaries to agree to or take any action that would result in any Burdensome Condition.

 

(g)           As soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, Protective will cause the Protective Advisers to inform their advisory clients of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and will, in compliance with the Advisers Act and any other applicable Law, request, and make reasonable best efforts to obtain, such clients’ consent as may be necessary to effect the assignment of their investment advisory contracts. Dai-ichi agrees that Protective may satisfy this obligation (other than collective investment arrangements managed by a Protective Adviser as to which the governing instruments or applicable Law require any different or supplemental procedure, in which case such different or supplemental procedures must be followed), by providing each such client with the notice contemplated by the first sentence of this Section 7.01(g) and obtaining either a new investment advisory contract with such client effective at the Closing or such client’s consent in the form of an actual written consent or in the form of an implied consent. It is understood that such implied consent may be obtained by requesting written consent as aforesaid and informing in writing such client of (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and Protective’s intention to complete such transactions so as to result in a statutory assignment of such investment advisory agreements, (ii) the applicable Protective Adviser’s intention to continue the advisory services, under the existing investment advisory agreement with such client after the Closing if such client does not terminate such investment advisory agreement prior to the Closing and (iii) the fact that if such client continues to accept such advisory services

 

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without termination, then the consent of such client will be implied effective on the 60th day following the mailing of such request.

 

SECTION 7.02.  Employee Matters.

 

(a)           From and after the Effective Time, Dai-ichi and its Subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries) will honor all Benefit Plans and compensation arrangements and agreements of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries in accordance with their terms as in effect immediately before the Effective Time. For a period of one year following the Effective Time, Dai-ichi and its Subsidiaries will cause the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries to provide or cause to be provided to each employee of Protective and any Protective Subsidiary who remains in the employment of the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries following the Effective Time, other than an employee who has entered into an employment continuation agreement with Protective (each, a “Continuing Employee”) (i) at least the same level of base salary or wages (as applicable) and target cash incentive bonus opportunities and commission opportunities as were made available to such Continuing Employee by Protective and its Subsidiaries in effect immediately prior to the date hereof (or as the same may hereafter have been modified in compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 6.01) and (ii) employee benefits (other than equity or equity-based benefits and other than cash incentive bonus and commission opportunities) that are, in the aggregate, at least as favorable to those provided as of the date hereof to such Continuing Employee by Protective and its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Benefit Plans. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Dai-ichi will cause the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries to provide to each Continuing Employee whose employment is involuntarily terminated by the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiary without cause during the one-year period following the Effective Time severance benefits at least equal to the severance benefits that would have been payable by Protective and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices but not in excess of one year (52 weeks) of base salary or wages, as applicable.

 

(b)           Except to the extent necessary to avoid the duplication of benefits, the Surviving Corporation will recognize the service of each Continuing Employee with Protective or the Protective Subsidiaries before the Effective Time as if such service had been performed with Dai-ichi or its Affiliates (i) for all purposes under the Benefit Plans maintained by the Surviving Corporation or its Affiliates after the Effective Time (to the extent such plans, programs or Contracts cover the Continuing Employee), (ii) for purposes of eligibility and vesting under any employee benefit plans and programs of the Surviving Corporation or its Affiliates other than the Benefit Plans (the “Surviving Corporation Plans”) in which the Continuing Employee participates after the Effective Time and (iii) for benefit accrual purposes under any Surviving Corporation Plan that is a vacation or severance plan in which the Continuing Employee participates after the Effective Time.

 

(c)           With respect to any welfare plan maintained by the Surviving Corporation or its Affiliates in which Continuing Employees are eligible to participate after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation and its Affiliates will use their reasonable best efforts to (i) waive all limitations as to preexisting conditions and exclusions with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to such employees to the extent such conditions and exclusions were satisfied or did not apply to such employees under the corresponding welfare plans maintained by Protective or its Affiliates prior to the Effective Time and (ii) provide each Continuing Employee with credit for any co-payments and deductibles paid by such Continuing Employee prior to the Effective Time in satisfying any analogous deductible or out-of-pocket requirements to the extent applicable under any such plan.

 

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(d)           This Agreement is not intended by the Parties to (i) constitute an amendment to any Benefit Plan, employee benefit plan, fund or program, (ii) obligate Dai-ichi, the Surviving Corporation or any of their Affiliates to maintain any particular compensation or benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement or (iii) create any obligation of the Parties with respect to any employee benefit plan of Dai-ichi, the Surviving Corporation or any of their Affiliates. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any employee any benefits under any employee benefit plan, fund or program, including severance benefits or the right to employment or continued employment with Dai-ichi, the Surviving Corporation or any of their Affiliates for any period by reason of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 7.03.  Fees and Expenses.  Subject to Section 9.03, whether or not the Merger is consummated, all Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will be paid by the Party incurring such Expenses.

 

SECTION 7.04.  Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnification and Insurance.

 

(a)           From and after the Effective Time, Dai-ichi will cause the Surviving Corporation to (i) indemnify and hold harmless, against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any Proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and provide advancement of expenses to, all past and present directors, officers and employees of Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries (in all of their capacities) (the “Indemnified Persons”) (A) to the same extent such Indemnified Persons are indemnified or exculpated or have the right to advancement of expenses as of the date of this Agreement by Protective pursuant to Protective’s Constituent Documents and indemnification Contracts, if any, in existence on the date of this Agreement with the Indemnified Persons and (B) without limitation to clause (A), to the fullest extent permitted by Law, (ii) honor the provisions regarding elimination of liability of directors, indemnification of directors and officers and advancement of expenses contained in Protective’s Constituent Documents immediately prior to the Effective Time and (iii) maintain for a period of six years after the Effective Time policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance (“D & O Insurance”) covering each person covered by Protective’s current D & O Insurance as of the Effective Time, providing for at least the same coverage and amounts as, and containing terms and conditions which are no less favorable to the insured than, such current D & O Insurance, with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the Effective Time, including for acts or omissions occurring in connection with the approval of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the Surviving Corporation be required to expend for any one coverage year more than 300 percent of the current annual premium expended by Protective and the Protective Subsidiaries to maintain or procure such D & O Insurance immediately prior to the Effective Time (such amount, the “Maximum Annual Premium”). If the annual premiums of such insurance coverage exceed the Maximum Annual Premium, the Surviving Corporation will be obligated to obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding the Maximum Annual Premium. In lieu of the foregoing insurance coverage, Dai-ichi may cause the Surviving Corporation to purchase six-year prepaid “tail” insurance coverage, at a cost no greater than the six times the Maximum Annual Premium, that provides coverage not less favorable to the insured than the coverage described above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Protective may in its sole discretion purchase, prior to the Effective Time, six-year prepaid “tail” insurance coverage, at a cost no greater than the six times the Maximum Annual Premium, that provides not less favorable to the insured than the coverage described above, and if Protective has obtained such prepaid “tail” policy prior to the Effective Time, Dai-ichi will cause such policy to be maintained in full force and effect, for its full term, and cause all obligations thereunder to be honored by the

 

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Surviving Corporation, and Dai-ichi will have no further obligation to purchase or pay for insurance pursuant to this Section 7.04(a).

 

(b)           The rights of each Indemnified Person hereunder will be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other rights such Indemnified Person may have under the Constituent Documents of Protective or any of the Protective Subsidiaries or the Surviving Corporation, any other indemnification Contract, the DGCL or otherwise.

 

(c)           The provisions of this Section 7.04 will survive the consummation of the Merger and expressly are intended to benefit, and are enforceable by, each of the Indemnified Persons and his or her heirs. In the event that the Surviving Corporation or any of its respective successors or assigns consolidates with or merges into any other Person and is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in such consolidation or merger or transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in either such case, proper provision will be made so that the successors and assigns of the Surviving Corporation will assume and comply with the obligations set forth in this Section 7.04.

 

(d)           The obligations of the Surviving Corporation under this Section 7.04 will not be terminated or modified in such a manner as to adversely affect any Indemnified Person without the consent of such Indemnified Person, it being expressly agreed that the Indemnified Persons will be third party beneficiaries of this Section 7.04. Dai-ichi will honor, guaranty and stand as a surety for, and will cause the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries and successors to honor and comply with, in accordance with their respective terms, each of the covenants contained in this Section 7.04 without limit as to time. Dai-ichi will pay all reasonable expenses that may be incurred by an Indemnified Person in enforcing the indemnity and other obligations provided in this Section 7.04.

 

SECTION 7.05.  Public Announcements.  Dai-ichi and Protective will develop a joint communications plan and each Party, from the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time or the date of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, will (a) ensure that all press releases and other public statements or communications with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consistent with such joint communications plan and (b) unless otherwise required by applicable Law or by obligations pursuant to the rules of the NYSE, the Tokyo Stock Exchange or any other applicable securities exchange, consult with each other before issuing any press release or, to the extent practicable, otherwise making any public statement or communication with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In addition to the foregoing, from the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time or the date of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, except to the extent disclosed in or consistent with the Proxy Statement in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.02, neither Dai-ichi nor Protective will issue any press release or otherwise make any public statement or disclosure concerning the other Party or the other Party’s business, financial condition or results of operations without the consent of the other Party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

SECTION 7.06.  Notice of Certain Events.  Each of Dai-ichi and Protective will promptly notify the other after receiving or becoming aware of (a) any notice or other communication from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person (or another Person) is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the response thereto from Dai-ichi or Protective, as the case may be) and (b) any Proceeding commenced or, to its knowledge, threatened against, relating to or otherwise involving Dai-ichi or any of the Dai-ichi Subsidiaries or Protective or any of the Protective Subsidiaries, as the case may be, that relates to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

SECTION 7.07.  Control of Operations.  Without limiting any Party’s rights or obligations under this Agreement, the Parties understand and agree that (a) nothing contained in this Agreement will

 

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give either Party, directly or indirectly, the right to control, direct or influence the other Party’s operations prior to the Effective Time and (b) prior to the Effective Time, each Party will exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its operations.

 

SECTION 7.08.  Certain Transfer Taxes.  Any liability arising out of any real estate transfer Tax with respect to interests in real property owned directly or indirectly by Protective or any the Protective Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Merger, if applicable and due with respect to the Merger, will be borne by the Surviving Corporation and expressly will not be a liability of stockholders of Dai-ichi or Protective.

 

ARTICLE VIII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

SECTION 8.01.  Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Merger.  The respective obligations of each Party to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (if permissible under applicable Law) on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

 

(a)           Protective must have obtained the Stockholder Approval;

 

(b)           the waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the Merger under the HSR Act must have been terminated or expired;

 

(c)           all Approvals of Governmental Authorities in connection with the consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that are set forth in Section 8.01(c) of the Dai-ichi Disclosure Letter must have been obtained and must be in full force and effect and all waiting periods required by applicable Law with respect thereto must have expired or been terminated, in each case without the imposition of a Burdensome Condition with respect to the Party seeking to invoke the condition set forth in this Section 8.01(c); and

 

(d)           no Laws must have been adopted or promulgated, and no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other Order, judgment, decision, opinion or decree must have been issued and remain in effect issued by a court or other Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction, having the effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger (collectively, “Restraints”); provided that, prior to asserting this condition, the Party asserting this condition must have used its reasonable best efforts in accordance with Section 7.01 (subject to the second sentence of Section 7.01(e)) to prevent the entry of any such Order, judgment, decisions, opinion or decree and to appeal as promptly as practicable any Order, judgment, decision, opinion or decree that may be entered.

 

SECTION 8.02.  Conditions to Obligations of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub.  The obligations of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction, or waiver (if permissible under applicable Law) by Dai-ichi, on or prior to the Closing Date of the following additional conditions:

 

(a)           each of the representations and warranties of Protective set forth in this Agreement, in each case made as if none of such representations and warranties contained any qualifications or limitations as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect,” must be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent in either case that such representations and warranties are made as of another specified date prior to the date of this Agreement), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct as so made would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing each of the representations and warranties of Protective set forth in (i) the first sentence of Section 4.03(b) must be true in correct as of the date of this Agreement, except for de minimis breaches not involving more than 10,000 shares of Common Stock, (ii) Section 4.04 (other than Section 4.04(b)),

 

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Section 4.05 and Section 4.34 must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date and (iii) Section 4.10(b) and Section 4.32(c) must be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date;

 

(b)           Protective must have performed or complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date; and

 

(c)           Dai-ichi must have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of Protective to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section 8.02(a) and Section 8.02(b) have been satisfied.

 

SECTION 8.03.  Conditions to Obligations of Protective.  The obligations of Protective to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of, or waiver (if permissible under applicable Law) by Protective, on or prior to the Closing Date of the following additional conditions:

 

(a)           each of the representations and warranties of Dai-ichi set forth in this Agreement, in each case made as if none of such representations and warranties contained any qualifications or limitations as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect,” must be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent in either case that such representations and warranties are made as of another specified date prior to the date of this Agreement), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct as so made would not prevent or materially impair or materially delay the ability of Dai-ichi or Merger Sub to consummate the Merger; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the representations and warranties of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub set forth in Section 5.03 and Section 5.09 must be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date;

 

(b)           each of Dai-ichi and Merger Sub must have performed or complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date; and

 

(c)           Protective must have received a certificate of duly authorized officer of Dai-ichi to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section 8.03(a) and Section 8.03(b) have been satisfied.

 

SECTION 8.04.  Frustration of Closing Conditions.  Neither Protective nor Dai-ichi may rely, either as a basis for not consummating the Merger or terminating this Agreement and abandoning the Merger, on the failure of any condition set forth in this Article VIII to be satisfied if such failure was caused by such Party’s breach of any material provision of this Agreement or failure to use reasonable best efforts to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as required by and subject to Section 7.01.

 

ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION

 

SECTION 9.01.  Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after receipt of the Stockholder Approval (except as otherwise expressly noted):

 

(a)           by mutual written consent of Dai-ichi and Protective;

 

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(b)           by either Dai-ichi or Protective, if:

 

(i)            the Merger has not been consummated by February 28, 2015 (the “End Date”); provided that (A) the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(b)(i) will not be available to any Party whose failure to perform in all material respects its obligations under this Agreement was the primary cause of the failure of the Merger to be consummated by the End Date and (B) if on such date any of the conditions precedent to the Closing set forth in Section 8.01(b) or Section 8.01(c) have not been satisfied but all other conditions precedent to the Closing have been satisfied (or in the case of conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, are capable of being satisfied on such date), then the End Date will automatically be extended to April 30, 2015;

 

(ii)           any Restraint having any of the effects set forth in Section 8.01(d) is in effect and has become final and non-appealable; provided that the Party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(b)(ii) must have complied in all material respects with its obligations under Section 7.01; or

 

(iii)          the Stockholder Approval is not obtained at the Stockholders Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, in each case at which a vote on the adoption of the Merger Agreement was taken;

 

(c)           by Dai-ichi:

 

(i)            if Protective has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement and such breach or failure to perform (A) is incapable of being cured by Protective prior to the End Date and (B) would result in a failure of any condition set forth in Section 8.02(a) or Section 8.02(b);

 

(ii)           prior to the Stockholders Meeting, if the Board of Directors of Protective has effected a Change in Recommendation within a period of fifteen Business Days immediately preceding the date of such termination; or

 

(iii)          prior to the Stockholders Meeting, if, following the receipt by Protective of an Acquisition Proposal (other than a tender offer), the Board of Directors of Protective has not publicly reaffirmed the Recommendation and fails to do so through a press release or similar means within five Business Days after the date Dai-ichi requests in writing that Protective so reaffirm the Recommendation, which request may be delivered by Dai-ichi only (A) once with respect to any Acquisition Proposal and (B) during the 30 day period immediately prior to the date on which the Stockholders Meeting is scheduled at the time of such request;

 

(d)           by Protective, if:

 

(i)            Dai-ichi or Merger Sub has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement and such breach or failure to perform (A) is incapable of being cured by Dai-ichi or Merger Sub prior to the End Date and (B) would result in a failure of any condition set forth in Section 8.03(a) or Section 8.03(b); or

 

(ii)           Protective effects a Change in Recommendation as a result of its receipt of a Superior Proposal when permitted to do so in accordance with Section 6.05(e) and Section 6.05(f) and Protective enters into a definitive written agreement providing for such Superior Proposal concurrently with or immediately following the termination of this Agreement; provided that the termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(d)(ii) will not be effective unless and until Protective has paid the Termination Fee to Dai-ichi in accordance with Section 9.03(a).

 

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SECTION 9.02.  Effect of Termination.  In the event of any termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 9.01, written notice thereof will forthwith be given to the other Party or Parties specifying the provision hereof pursuant to which such termination is made, and the obligations of the Parties under this Agreement will terminate and there will be no liability on the part of any Party with respect thereto, except that the Confidentiality Agreement, the confidentiality provisions of Section 6.04 and the provisions of this Section 9.02, Section 9.03, Article I and Article X, will survive such termination and remain in full force and effect; provided that no Party will be relieved or released from any liability or damages arising from (a) any failure to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby if required to pursuant to this Agreement, (b) fraud or (c) an intentional and material breach of any provision of this Agreement prior to such termination, and in each case the aggrieved Party will be entitled to all rights and remedies available at Law or in equity (which the Parties acknowledge and agree will not be limited to reimbursement of expenses or out-of-pocket costs, and may include the benefit of the bargain lost by Dai-ichi, or by Protective or Protective’s stockholders (taking into consideration relevant matters, including the total amount payable to such stockholders under this Agreement and the time value of money), which shall be deemed in such event to be damages of Protective). Without limiting the foregoing, Protective acknowledges and agrees that the payment of the Termination Fee and Expense Reimbursement pursuant to Section 9.03 will not preclude Dai-ichi, in the case of an intentional and material breach of this Agreement or fraud by Protective, from seeking additional damages from Protective on account of such intentional and material breach or fraud. For purposes of this Agreement, “intentional and material breach” means a material breach that is a consequence of an act (or failure to act) undertaken by the breaching party with the knowledge (actual or constructive) that the taking of (or the failure to take) such act would, or would be reasonably expected to, cause a breach of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.03.  Termination Fee and Expense Reimbursement.

 

(a)           Protective will pay to Dai-ichi, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, the amounts set forth in this Section 9.03(a) if this Agreement is terminated under the following circumstances (it being understood and agreed that in no event will Protective be required to pay the Termination Fee on more than one occasion):

 

(i)            if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.01(c)(ii) or Section 9.01(c)(iii), then Protective will pay the Termination Fee by the second Business Day following the date of such termination (it being understood that Protective’s failure to reaffirm under such circumstances will not be deemed an intentional and material breach of this Agreement);

 

(ii)           if this Agreement is terminated (A) by either Party pursuant to Section 9.01(b)(i) without a vote of the stockholders of Protective contemplated by this Agreement at the Stockholders Meeting having occurred and, on the End Date, all of the conditions precedent to the Closing (other than the condition precedent set forth in Section 8.01(a)) have been satisfied (or in the case of conditions precedent that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, are capable of being satisfied on the End Date) or (B) pursuant to Section 9.01(b)(iii) and, in any such case, an Acquisition Proposal has been publicly announced or has otherwise become publicly known, or any Person has publicly announced or communicated an intention, whether or not conditional, to make an Acquisition Proposal, at any time after the date of this Agreement and prior to the time of the taking of the vote of the stockholders of Protective at the Stockholders Meeting (or prior to the termination of this Agreement if there has been no Stockholders Meeting), and at such time such Acquisition Proposal or such intent has not been publicly withdrawn or repudiated by such Person, then

 

(A)          Protective will pay the Expense Reimbursement to Dai-ichi by wire transfer of immediately available funds within three Business Days after delivery by Dai-ichi to

 

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Protective of a written statement setting forth the amount thereof and attaching applicable documentation; and

 

(B)          if, within 12 months after the date of such termination, Protective either consummates a transaction contemplated by any Acquisition Proposal (including any Acquisition Proposal made after the date of the termination of this Agreement), or enters into a definitive agreement to consummate a transaction contemplated by any Acquisition Proposal and Protective thereafter consummates such Acquisition Proposal (whether or not within such 12-month period), then Protective will pay the Termination Fee by the third Business Day following the date Protective consummates such transaction; provided that, for purposes of this Section 9.03(a)(ii)(B), all references to 15 percent including in the definition of the term “Acquisition Proposal” will be changed to 50 percent; and provided, further, that the amount of any Expense Reimbursement paid to Dai-ichi pursuant to the foregoing clause (A) will be credited against and will reduce the Termination Fee payable pursuant to this Section 9.03(a)(ii)(B); or

 

(iii)          if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.01(d)(ii), then Protective will pay the Termination Fee on the date, and as a condition to the effectiveness, of such termination.

 

(b)           Protective acknowledges and agrees that the agreements contained in this Section 9.03 are an integral part of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement and that, without these agreements, Dai-ichi would not enter into this Agreement. Accordingly, if Protective fails promptly to pay any amounts due under this Section 9.03 and, in order to obtain such payment, Dai-ichi commences any Proceeding that results in a judgment against Protective for such amounts, Protective will pay interest on such amounts from the date payment of such amounts was due to the date of actual payment at the prime rate of the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation in effect on the date such payment was due, together with the costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by Dai-ichi in connection with such Proceeding.

 

ARTICLE X

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 10.01.  Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.  None of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, will survive the Effective Time, except for those covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and such other instruments that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Effective Time and this Article X.

 

SECTION 10.02.  Notices.  All notices and other communications in connection with this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally or by facsimile, upon confirmation of receipt or (b) on the third Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized express courier service. All notices in connection with this Agreement will be delivered as set forth below or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the Party to receive such notice:

 

If to Dai-ichi or Merger Sub, to:

 

Dai-ichi Life International (U.S.A.), Inc.

1133 Avenue of the Americas, 28th Floor

New York, New York 10036

United States of America

Facsimile: (212) 354-1866

Attention: Sugio Suzuki, President

 

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with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:

 

Baker & McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)

Ark Hills Sengokuyama Mori Tower, 28th Floor

1-9-10, Roppongi, Minato-ku

Tokyo 106-0032

Japan

Facsimile: +81 3 5549 7736

Attention: Jiro Toyokawa

 

Baker & McKenzie LLP

300 East Randolph Street

Chicago, Illinois 60601

United States of America

Facsimile: (312) 861-2899

Attention: Craig A. Roeder

Jakub J. Teply

 

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10019

United States of America

Facsimile: (212) 728-8111

Attention: Alexander M. Dye

 

If to Protective, to:

 

Protective Life Corporation

2801 Highway 280 South

Birmingham, Alabama 35223

United States of America

Facsimile: (205) 268-3597

Attention: General Counsel

 

with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

919 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

United States of America

Facsimile: (212) 909-6836

Attention: Nicholas F. Potter

Jeffrey J. Rosen

 

SECTION 10.03.  Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement (including the Exhibits, Schedules and the Parties’ disclosure letters) and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the Parties with respect to their subject matter. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or will confer upon any Person not a party to this Agreement any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever, other than (a) Section 7.04, which is intended to be for the benefit of the Indemnified Persons and their heirs and assigns covered thereby and may be enforced by such Indemnified Persons and their heirs and assigns and (b) Article II, which is intended to be for the benefit of holders of shares of Common Stock and Equity Rights with respect to the right of such holders to receive, as applicable, the Merger Consideration and the consideration set forth in

 

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Section 2.07. Dai-ichi’s obligations under the Confidentiality Agreement will terminate as of the Closing.

 

SECTION 10.04.  Severability.  If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement will nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties will negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

SECTION 10.05.  Assignment.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any of the Parties, in whole or in part (whether by operation of Law or otherwise), without the prior written consent of the other Parties, and any attempt to make any such assignment without such consent will be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

 

SECTION 10.06.  Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended by the Parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, at any time before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Merger by the stockholders of Protective, but after such approval, no amendment will be made which by Law or in accordance with the rules of the NYSE requires further approval by such stockholders without such further approval. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, no amendment will be made to this Agreement after the Effective Time. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the Parties.

 

SECTION 10.07.  Extension; Waiver.  At any time prior to the Effective Time, the Parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, may to the extent legally permitted (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other Parties, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement. No extension or waiver will be made which by Law or in accordance with the rules of the NYSE requires further approval by the stockholders of Protective without such further approval. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver will be valid only if set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such Party. The failure of any Party to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise will not constitute a waiver of those rights.

 

SECTION 10.08.  Governing Law and Venue: Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

(a)           THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE IN AND IN ALL RESPECTS WILL BE INTERPRETED, CONSTRUED AND GOVERNED BY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS RULES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. The Parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and the federal courts of the United States of America located in the State of Delaware with respect to all matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and of the documents referred to in this Agreement, and in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense in any action, suit or proceeding for the interpretation or enforcement hereof or of any such document, that it is not subject thereto or that such action, suit or proceeding may not be

 

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brought or is not maintainable in such courts or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate or that this Agreement or any such document may not be enforced in or by such courts, and the Parties agree that all claims with respect to such action or proceeding will be heard and determined exclusively in such a Delaware state or federal court. The Parties consent to and grant any such court jurisdiction over the person of such Parties solely for such purpose and over the subject matter of such dispute and agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in the manner provided in Section 10.02 or in such other manner as may be permitted by Law will be valid and sufficient service. Without limiting the foregoing, Dai-ichi irrevocably appoints The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 as its agent for service of process for purposes of any Proceeding in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(b)           EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES 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. EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER. EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS IN THIS Section 10.08(b).

 

SECTION 10.09.  Enforcement.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any provision of this Agreement was not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise breached, and that monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy therefor. It is accordingly agreed that the Parties will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in any court referred to in Section 10.08, without proof of actual damages (and each Party hereby waives any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy), this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at Law or in equity. The Parties further agree not to assert that a remedy of specific enforcement is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to Law or inequitable for any reason, nor to assert that a remedy of monetary damages would provide an adequate remedy for such breach.

 

SECTION 10.10.  Counterparts; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original but all of which will constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement will become effective when each Party has received counterparts signed and delivered (by facsimile, electronic mail or otherwise) by the other Parties.

 

[Signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Dai-ichi, Merger Sub and Protective have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first above written.

 

 

THE DAI-ICHI LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ SHIGEO TSUYUKI

 

 

Name:

Shigeo Tsuyuki

 

 

Title:

Representative Director, Deputy President

 

 

 

 

DL INVESTMENT (DELAWARE), INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ SUGIO SUZUKI

 

 

Name:

Sugio Suzuki

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ JOHN D. JOHNS

 

 

Name:

John D. Johns

 

 

Title:

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Merger Agreement]

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

ARTICLE 1

 

The name of the corporation is: Protective Life Corporation

 

ARTICLE 2

 

The address of the corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The name of the corporation’s registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

 

ARTICLE 3

 

The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any part of the world in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

ARTICLE 4

 

The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall have authority to issue is 5,000, all of which shall be common stock, and the par value of each such share shall be $0.01.

 

ARTICLE 5

 

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the board of directors shall have the power, both before and after receipt of any payment for any of the corporation’s capital stock, to adopt, amend, repeal or otherwise alter the bylaws of the corporation; provided, however, that the grant of such power to the board of directors shall not divest the stockholders of or limit their power to adopt, amend, repeal or otherwise alter the bylaws of the corporation.

 

ARTICLE 6

 

Meetings of stockholders may be held within or outside the State of Delaware, as the bylaws of the corporation may provide. The books of the corporation may be kept outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the board of directors or in the bylaws of the corporation. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws of the corporation so provide.

 

ARTICLE 7

 

A director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (a) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or (d) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

ARTICLE 8

 

(a)           Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation or of a partnership,

 



 

joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee, or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee, or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, against all expense, liability, and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA, excise taxes, or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that, except as provided in Article 8, Section (b) hereof, the corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors. The right to indemnification conferred in this Article 8 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, if the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article 8 or otherwise. The corporation may, by action of its board of directors, provide indemnification to employees and agents of the corporation with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.

 

(b)           If a claim under Article 8, Section (a) is not paid in full by the corporation within thirty days after a written claim has been received by the corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware for the corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the corporation. Neither the failure of the corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, nor an actual determination by the corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standards of conduct.

 

(c)           The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article 8 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

 

(d)           The corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise against any such expense, liability, or loss, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability, or loss under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 



 

ARTICLE 9

 

Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.

 

ARTICLE 10

 

The corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this certificate of incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by applicable law, and all rights and powers conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

BYLAWS

OF

Protective Life Corporation

(a Delaware corporation)

 

ARTICLE 1

OFFICES

 

1.1          REGISTERED OFFICE

 

The corporation shall maintain a registered office and registered agent in the state of Delaware. The registered office and/or registered agent of the corporation may be changed from time to time by action of the board of directors.

 

1.2          OTHER OFFICES

 

The corporation may also have offices at such other places both within or outside the state of Delaware as the board of directors may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE 2

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

2.1          ANNUAL MEETING; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

(a)           An annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held for the election of directors on a date and at a time and place designated by the board of directors. Any other proper business may also be transacted at the annual meeting.

 

(b)           The stockholders may elect the board of directors by written consent in lieu of the annual meeting. If the consent is less than unanimous, it will constitute a consent in lieu of the annual meeting only if all of the directorships to which directors could be elected at an annual meeting held at the effective time of the consent were (i) vacant at the effective time and (ii) filled by action of the consent.

 

(c)           If the annual meeting is not held on the date designated for it or if the board of directors has not been elected by written consent in lieu of an annual meeting, the standing directors shall cause the meeting to be held as soon as is convenient.

 

2.2          SPECIAL MEETINGS

 

Except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose may be called and the location of the meeting designated by the board of directors, the chairman of the board, or the president. Holders of shares entitled to cast not less than one-third of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting may also call a special meeting by written request. The written request must state the purposes of the meeting and must be delivered to the chairman of the board or the president. The chairman of the board or the president, as the case may be, shall fix a date, time and place for the meeting as promptly as practicable following receipt of the written request.

 

2.3          REMOTE COMMUNICATION

 

The board of directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a stockholders meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication. Further, the board of directors may, in its sole discretion, authorize stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders to, by means of remote communication and subject to such

 



 

guidelines and procedures as the board of directors may adopt: (a) participate in a meeting of stockholders and (b) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders, whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication. If the board of directors authorizes a meeting solely by remote communication or authorizes presence, participation and voting at a meeting by means of remote communication, the corporation must (i) implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) maintain a record of any vote or other action taken at the meeting by means of remote communication by any stockholder or proxyholder.

 

2.4          NOTICE OF MEETINGS

 

Except as provided in Section 230 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware GCL”), written or printed notice of each annual or special meeting of the stockholders shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting. The notice (a) shall state the place, if any, date, time, means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, (b) shall be given not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, and (c) shall be given in a manner provided by and subject to Article 9 of these bylaws.

 

2.5          STOCKHOLDERS LIST

 

At least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, the officer having charge of the stock ledger shall prepare a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting. The list must be arranged in alphabetical order and show the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of the stockholder. Electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information need not be included on the list. The list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to the list is provided with the notice of the meeting or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the corporation. In the event the corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the place of the meeting during the whole time of the meeting, and may be inspected by any stockholder present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.

 

2.6          QUORUM

 

The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall be requisite for, and shall constitute, a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders of the corporation for the transaction of business, except as otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws. If, however, a separate vote by class or series is required with respect to any matter, the holders of a majority of the shares of such class or series, as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum (as to such class or series) with respect to the matter. If a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting present in person or represented by proxy shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present or represented.

 



 

2.7          ADJOURNED MEETINGS

 

When a meeting is adjourned to another time and place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if its time and place, if any, and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at the adjourned meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting the corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

2.8          VOTE REQUIRED

 

Except as otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation, or these bylaws, when a quorum is present at a meeting: (a) the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders; and (b) where a separate vote by class or series is required, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares of such class or series present in person or represented by proxy shall be the act of such class or series.

 

2.9          PROXIES

 

Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy. No proxy may be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. At each meeting of the stockholders, and before any voting commences, all proxies filed at or before the meeting shall be submitted to and examined by the secretary or a person designated by the secretary. No shares may be represented or voted under a proxy that has been found to be invalid or irregular.

 

Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize a proxy, the following shall constitute valid means of doing so:

 

(a)           A stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person to act for the stockholder as proxy. Either the stockholder or the stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee or agent may sign the writing. Alternatively, such person may cause his or her signature to be affixed to the writing by any reasonable means, including facsimile signature.

 

(b)           A stockholder may authorize another person to act for the stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a telegram, cablegram, or other means of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission. Any such transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the stockholder authorized the transmission. If it is determined that the transmission is valid, the inspectors or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall specify the information upon which they relied.

 

Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of such writing or transmission may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that the reproduction is a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.

 



 

2.10        VOTING OF CERTAIN SHARES

 

With respect to shares entitled to vote:

 

(a)           Shares standing in the name of another corporation or other entity, domestic or foreign, may be voted by such officer, agent, or proxy as the (i) bylaws or other governing document of such corporation or entity may prescribe or, (ii) in the absence of such provision, as the board of directors or other governing body of such corporation or entity may determine.

 

(b)           Shares held in a fiduciary capacity may be voted by the fiduciary.

 

(c)           Shares standing in the name of a trustee, receiver or pledgee may be voted by such trustee, receiver or pledgee either in person or by proxy as provided by statute.

 

If the shares stand of record in the names of two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety or otherwise, or if two or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the secretary of the corporation is given written notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing such persons or creating the relationship, their acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect:

 

if only one votes, the voter’s act binds all;

 

(d)           if more than one vote, the act of the majority so voting binds all;

 

(e)           if more than one vote, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, each faction may vote the securities in question proportionately unless otherwise ordered by a court having jurisdiction.

 

If the instrument so filed shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interests, a majority or even split shall be a majority or even split in interest.

 

2.11        ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT OR ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

 

(a)           Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken by written consent without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, as follows:

 

(i)            The holders of outstanding capital stock of the corporation having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted must sign and date the written consent setting forth the action so taken. Consents may be executed in counterparts.

 

(ii)           The consent(s) must be delivered to the corporation’s registered office in Delaware, to its principal place of business, or to an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book(s) in which proceedings of meetings of the stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the registered office must be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and will be deemed delivered upon actual receipt by the registered office.

 

(b)           All consents properly delivered in accordance with this section shall be deemed to be recorded when so delivered. No written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within 60 days of the earliest dated consent delivered to the corporation as required by this section, written consents signed by the holders of a sufficient number of shares to take such corporate action are so recorded.

 

(c)           A stockholder or proxyholder may consent to action by means of a telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission. The stockholder, the proxyholder or a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder must transmit the consent. The consent shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated if the transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the corporation can determine (i) that the transmission was transmitted by the stockholder, proxyholder or authorized person(s), and (ii) the date on which it was transmitted. The date on which the transmission

 



 

is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which the consent was signed. No consent given by electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until it is reproduced in a paper form and delivered in accordance with Section 2.11(a), provided, however, that it may be otherwise delivered to the principal place of business of the corporation or to an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded if, to the extent and in the manner provided by the board of directors.

 

(d)           Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for all purposes for which the original writing could be used, provided that the reproduction is of the entire original writing.

 

(e)           Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the corporation as provided above.

 

2.12        TREASURY STOCK

 

Shares of its own stock belonging to the corporation or to another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of such other corporation is held, directly or indirectly, by such corporation, shall not be entitled to vote nor counted for quorum purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the corporation may vote shares of its own stock that it holds in a fiduciary capacity.

 

ARTICLE 3

DIRECTORS

 

3.1          NUMBER, ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE

 

The board of directors shall consist of not less than one nor more than ten members, which number shall be fixed from time to time by action of the board of directors or the stockholders. The initial board of directors shall consist of                directors. Except as provided in Sections 3.3 and 3.4, the directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the board of directors votes to require a written ballot. If the election is to be by written ballot, then, if the board of directors authorizes it, a ballot submitted by electronic transmission may satisfy the requirement of a written ballot. Any such electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which the corporation can determine that it was authorized by the stockholder or proxyholder. The directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election of directors. Each director shall hold office until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal as hereinafter provided.

 

3.2          MANAGEMENT OF AFFAIRS OF CORPORATION

 

The property and business of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its board of directors. The board of directors may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not reserved exclusively to the stockholders by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

 

3.3          RESIGNATIONS AND VACANCIES

 

Any director may resign at any time by giving notice to the board of directors, the chairman of the board or the president in writing or by electronic transmission. Any such resignation shall take effect on the date of the receipt of the notice or at any later time specified in the notice. Acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. If, at any time other than the annual meeting of the stockholders, any vacancy occurs in the board of directors or any new directorship is created by an

 



 

increase in the authorized number of directors, a majority of the directors then in office (even if less than a quorum) may choose a successor or fill the newly created directorship. Unless removed sooner, the director so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election of directors by the stockholders and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified. Whenever the certificate of incorporation entitles holders of any class or series of stock to elect one or more directors, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class or series may be filled by a majority of the directors elected by such class or series then in office, or by a sole remaining director so elected.

 

3.4          REMOVAL AND VACANCIES

 

Any director or the entire board of directors may be removed by the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors except as follows: (a) if the stockholders are entitled to exercise cumulative voting rights, then no director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against such director’s removal would be sufficient to elect such director if then cumulatively voted at an election of the entire board of directors, and (b) if there are classes of directors, then the stockholders may effect such removal only for cause. The successor to any director so removed may be elected at the meeting at which the removal was effectuated. The remaining directors may fill any remaining vacancies created by the removal. Whenever the holders of any class or series are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, the provisions of this section shall apply, in respect to the removal without cause of a director or directors so elected, to the vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of that class or series and not to the vote of the outstanding shares as a whole.

 

3.5          ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS

 

The annual meeting of the board of directors shall be held, without other notice than this bylaw, immediately after, and at the same place as, the annual meeting of the stockholders. Regular meetings of the board of directors, other than the annual meeting, may be held at such time and at such place as the board may from time to time fix by resolution and no notice (other than the resolution) need be given as to any regular meeting.

 

3.6          SPECIAL MEETINGS

 

Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by the chairman of the board or the president and shall be called by the secretary at the request of any director, to be held at such time and place, either within or outside Delaware, as shall be designated by the call and specified in the notice of such meeting.

 

3.7          NOTICE OF MEETINGS

 

Notice of special meetings of the board of directors shall be provided to each director pursuant to Article 9 of these bylaws. If such notice is mailed, it shall be deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, at least three days before such meeting. If such notice is given by overnight courier, it shall be given to the overnight courier service for delivery at least two days before such meeting. If such notice is given personally or by electronic transmission, it shall be delivered or transmitted at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law or these bylaws, meetings may be held at any time without notice if all of the directors are present or if, at any time before or after the meeting, those not present waive notice of the meeting in writing.

 

3.8          QUORUM REQUIRED, VOTE AND ADJOURNMENT

 

Except as otherwise provided by law or these bylaws: (a) at each meeting of the board of directors, the presence of not less than a majority of the whole board shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; and (b) the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the board of directors. If a

 



 

quorum is not present at any meeting of directors, the directors present may adjourn the meeting, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.

 

3.9          COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation, any member of the board of directors or of any committee designated by the board may participate in a meeting of the directors or committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by means of such equipment shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

3.10        PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT

 

Unless applicable law provides otherwise, a director of the corporation who is present at a meeting of the board of directors at which action is taken on any corporate matter shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless: (a) the director’s dissent is entered in the minutes of the meeting; or (b) the director files a written dissent to the action with the person acting as secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or forwards the dissent by registered mail to the secretary of the corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of any action.

 

3.11        ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the board of directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the board or of such committee, as the case may be, consent to the action in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or electronic transmission is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board or committee. The filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

 

3.12        EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

The board of directors may designate one or more directors of the corporation to constitute an executive committee, which, to the extent provided in the resolution and except as otherwise provided by law, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the board of directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation.

 

3.13        OTHER COMMITTEES

 

The board of directors may designate other committees consisting of one or more directors. Each member of a committee shall serve for such term and the committee shall have and may exercise such duties, functions and powers as these bylaws and the board of directors may provide, except as otherwise restricted by law.

 

3.14        ALTERNATES

 

The board of directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee to replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the meeting in place of the absent or disqualified member.

 


 


 

3.15        QUORUM AND MANNER OF ACTING—COMMITTEES

 

The presence of a majority of members of any committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of such committee, and the act of a majority of those present shall be necessary for the taking of any action at the meeting.

 

3.16        COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, BOOKS AND RECORDS, ETC.

 

The chairman of each committee shall be selected by the board of directors from among the members of the committee. Each committee shall fix its own rules of procedure not inconsistent with these bylaws or the resolution of the board of directors designating the committee. Each committee shall meet at such times and places and upon such call or notice as shall be provided by such rules. Each committee shall keep a record of its actions and proceedings and shall report on them to the board of directors at the board’s next meeting.

 

3.17        FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

 

Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as such, but by resolution of the board of directors a fixed fee, with or without expenses of attendance, may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the board. Members of the board shall be allowed their reasonable traveling expenses when actually engaged in the business of the corporation. Members of any committee may be allowed like fees and expenses for attending committee meetings. Nothing in these bylaws shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

3.18        RELIANCE UPON RECORDS

 

Every director of the corporation, or member of any committee designated by the board of directors, shall, in the performance of such director’s duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the corporation by any of the corporation’s officers or employees, or committees of the board of directors, or by any other person as to matters the director reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the corporation.

 

3.19        DIVIDENDS AND RESERVES

 

Except as otherwise provided by law or the certificate of incorporation, the board of directors may declare dividends upon stock of the corporation at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, in shares of stock or otherwise in the form, and to the extent, permitted by law. The board of directors may set apart, out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends, a reserve or reserves for working capital or for any other lawful purpose, and also may abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

 

ARTICLE 4

OFFICERS

 

4.1          OFFICERS AND OFFICIAL POSITIONS

 

The officers of the corporation shall consist of a president and a secretary, and may consist of a chairman of the board, a chief financial officer, a treasurer, one or more vice presidents, and such assistant secretaries, assistant treasurers, and other officers as the board of directors shall determine. The same person may hold any two or more offices. The board of directors may choose not to fill any office for any period as it may deem advisable. None of the officers need be a director, a stockholder of the corporation or a resident of Delaware. The board of directors may from time to time establish, and abolish, official positions within the divisions into which the business and operations of the corporation are divided, pursuant to Article 5 of these bylaws, and assign titles and duties to such

 



 

positions. Those appointed to official positions within divisions may, but need not, be officers of the corporation. The board of directors shall appoint persons to official positions within a division and may with or without cause remove from such a position any person appointed to it. In any event, the authority incident to an official position within a division shall be limited to acts and transactions within the scope of the business and operations of such division.

 

4.2          ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE

 

The board of directors shall elect the officers of the corporation at its annual meeting. If the election of officers is not held at such meeting, the election shall be held at a regular or special meeting of the board of directors as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Each officer shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified or until such officer’s death, resignation or removal.

 

4.3          REMOVAL

 

The board of directors may remove an officer at any time, either with or without cause; but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the officer.

 

4.4          VACANCIES

 

The board of directors may fill a vacancy in any office for the unexpired portion of the term.

 

4.5          CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

 

The chairman of the board, if a chairman of the board has been elected and is serving, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the board of directors. The chairman of the board shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors may from time to time assign to him or her. The chairman may sign with the secretary or an assistant secretary, or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, certificates for shares of stock of the corporation the board of directors has authorized for issuance.

 

4.6          PRESIDENT

 

The president shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation and, in the absence of the chairman of the board, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders, the board of directors or any committee of the board of which the president is a member. The president shall have the overall supervision of the business of the corporation and shall direct the affairs and policies of the corporation, subject to such policies and directions as the board of directors may provide. The president shall have authority to designate the duties and powers of other officers and delegate special powers and duties to specified officers, so long as such designation is not inconsistent with applicable law, these bylaws or action of the board of directors. The president shall also have power to execute, and shall execute, deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts and other instruments of the corporation except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise executed and except where the board of directors or president expressly delegates the execution to some other officer or agent of the corporation. The president may sign with the secretary or an assistant secretary, or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, certificates for shares of stock of the corporation the board of directors has authorized for issuance. The president shall vote, or give a proxy, power of attorney or other delegation of authority to any other person to vote, all equity interests of any other entity standing in the name of the corporation. The president in general shall have all other powers and shall perform all other duties incident to the chief executive office of a corporation or as the board of directors may from time to time assign to the president.

 

4.7          VICE PRESIDENTS

 

In the absence of the president, at the president’s request or in the event of the president’s inability or refusal to act, the vice presidents in order of their rank as fixed by the board of directors

 



 

or, if not ranked, the vice president designated by the board of directors or the president shall perform all duties of the president, including the duties of the chairman of the board if and as assumed by the president, and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the president. The vice presidents shall have such other powers and perform such other duties, not inconsistent with applicable laws, these bylaws, or action of the board of directors, as the board of directors or the president may from time to time assign to them. Any vice president may sign, with the secretary or an assistant secretary, or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, certificates for shares of stock of the corporation the board of directors has authorized for issuance.

 

4.8          SECRETARY

 

The secretary shall: (a) keep the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders, the board of directors and committees of directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law; (c) have charge of the corporate records and of the seal of the corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder, director and committee member which shall from time to time be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder, director or member; (e) sign with the chairman of the board, the president or a vice president, certificates for shares of stock of the corporation the board of directors has authorized for issuance; (f) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the corporation; and (g) in general, perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as the board of directors, the chairman of the board, or president may from time to time assign to the secretary. The secretary may delegate such details of the performance of duties of the secretary’s office as may be appropriate in the exercise of reasonable care to one or more persons in his or her stead, but shall not thereby be relieved of responsibility for the performance of such duties.

 

4.9          TREASURER

 

The treasurer shall: (a) be responsible to the board of directors for the receipt, custody and disbursement of all funds and securities of the corporation; (b) receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the corporation from any source and deposit all such monies in the name of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall from time to time be selected in accordance with these bylaws; (c) disburse the funds of the corporation as ordered by the board of directors or the president or as otherwise required in the conduct of the business of the corporation; (d) render to the president or the board of directors, upon request, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and on the financial condition of the corporation; and (e) in general, perform all duties incident to the office of treasurer and such other duties as the board of directors, the chairman of the board, or the president may from time to time may assign to the treasurer. The treasurer may delegate such details of the performance of duties of such office as may be appropriate in the exercise of reasonable care to one or more persons in his or her stead, but shall not thereby be relieved of responsibility for the performance of such duties. If required by the board of directors, the treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in such sum, and with such surety or sureties, as the board of directors shall determine.

 

4.10        ASSISTANT TREASURERS AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES

 

The assistant treasurers and assistant secretaries shall perform all functions and duties which the secretary or treasurer, as the case may be, may assign or delegate; but such assignment or delegation shall not relieve the principal officer from the responsibilities and liabilities of his or her office. In addition, an assistant secretary or an assistant treasurer may sign with the chairman of the board, the president, or a vice president, certificates for shares of stock the board of directors has authorized for issuance; and the assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers shall, in general, perform such duties as the secretary or the treasurer, respectively, or the president or board of directors may from time to time assign to them. The assistant treasurers shall, if required by the board of directors, give bonds for the faithful discharge of their duties in such sums, and with such surety or sureties, as the board of directors shall determine.

 



 

4.11        SALARIES

 

The salaries of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the board of directors, by such officer as it shall designate for such purpose or as it shall otherwise direct. No officer shall be prevented from receiving a salary or other compensation by reason of the fact that the officer is also a director of the corporation.

 

ARTICLE 5

DIVISIONS

 

5.1          DIVISIONS OF THE CORPORATION

 

The board of directors shall have the power to create and establish such operating divisions of the corporation as it may from time to time deem advisable.

 

5.2          OFFICIAL POSITIONS WITHIN A DIVISION

 

The chairman of the board or the president may appoint individuals to, and may, with or without cause, remove them from, official positions established within a division but not filled by the board of directors. The individuals appointed need not be officers of the corporation. Neither the chairman of the board nor the president may remove any individual appointed by the board of directors.

 

ARTICLE 6

CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

 

6.1          CONTRACTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS

 

The board of directors may authorize any officer(s), agent(s) or employee(s) to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation, or of any division thereof, subject to applicable law. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

 

6.2          LOANS

 

No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation, or any division thereof, and no evidence of indebtedness, other than in the ordinary course of business, shall be issued in the name of the corporation, or any division thereof, unless authorized by the board of directors. Such authorization may be general or confined to specific instances.

 

6.3          CHECKS, DRAFTS, ETC.

 

All checks, demands, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation, or any division thereof, outside of the ordinary course of business shall be signed by such officers or agents of the corporation, and in such manner, as the board of directors may from time to time authorize.

 

6.4          DEPOSITS

 

All funds of the corporation, or any division thereof, not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the board of directors may select.

 



 

ARTICLE 7

CERTIFICATES OF STOCK AND THEIR TRANSFER

 

7.1          CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

 

The certificates of stock of the corporation shall be in a form approved by the board of directors, shall be numbered and shall be entered in the books of the corporation as they are issued. They shall exhibit the holder’s name and number of shares and shall be signed by the chairman of the board, the president or a vice president and by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer or the secretary or an assistant secretary. If any stock certificate is signed (a) by a transfer agent or an assistant transfer agent or (b) by a transfer clerk acting on behalf of the corporation and a registrar, the signature of any officer of the corporation may be facsimile. In case any officer whose facsimile signature has thus been used on any such certificate shall cease to be such officer before the certificate has been issued, the certificate may nevertheless be issued with the same effect as if he or she were such officer at the date of issue. All certificates properly surrendered to the corporation for transfer shall be cancelled and, except as set forth in Section 7.2 below, no new certificate shall be issued to evidence transferred shares until the former certificate for at least a like number of shares has been surrendered and cancelled and the corporation reimbursed for any applicable taxes on the transfer.

 

7.2          LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES

 

The corporation may direct a new certificate or uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and may also require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or the owner’s legal representative, to give the corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against the corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate or the issuance of a new certificate or uncertificated shares.

 

7.3          TRANSFERS OF STOCK

 

Transfers of shares of stock shall be made only on the books of the corporation by the registered holder thereof or by its attorney or successor duly authorized as evidenced by documents filed with the secretary or transfer agent of the corporation. Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, and in compliance with any restrictions on transfer of which the corporation has notice applicable to the certificate or shares represented thereby, the corporation shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. The board of directors may adopt such additional rules and regulations as it deems advisable concerning the transfer and registration of certificates of stock of the corporation.

 

7.4          RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

 

Any stockholder may enter into an agreement with other stockholders or with the corporation providing for any reasonable restriction on the right of such stockholder to transfer shares of stock of the corporation held by such stockholder. If such restriction is set forth conspicuously on the certificates representing the shares or, in the case of uncertificated shares, is contained in a notice sent pursuant to Section 151(f) of the Delaware GCL, the corporation or the transfer agent shall not be required to transfer such shares upon the books of the corporation without receipt of satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such restriction.

 

7.5          FIXING RECORD DATE

 

(a)           In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is

 



 

adopted by the board of directors, and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the board of directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

(b)           In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors, and which date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors. If no record date has been fixed by the board of directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the board of directors is required, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the corporation by delivery to its registered office, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. If no record date has been fixed by the board of directors and prior action by the board of directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day the board of directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

(c)           In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

7.6          STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD

 

The corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any shares of stock as the holder in fact of such shares. Accordingly, the corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it has express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by Delaware law.

 

ARTICLE 8

INDEMNIFICATION

 

8.1          IN GENERAL

 

(a)           Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee, or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee, or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware GCL, against all expense, liability, and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA, excise taxes, or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or

 



 

suffered by such person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 8.1(b) hereof, the corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors. The right to indemnification conferred in this Article 8 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, if the Delaware GCL requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article 8 or otherwise. The corporation may, by action of its board of directors, provide indemnification to employees and agents of the corporation with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.

 

(b)           If a claim under Section 8.1(a) is not paid in full by the corporation within thirty days after a written claim has been received by the corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the Delaware GCL for the corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the corporation. Neither the failure of the corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in the Delaware GCL, nor an actual determination by the corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standards of conduct.

 

(c)           The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article 8 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

 

8.2          INSURANCE

 

The corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise against any such expense, liability, or loss, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability, or loss under the Delaware GCL.

 



 

ARTICLE 9

NOTICE

 

9.1          MANNER OF NOTICE

 

Whenever under law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws notice is required to be given to any stockholder, director or member of any committee of the board of directors, it shall not be construed to require personal delivery. Such notice also may be given in writing by depositing it in the United States mail (postage prepaid), by express overnight courier, or by facsimile or other electronic transmission. For purposes of these bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by the recipient through an automated process.

 

9.2          NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

 

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the corporation shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if (a) the corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the corporation in accordance with such consent and (b) such inability becomes known to the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation or the transfer agent, or other person responsible for giving of notice; provided, however, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.

 

9.3          EFFECTIVENESS OF NOTICE

 

Notice given by mail shall be deemed to be given at the time it is deposited in the United States mail. Notice given by overnight courier service shall be deemed to be given when delivered to the overnight courier service for delivery. Notice given by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be deemed given: (a) if by facsimile transmission, when directed to a number at recipient has consented to receive notice; (b) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the recipient has consented to receive notice; (c) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the recipient of such specific posting, upon the later of (i) such posting and (ii) the giving of such separate notice; and (d) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the recipient. An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the corporation that the notice has been given by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. The requirement for notice shall be deemed satisfied, except in the case of a stockholder meeting with respect to which written notice is required by law, if actual notice is received orally or in writing by the person entitled thereto as far in advance of the event with respect to which notice is given as the minimum notice period required by law or these bylaws.

 

9.4          WAIVER OF NOTICE

 

Whenever under law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws notice is required to be given, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before, at or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance by a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors or committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission, unless so required by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

 



 

ARTICLE 10

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

10.1        FISCAL YEAR

 

The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the board of directors. In the absence of such a resolution, the fiscal year of the corporation shall be the calendar year.

 

10.2        CORPORATE SEAL

 

The board of directors may adopt a corporate seal inscribed with the name of the corporation and the words “CORPORATE SEAL” and “DELAWARE” and otherwise in the form approved by the board.

 

10.3        AMENDMENTS

 

These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed (a) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the stock having voting power present in person or by proxy at any annual meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present, or at any special meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present, if notice of the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal is contained in the notice of such special meeting, or (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then qualified and acting at any regular or special meeting of the board, if the certificate of incorporation confers such power upon the board; provided, however, that the stockholders may provide specifically for limitations on the power of directors to amend particular bylaws and, in such event, the directors’ power of amendment shall be so limited; and further provided that no reduction in the number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director prior to the expiration of such director’s term of office.

 



 

EXHIBIT C

 

Forum Selection Bylaw Provision

 

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 1.  ***

 

Section 2.  ***

 

Section 3.  Forum for Adjudication of Disputes.  Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation; (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders; (c) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws (in each case, as may be amended from time to time); or (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine, shall be in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or, if the Superior Court of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to (i) the provisions of this Article IX, Section 3 and (ii) the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or, if the Superior Court of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware in any proceeding brought to enjoin any action by that person or entity that is inconsistent with the exclusive jurisdiction provided for in this Section. Failure to enforce the foregoing provisions would cause the Corporation irreparable harm and the Corporation shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, to enforce the foregoing provisions.

 


 



Exhibit 3.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

BYLAWS

 

OF

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

(a Delaware corporation)

 

Adopted February 1, 2015

 

ARTICLE 1

 

OFFICES

 

1.1                               REGISTERED OFFICE

 

The corporation shall maintain a registered office and registered agent in the state of Delaware. The registered office and/or registered agent of the corporation may be changed from time to time by action of the board of directors.

 

1.2                               OTHER OFFICES

 

The corporation may also have offices at such other places either within or outside the state of Delaware as the board of directors may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE 2

 

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

2.1                               ANNUAL MEETING; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

(a)           An annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held for the election of directors on a date and at a time and place designated by the board of directors. Any other proper business may also be transacted at the annual meeting.

 

(b)           The stockholders may elect the board of directors by written consent in lieu of the annual meeting. If the consent is less than unanimous, it will constitute a consent in lieu of the annual meeting only if all of the directorships to which directors could be elected at an annual meeting held at the effective time of the consent were (i) vacant at the effective time and (ii) filled by action of the consent.

 

(c)           If the annual meeting is not held on the date designated for it or if the board of directors has not been elected by written consent in lieu of an annual meeting, the standing directors shall cause the meeting to be held as soon as is convenient.

 

2.2                               SPECIAL MEETINGS

 

Except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose may be called and the location of the meeting designated by the board of directors, the chairman of the board, or the president. Holders of shares entitled to cast not less than one-third of the votes entitled to be cast at the

 



 

meeting may also call a special meeting by written request. The written request must state the purposes of the meeting and must be delivered to the chairman of the board or the president. The chairman of the board or the president, as the case may be, shall fix a date, time and place for the meeting as promptly as practicable following receipt of the written request.

 

2.3                               REMOTE COMMUNICATION

 

The board of directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a stockholders meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication. Further, the board of directors may, in its sole discretion, authorize stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders to, by means of remote communication and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the board of directors may adopt: (a) participate in a meeting of stockholders and (b) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders, whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication. If the board of directors authorizes a meeting solely by remote communication or authorizes presence, participation and voting at a meeting by means of remote communication, the corporation must (i) implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) maintain a record of any vote or other action taken at the meeting by means of remote communication by any stockholder or proxyholder.

 

2.4                               NOTICE OF MEETINGS

 

Except as provided in Section 230 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware GCL”), written or printed notice of each annual or special meeting of the stockholders shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting. The notice (a) shall state the place, if any, date, time, means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, (b) shall be given not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, and (c) shall be given in a manner provided by and subject to Article 9 of these bylaws.

 

2.5                               STOCKHOLDERS LIST

 

At least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, the officer having charge of the stock ledger shall prepare a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting. The list must be arranged in alphabetical order and show the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of the stockholder. Electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information need not be included on the list. The list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to the list is provided with the notice of the meeting or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the corporation. In the event the corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the place of the meeting during the whole time of the meeting, and may be inspected by any stockholder present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a

 

2



 

reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.

 

2.6                               QUORUM

 

The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall be requisite for, and shall constitute, a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders of the corporation for the transaction of business, except as otherwise required by law. If a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting present in person or represented by proxy shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present or represented.

 

2.7                               ADJOURNED MEETINGS

 

When a meeting is adjourned to another time and place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if its time and place, if any, and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at the adjourned meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting the corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

2.8                               VOTE REQUIRED

 

Except as otherwise required by law or these bylaws, when a quorum is present at a meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders.

 

2.9                               PROXIES

 

Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy. No proxy may be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. At each meeting of the stockholders, and before any voting commences, all proxies filed at or before the meeting shall be submitted to and examined by the secretary or a person designated by the secretary. No shares may be represented or voted under a proxy that has been found to be invalid or irregular.

 

Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize a proxy, the following shall constitute valid means of doing so:

 

(a)           A stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person to act for the stockholder as proxy. Either the stockholder or the stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee or agent may sign the writing. Alternatively, such person may cause his or her signature to be affixed to the writing by any reasonable means, including facsimile signature.

 

(b)           A stockholder may authorize another person to act for the stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a telegram, cablegram, facsimile, electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will

 

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be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission. Any such transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the stockholder authorized the transmission. If it is determined that the transmission is valid, the inspectors or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall specify the information upon which they relied.

 

Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of such writing or transmission may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that the reproduction is a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.

 

2.10                        VOTING OF CERTAIN SHARES

 

With respect to shares entitled to vote:

 

(a)           Shares standing in the name of another corporation or other entity, domestic or foreign, may be voted by such officer, agent, or proxy as the (i) bylaws or other governing document of such corporation or entity may prescribe or, (ii) in the absence of such provision, as the board of directors or other governing body of such corporation or entity may determine.

 

(b)           Shares held in a fiduciary capacity may be voted by the fiduciary.

 

(c)           Shares standing in the name of a trustee, receiver or pledgee may be voted by such trustee, receiver or pledgee either in person or by proxy as provided by statute.

 

If the shares stand of record in the names of two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety or otherwise, or if two or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the secretary of the corporation is given written notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing such persons or creating the relationship, their acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect:

 

if only one votes, the voter’s act binds all;

 

(d)           if more than one vote, the act of the majority so voting binds all;

 

(e)           if more than one vote, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, each faction may vote the securities in question proportionately unless otherwise ordered by a court having jurisdiction.

 

If the instrument so filed shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interests, a majority or even split shall be a majority or even split in interest.

 

2.11                        ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT OR ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

 

(a)           Any action required or permitted to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken by written consent without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, as follows:

 

(i)            The holders of outstanding capital stock of the corporation having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take such action at a meeting at which

 

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all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted must sign and date the written consent setting forth the action so taken. Consents may be executed in counterparts.

 

(ii)           The consent(s) must be delivered to the corporation’s registered office in Delaware, to its principal place of business, or to an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book(s) in which proceedings of meetings of the stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the registered office must be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and will be deemed delivered upon actual receipt by the registered office.

 

(b)           All consents properly delivered in accordance with this section shall be deemed to be recorded when so delivered. No written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within 60 days of the earliest dated consent delivered to the corporation as required by this section, written consents signed by the holders of a sufficient number of shares to take such corporate action are so recorded.

 

(c)           In addition to the procedures set forth in Section 2.11(a), a stockholder or proxyholder may consent to action by means of a telegram, cablegram, facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic transmission sent to the corporation’s registered office in Delaware, to its principal place of business, or to an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book(s) in which proceedings of meetings of the stockholders are recorded. The stockholder, the proxyholder or a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder must transmit the consent. The consent shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated if the transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the corporation can determine (i) that the transmission was transmitted by the stockholder, proxyholder or authorized person(s), and (ii) the date on which it was transmitted. The date on which the transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which the consent was signed. All consents properly delivered in accordance with this section shall be deemed to be recorded when so delivered.

 

(d)           Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for all purposes for which the original writing could be used, provided that the reproduction is of the entire original writing.

 

(e)           Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the corporation as provided above.

 

2.12                        TREASURY STOCK

 

Shares of its own stock belonging to the corporation or to another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of such other corporation is held, directly or indirectly, by such corporation, shall not be entitled to vote nor counted for quorum purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the corporation may vote shares of its own stock that it holds in a fiduciary capacity.

 

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ARTICLE 3

 

DIRECTORS

 

3.1                               NUMBER, COMPOSITION, ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE

 

(a)           The board of directors shall consist of not less than one nor more than ten members, which number shall be fixed from time to time by action of the board of directors or the stockholders. Except as provided in Sections 3.3 and 3.4, the directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the board of directors votes to require a written ballot. If the election is to be by written ballot, then, if the board of directors authorizes it, a ballot submitted by electronic transmission may satisfy the requirement of a written ballot. Any such electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which the corporation can determine that it was authorized by the stockholder or proxyholder. Directors shall be elected by a majority of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election of directors. Each director shall hold office until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal as hereinafter provided.

 

(b)           The board of directors shall consist of ten directors, as follows:

 

(i)            a sufficient number of directors to satisfy or exceed the independence requirements for directors under laws and regulations applicable to the corporation and its subsidiaries (each an “independent director” and, collectively, the “independent directors”);

 

(ii)           other directors who are designated by a vote of the stockholders as representative directors (each a “representative director” and, collectively, the “representative directors”);

 

(iii)          directors, if any, as the stockholders may elect who are officers of the corporation; and

 

(iv)          such other directors to fill the remaining director positions, if any, as the stockholders may elect.

 

(c)           In the event that no new directors are nominated and elected at the annual meeting of stockholders, the directors then serving shall continue to serve until their successor is appointed or elected.

 

3.2                               MANAGEMENT OF AFFAIRS OF CORPORATION

 

The property and business of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its board of directors. The board of directors may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not reserved exclusively to the stockholders by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

 

3.3                              RESIGNATIONS AND VACANCIES

 

Any director may resign at any time by giving notice to the board of directors, the chairman of the board or the president in writing or by electronic transmission. Any such resignation shall take effect on the date of the receipt of the notice or at any later time specified in the notice. Acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Subject to Sections 3.1 and 3.8, if, at any time other than the annual meeting of the stockholders, any vacancy occurs in the board of directors, a majority

 

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of the directors then in office (even if less than a quorum) may choose a successor or fill the newly created directorship. Unless removed sooner, the director so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election of directors by the stockholders and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

3.4                               REMOVAL AND VACANCIES

 

Any director or the entire board of directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. The successor to any director so removed may be elected at the meeting at which the removal was effectuated. Subject to Sections 3.1 and 3.8, the remaining directors may fill any vacancies created by the removal that are not filled by a successor director elected at the meeting at which the removal was effected.

 

3.5                               ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS

 

The annual meeting of the board of directors shall be held, without other notice than this bylaw, immediately after, and at the same place as, the annual meeting of the stockholders. Regular meetings of the board of directors, other than the annual meeting, may be held at such time and at such place as the board may from time to time fix by resolution and no notice (other than the resolution) need be given as to any regular meeting.

 

3.6                               SPECIAL MEETINGS

 

Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by the chairman of the board or the president and shall be called by the secretary at the request of any director, to be held at such time and place, either within or outside Delaware, as shall be designated by the call and specified in the notice of such meeting.

 

3.7                               NOTICE OF MEETINGS

 

Notice of special meetings of the board of directors shall be provided to each director pursuant to Article 9 of these bylaws. If such notice is mailed, it shall be deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, at least three days before such meeting. If such notice is given by overnight courier, it shall be given to the overnight courier service for delivery at least two days before such meeting. If such notice is given personally or by electronic transmission, it shall be delivered or transmitted at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law or these bylaws, meetings may be held at any time without notice if all of the directors are present or if, at any time before or after the meeting, those not present waive notice of the meeting in writing.

 

3.8                               QUORUM REQUIRED, VOTE AND ADJOURNMENT

 

(a)           Except as otherwise provided by law or these bylaws: (i) at each meeting of the board of directors, the presence of not less than a majority of the whole board, including at least one representative  director and at least one independent director, shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; and (ii) the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the board of directors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the motion of a representative director to defer voting on any matter brought before the board, the voting upon such matter shall be delayed until the next special or regular meeting of the board of directors, duly noticed, called and held, which meeting shall be not less than ten nor more than sixty days after the original date of deferral, and provided further that the voting upon any particular motion may not be deferred more than once (though the motion may be withdrawn). If a quorum is not present at

 

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any meeting of directors, the directors present may adjourn the meeting, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.

 

(b)           The board of directors (including any committee thereof) shall not, either directly or indirectly, take any of the following actions without the written consent or affirmative vote of at least one representative director:

 

(i)            amend, alter or repeal any provision of these bylaws or the certificate of incorporation of the corporation;

 

(ii)           establish or authorize any committee of the board of directors of the corporation, or amend, alter or repeal any provision of the charter of any such committee;

 

(iii)          issue, sell or grant any shares of capital stock of the corporation, or any security or obligation convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or giving any person any right to subscribe for or acquire, any shares of capital stock of the corporation;

 

(iv)          declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to the outstanding shares of capital stock of the corporation;

 

(v)           merge or consolidate with any person or entity or acquire, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets or securities of any other person or entity;

 

(vi)          establish or alter the compensation of directors or executive officers of the corporation; or

 

(vii)         approve the corporation’s annual business plan including annual risk appetite framework and three year strategic plan of the corporation.

 

3.9                               COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation, any member of the board of directors or of any committee designated by the board may participate in a meeting of the directors or committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by means of such equipment shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

3.10                        PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT

 

Unless applicable law provides otherwise, a director of the corporation who is present at a meeting of the board of directors at which action is taken on any corporate matter shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless: (a) the director’s dissent or abstention is entered in the minutes of the meeting; or (b) the director files a written dissent or abstention to the action with the person acting as secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or forwards the dissent or abstention by registered mail to the secretary of the corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent or abstain shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of any action.

 

3.11                        ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the board of directors, or of any committee thereof, may be

 

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taken without a meeting, if all members of the board or of such committee, as the case may be, consent to the action in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or electronic transmission is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board or committee. The filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

 

3.12                        COMMITTEES

 

The board of directors may designate committees thereof, including without limitation a compensation committee, a nominating committee and an audit committee, consisting of one or more directors, as are necessary and appropriate to best fulfill its duties, provided that each committee shall have a sufficient number of independent directors to satisfy independence requirements under laws and regulations applicable to the corporation and its subsidiaries. Each member of a committee shall serve for such term and the committee shall have and may exercise such duties, functions and powers as these bylaws and the board of directors may provide, except as otherwise restricted by law. Any director may attend any meeting of any committee.  The Secretary shall provide each director at least ten days’ notice of committee meetings together with a copy of the agenda.  In addition, materials provided (or to be provided) to committee members shall also be provided to all directors. The receipt by a non-committee member of meeting notices and materials shall not impose upon such non-committee member an obligation to attend such meetings or review such materials.

 

3.13                        ALTERNATES

 

The board of directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee to replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the meeting in place of the absent or disqualified member.

 

3.14                        QUORUM AND MANNER OF ACTING - COMMITTEES

 

The presence of a majority of members of any committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of such committee, and the act of a majority of those present shall be necessary for the taking of any action at the meeting. For committees that include one or more representative directors as members, the presence of at least one representative director shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

 

3.15                        COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, BOOKS AND RECORDS, ETC.

 

The chairman of each committee shall be selected by the board of directors from among the members of the committee. Each committee shall fix its own rules of procedure not inconsistent with these bylaws or the respective charters of the committees as in effect as of the date of the adoption of these bylaws, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 3.8(b). Each committee shall meet at such times and places and upon such call or notice as shall be provided by such rules. Each committee shall keep a record of its actions and proceedings and shall report on them to the board of directors at the board’s next meeting.

 

3.16                        FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

 

Directors shall not receive any stated salary or compensation for their services as such, but by resolution of the board of directors in accordance with Section 3.8 of these bylaws, a fixed fee, with or without expenses of attendance, may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the

 

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board. Members of the board shall be allowed their reasonable traveling expenses when actually engaged in the business of the corporation. Members of any committee may be allowed like fees and expenses for attending committee meetings. Nothing in these bylaws shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

3.17                        RELIANCE UPON RECORDS

 

Every director of the corporation, or member of any committee designated by the board of directors, shall, in the performance of such director’s duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the corporation by any of the corporation’s officers or employees, or committees of the board of directors, or by any other person as to matters the director reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the corporation.

 

3.18                        DIVIDENDS AND RESERVES

 

Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws (including Section 3.8(b)), the board of directors may declare dividends upon stock of the corporation at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, in shares of stock or otherwise in the form, and to the extent, permitted by law. The board of directors may set apart, out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends, a reserve or reserves for working capital or for any other lawful purpose, and also may abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

 

ARTICLE 4

 

OFFICERS

 

4.1                               OFFICES AND OFFICIAL POSITIONS

 

The officers of the corporation shall consist of a president and a secretary, and may consist of a chairman of the board, a chief financial officer, a treasurer, one or more vice presidents, and such assistant secretaries, assistant treasurers, and other officers as the board of directors shall determine. The same person may hold any two or more offices. The board of directors may choose not to fill any office for any period as it may deem advisable. None of the officers need be a director, a stockholder of the corporation or a resident of Delaware. The board of directors may from time to time establish, and abolish, official positions within the divisions into which the business and operations of the corporation are divided, pursuant to Article 5 of these bylaws, and assign titles and duties to such positions. Those appointed to official positions within divisions may, but need not, be officers of the corporation. The board of directors shall appoint persons to official positions within a division and may with or without cause remove from such a position any person appointed to it. In any event, the authority incident to an official position within a division shall be limited to acts and transactions within the scope of the business and operations of such division.

 

4.2                               ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE

 

The board of directors shall elect the officers of the corporation at its annual meeting or any special meeting, in each case subject to Section 3.8 with respect to executive officers. If the election of officers is not held at such meeting, the election shall be held at a regular or special meeting of the board of directors as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Each officer shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified or until such officer’s death, resignation or removal.

 

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4.3                               REMOVAL

 

Subject to Section 3.8 with respect to executive officers, the board of directors may remove an officer at any time, either with or without cause; but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the officer.

 

4.4                               VACANCIES

 

The board of directors may fill a vacancy in any office for the unexpired portion of the term.

 

4.5                               CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

 

The chairman of the board, if a chairman of the board has been elected and is serving, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the board of directors. The chairman of the board shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors may from time to time assign to him or her. The chairman may sign with the secretary or an assistant secretary, or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, certificates for shares of stock of the corporation the board of directors has authorized for issuance.

 

4.6                               PRESIDENT

 

The president shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation and, in the absence of the chairman of the board, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders, the board of directors or any committee of the board of which the president is a member. The president shall have the overall supervision of the business of the corporation and shall direct the affairs and policies of the corporation, subject to such policies and directions as the board of directors may provide. The president shall have authority to designate the duties and powers of other officers and delegate special powers and duties to specified officers, so long as such designation is not inconsistent with applicable law, these bylaws or action of the board of directors. The president shall also have power to execute, and shall execute, deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts and other instruments of the corporation except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise executed and except where the board of directors or president expressly delegates the execution to some other officer or agent of the corporation. The president may sign with the secretary or an assistant secretary, or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, certificates for shares of stock of the corporation the board of directors has authorized for issuance. The president shall vote, or give a proxy, power of attorney or other delegation of authority to any other person to vote, all equity interests of any other entity standing in the name of the corporation. The president in general shall have all other powers and shall perform all other duties incident to the chief executive office of a corporation or as the board of directors may from time to time assign to the president.

 

4.7                               VICE PRESIDENTS

 

In the absence of the president, at the president’s request or in the event of the president’s inability or refusal to act, the vice presidents in order of their rank as fixed by the board of directors or, if not ranked, the vice president designated by the board of directors or the president shall perform all duties of the president, including the duties of the chairman of the board if and as assumed by the president, and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the president. The vice presidents shall have such other powers and perform such other duties, not inconsistent with applicable laws, these bylaws, or action of the board of directors, as the board of directors or the president may from time to time assign to them. Any vice president may sign, with the secretary or an assistant secretary, or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, certificates for shares of stock of the corporation the board of directors has authorized for issuance.

 

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4.8                               SECRETARY

 

The secretary shall: (a) keep the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders, the board of directors and committees of directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law; (c) have charge of the corporate records and of the seal of the corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder, director and committee member which shall from time to time be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder, director or member; (e) sign with the chairman of the board, the president or a vice president, certificates for shares of stock of the corporation the board of directors has authorized for issuance; (f) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the corporation; and (g) in general, perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as the board of directors, the chairman of the board, or president may from time to time assign to the secretary. The secretary may delegate such details of the performance of duties of the secretary’s office as may be appropriate in the exercise of reasonable care to one or more persons in his or her stead, but shall not thereby be relieved of responsibility for the performance of such duties.

 

4.9                               TREASURER

 

The treasurer shall: (a) be responsible to the board of directors for the receipt, custody and disbursement of all funds and securities of the corporation; (b) receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the corporation from any source and deposit all such monies in the name of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall from time to time be selected in accordance with these bylaws; (c) disburse the funds of the corporation as ordered by the board of directors or the president or as otherwise required in the conduct of the business of the corporation; (d) render to the president or the board of directors, upon request, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and on the financial condition of the corporation; and (e) in general, perform all duties incident to the office of treasurer and such other duties as the board of directors, the chairman of the board, or the president may from time to time may assign to the treasurer. The treasurer may delegate such details of the performance of duties of such office as may be appropriate in the exercise of reasonable care to one or more persons in his or her stead, but shall not thereby be relieved of responsibility for the performance of such duties. If required by the board of directors, the treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in such sum, and with such surety or sureties, as the board of directors shall determine.

 

4.10                        ASSISTANT TREASURERS AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES

 

The assistant treasurers and assistant secretaries shall perform all functions and duties which the secretary or treasurer, as the case may be, may assign or delegate; but such assignment or delegation shall not relieve the principal officer from the responsibilities and liabilities of his or her office. In addition, an assistant secretary or an assistant treasurer may sign with the chairman of the board, the president, or a vice president, certificates for shares of stock the board of directors has authorized for issuance; and the assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers shall, in general, perform such duties as the secretary or the treasurer, respectively, or the president or board of directors may from time to time assign to them. The assistant treasurers shall, if required by the board of directors, give bonds for the faithful discharge of their duties in such sums, and with such surety or sureties, as the board of directors shall determine.

 

4.11                        SALARIES

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 3.8 hereof with respect to executive officers, the salaries of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the board of directors, by such officer as it shall designate for such purpose or as it shall otherwise direct. No officer shall be prevented from receiving a salary or other compensation by reason of the fact that the officer is also a director of the corporation.

 

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ARTICLE 5

 

DIVISIONS

 

5.1                               DIVISIONS OF THE CORPORATION

 

The board of directors shall have the power to create and establish such operating divisions of the corporation as it may from time to time deem advisable.

 

5.2                               OFFICIAL POSITIONS WITHIN A DIVISION

 

The chairman of the board or the president may appoint individuals to, and may, with or without cause, remove them from, official positions established within a division but not filled by the board of directors. The individuals appointed need not be officers of the corporation. Neither the chairman of the board nor the president may remove any individual appointed by the board of directors.

 

ARTICLE 6

 

CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

 

6.1                               CONTRACTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS

 

The board of directors may authorize any officer(s), agent(s) or employee(s) to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation, or of any division thereof, subject to applicable law. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

 

6.2                               LOANS

 

No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation, or any division thereof, and no evidence of indebtedness, other than in the ordinary course of business, shall be issued in the name of the corporation, or any division thereof, unless authorized by the board of directors. Such authorization may be general or confined to specific instances.

 

6.3                               CHECKS, DRAFTS, ETC.

 

All checks, demands, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation, or any division thereof, outside of the ordinary course of business shall be signed by such officers or agents of the corporation, and in such manner, as the board of directors may from time to time authorize.

 

6.4                               DEPOSITS

 

All funds of the corporation, or any division thereof, not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the board of directors may select.

 

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ARTICLE 7

 

CERTIFICATES OF STOCK AND THEIR TRANSFER

 

7.1                               CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

 

The certificates of stock of the corporation shall be in a form approved by the board of directors, shall be numbered and shall be entered in the books of the corporation as they are issued. They shall exhibit the holder’s name and number of shares and shall be signed by the chairman of the board, the president or a vice president and by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer or the secretary or an assistant secretary. If any stock certificate is signed (a) by a transfer agent or an assistant transfer agent or (b) by a transfer clerk acting on behalf of the corporation and a registrar, the signature of any officer of the corporation may be facsimile. In case any officer whose facsimile signature has thus been used on any such certificate shall cease to be such officer before the certificate has been issued, the certificate may nevertheless be issued with the same effect as if he or she were such officer at the date of issue. All certificates properly surrendered to the corporation for transfer shall be cancelled and, except as set forth in Section 7.2 below, no new certificate shall be issued to evidence transferred shares until the former certificate for at least a like number of shares has been surrendered and cancelled and the corporation reimbursed for any applicable taxes on the transfer.

 

7.2                               LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES

 

The corporation may direct a new certificate or uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and may also require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or the owner’s legal representative, to give the corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against the corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate or the issuance of a new certificate or uncertificated shares.

 

7.3                               TRANSFERS OF STOCK

 

Transfers of shares of stock shall be made only on the books of the corporation by the registered holder thereof or by its attorney or successor duly authorized as evidenced by documents filed with the secretary or transfer agent of the corporation. Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, and in compliance with any restrictions on transfer of which the corporation has notice applicable to the certificate or shares represented thereby, the corporation shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. The board of directors may adopt such additional rules and regulations as it deems advisable concerning the transfer and registration of certificates of stock of the corporation.

 

7.4                               RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

 

Any stockholder may enter into an agreement with other stockholders or with the corporation providing for any reasonable restriction on the right of such stockholder to transfer shares of stock of the corporation held by such stockholder. If such restriction is set forth conspicuously on the certificates representing the shares or, in the case of uncertificated shares, is contained in a notice sent pursuant to Section 151(f) of the Delaware GCL, the corporation or the transfer agent shall not be required to transfer such shares upon the books of the corporation without receipt of satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such restriction.

 

14



 

7.5                               FIXING RECORD DATE

 

(a)           In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors, and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the board of directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

(b)           In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors, and which date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors. If no record date has been fixed by the board of directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the board of directors is required, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the corporation by delivery to its registered office, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. If no record date has been fixed by the board of directors and prior action by the board of directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day the board of directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

(c)           In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

7.6                               STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD

 

The corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any shares of stock as the holder in fact of such shares. Accordingly, the corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it has express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by Delaware law.

 

15



 

ARTICLE 8

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

8.1                               IN GENERAL

 

Current and former directors, officers, representatives, and agents of the corporation or of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise that are serving or have served at the request or direction of the corporation shall be entitled to indemnification to the extent set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, as the same may be modified or amended from time to time.

 

8.2                               INSURANCE

 

The corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise against any such expense, liability, or loss, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability, or loss under the Delaware GCL.

 

ARTICLE 9

 

NOTICE

 

9.1                               MANNER OF NOTICE

 

Whenever under law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws notice is required to be given to any stockholder, director or member of any committee of the board of directors, it shall not be construed to require personal delivery. Such notice also may be given in writing (a) in the case of domestic notice, by depositing such notice in the United States mail (postage prepaid) or by express overnight courier, (b) in the case of international notice, by international express, or (c) by electronic transmission. For purposes of these bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by the recipient through an automated process.

 

9.2                               NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

 

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the corporation shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if (a) the corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the corporation in accordance with such consent and (b) such inability becomes known to the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation or the transfer agent, or other person responsible for giving of notice; provided, however, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.

 

16



 

9.3                               EFFECTIVENESS OF NOTICE

 

Notice given by mail shall be deemed to be given at the time it is deposited in the United States mail. Notice given by overnight courier service shall be deemed to be given when delivered to the overnight courier service for delivery. Notice given by overnight international express courier service shall be deemed to be given on the third business day after the date delivered to the international express courier service for delivery. Notice given by electronic transmission shall be deemed given: (a) if by facsimile transmission, when directed to a number at recipient has consented to receive notice; (b) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the recipient has consented to receive notice; (c) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the recipient of such specific posting, upon the later of (i) such posting and (ii) the giving of such separate notice; and (d) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the recipient. An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the corporation that the notice has been given by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. The requirement for notice shall be deemed satisfied, except in the case of a stockholder meeting with respect to which written notice is required by law, if actual notice is received orally or in writing by the person entitled thereto as far in advance of the event with respect to which notice is given as the minimum notice period required by law or these bylaws.

 

9.4                               WAIVER OF NOTICE

 

Whenever under law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws notice is required to be given, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before, at or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance by a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors or committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission, unless so required by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

 

ARTICLE 10

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

10.1                        FISCAL YEAR

 

The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the board of directors. In the absence of such a resolution, the fiscal year of the corporation shall be the calendar year.

 

10.2                        CORPORATE SEAL

 

The board of directors may adopt a corporate seal inscribed with the name of the corporation and the words “CORPORATE SEAL” and “DELAWARE” and otherwise in the form approved by the board.

 

10.3                        AMENDMENTS

 

Except as may be restricted by applicable law, these bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed (a) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the stock having voting power present in person or by proxy at any annual meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present, or at any special meeting of stockholders at

 

17



 

which a quorum is present, if notice of the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal is contained in the notice of such special meeting, or (b) subject to the provisions of Section 3.8(b), by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then qualified and acting at any regular or special meeting of the board at which a quorum is present; provided that no such alteration, amendment or repeal which reduces the number of number of directors shall, in itself, have the effect of removing any director prior to the expiration of such director’s term of office.

 

18




Exhibit 10.1

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of February 2, 2015

 

among

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION, PROTECTIVE

LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, as Borrowers

 

THE SEVERAL LENDERS FROM TIME

TO TIME PARTY HERETO

 

and

 

REGIONS BANK,
as Administrative Agent and Swingline Lender,

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Syndication Agent,

 

REGIONS CAPITAL MARKETS,
a Division of Regions Bank, as Joint Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner,

 

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC, MIZUHO BANK, LTD.,
MORGAN STANLEY MUFG LOAN PARTNERS, LLC, and
SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION,
as Joint Lead Arrangers,

 

MIZUHO BANK, LTD.,
MORGAN STANLEY MUFG LOAN PARTNERS, LLC,
SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION, BARCLAYS BANK PLC, and
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Co-Documentation Agents,

 

and

 

COMPASS BANK, FIFTH THIRD BANK and
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Senior Managing Agents

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

1

1.1.

Terms Defined in this Agreement

1

1.2.

Rules of Interpretation

25

1.2.1

Terms Generally

25

1.2.2

Computations of Time Periods

25

1.2.3

Document Preparation

25

1.2.4

Time

26

1.2.5

Letter of Credit Calculations

26

1.3.

Computations: Accounting Principles

26

ARTICLE II CREDIT EXTENSIONS

26

2.1.

Revolving Loans

26

2.1.1

Making of Revolving Loans

26

2.1.2

Borrowing Mechanics for Revolving Loans

27

2.1.3

Increase in Aggregate Revolving Commitments

27

2.2.

Swingline Loans

29

2.2.1

Making of Swingline Loans and Purchases of Participations Therein

29

2.2.2

Borrowing Mechanics for Swingline Loans

29

2.3.

Issuances of Letters of Credit and Purchase of Participations Therein

31

2.3.1

Letters of Credit

31

2.3.2

Notice of Issuance

32

2.3.3

Responsibility of Issuing Banks With Respect to Requests for Drawings and Payments

33

2.3.4

Reimbursement by the Borrowers of Amounts Drawn or Paid Under Letters of Credit

33

2.3.5

Lenders’ Purchase of Participations in Letters of Credit

34

2.3.6

Obligations Absolute

35

2.3.7

Indemnification

35

2.3.8

Applicability of ISP and UCP

35

2.3.9

Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries

36

2.4.

Pro Rata Shares; Availability of Funds

36

2.4.1

Pro Rata Shares

36

2.4.2

Availability of Funds

36

2.5.

Evidence of Debt; Register; Lenders’ Books and Records; Notes

37

2.5.1

Lenders’ Evidence of Debt

37

 

i



 

2.5.2

Notes

37

2.6.

Scheduled Principal Payments

37

2.6.1

Revolving Loans

37

2.6.2

Swingline Loans

38

2.7.

Interest on Loans

38

2.7.1

Interest Rate

38

2.7.2

Determination of Interest Rate

38

2.7.3

Failure to Specify Rate

38

2.7.4

Calculation of Interest

39

2.7.5

Interest Payable in Arrears

39

2.7.6

Interest Due Issuing Banks

39

2.7.7

Interest Distributed by Issuing Banks

39

2.8.

Conversion/Continuation

40

2.8.1

Options to Convert/Continue

40

2.8.2

Conversion/Continuation Notice

40

2.9.

Default Rate of Interest

40

2.9.1

Principal Due

40

2.9.2

Other Amounts Due

40

2.9.3

Bankruptcy Defaults

40

2.9.4

Other Defaults

41

2.9.5

Past Due Amounts

41

2.9.6

No Permitted Alternative

41

2.10.

Fees

41

2.10.1

Facility Fee

41

2.10.2

Letter of Credit Fees

41

2.10.3

Fronting Fee and Other Fees Payable to an Issuing Bank

42

2.10.4

Other Fees

42

2.11.

Prepayments/Commitment Reductions

42

2.11.1

Voluntary Prepayments

42

2.11.2

Voluntary Commitment Reductions

43

2.11.3

Mandatory Prepayments

44

2.12.

Application of Prepayments

44

2.12.1

Voluntary Prepayments

44

2.12.2

Mandatory Prepayments

44

2.12.3

Payment to Lenders

44

2.13.

General Provisions Regarding Payments

44

2.13.1

Auto Debit

44

 

ii



 

2.13.2

Time for Payments

44

2.13.3

Payments Applied to Interest First

45

2.13.4

Distributions to Lenders

45

2.13.5

Affected Lender’s Payments

45

2.13.6

Payment Date Not on Business Day

45

2.13.7

Non-conforming Payments

45

2.14.

Sharing of Payments by Lenders

46

2.15.

Cash Collateral

46

2.15.1

Grant of Security Interest

47

2.15.2

Application

47

2.15.3

Termination of Requirement

47

2.16.

Defaulting Lenders

47

2.16.1

Defaulting Lender Adjustments

47

2.16.2

Defaulting Lender Cure

49

2.16.3

New Letters of Credit

50

2.16.4

Qualified Counterparties

50

2.17.

Making or Maintaining LIBOR Loans

50

2.17.1

Inability to Determine Applicable Interest Rate

50

2.17.2

Illegality or Impracticability of LIBOR Loans

50

2.17.3

Compensation for Breakage or Non Commencement of Interest Periods

51

2.17.4

Booking of LIBOR Loans

52

2.17.5

Assumptions Concerning Funding of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans

52

2.17.6

Certificates for Reimbursement

52

2.17.7

Delay in Requests

52

2.18.

Increased Costs

52

2.18.1

Increased Costs Generally

52

2.18.2

Capital Requirements

53

2.18.3

Certificates for Reimbursement

53

2.18.4

Delay in Requests

53

2.19.

Taxes

54

2.19.1

Issuing Bank

54

2.19.2

Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes

54

2.19.3

Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrowers

54

2.19.4

Tax Indemnification

54

2.19.5

Evidence of Payments

55

2.19.6

Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation

55

 

iii



 

2.19.7

Treatment of Certain Refunds

57

2.19.8

Survival

58

2.20.

Mitigation Obligations; Designation of a Different Lending Office

58

2.20.1

Designation of a Different Lending Office

58

2.20.2

Replacement of Lenders

58

2.21.

Maximum PLICO Liability Amount

59

ARTICLE III CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

59

3.1.

Initial Advance

59

3.1.1

Credit Documents

59

3.1.2

Charter Documents

59

3.1.3

Organizational Documents Certificate

60

3.1.4

Certificates of Good Standing

60

3.1.5

Foreign Qualification

60

3.1.6

Closing Certificate

60

3.1.7

UCC Searches

60

3.1.8

Funding of Fees/Expenses

60

3.1.9

Financial Information

60

3.1.10

No Default

60

3.1.11

Opinion

61

3.1.12

Compliance Certificate

61

3.1.13

Funding Notice; Funds Disbursement Instructions

61

3.1.14

Consummation of Merger

61

3.1.15

Other Documents

61

3.2.

Each Credit Extension

61

3.2.1

No Default

61

3.2.2

Warranties

61

3.2.3

Covenants

61

3.2.4

Funding Notice

61

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

62

4.1.

Corporate Existence and Standing

62

4.2.

Authorization and Validity

62

4.3.

No Conflict; Government Consent

62

4.4.

Financial Statements

62

4.5.

Material Adverse Change

63

4.6.

Taxes

63

4.7.

Litigation and Guaranteed Obligations

63

 

iv



 

4.8.

List of Significant Subsidiaries

63

4.9.

ERISA

63

4.10.

Accuracy of Information

63

4.11.

Regulation U

64

4.12.

Material Agreements

64

4.13.

Compliance With Laws

64

4.14.

Investment Company Act

64

4.15.

Solvency

64

4.16.

Insurance Licenses

64

4.17.

Ownership of Properties

64

4.18.

Anti-Terrorism Laws

65

4.19.

Default

66

ARTICLE V COVENANTS

66

5.1.

Financial Reporting

66

5.2.

Use of Proceeds

68

5.3.

Notice of Default

68

5.4.

Conduct of Business

69

5.5.

Taxes

69

5.6.

Insurance

69

5.7.

Compliance with Laws

69

5.8.

Maintenance of Properties

69

5.9.

Inspection

70

5.10.

Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets

70

5.11.

Liens

70

5.12.

Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth

70

5.13.

Ratio of Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Capitalization

70

5.14.

[Reserved]

71

5.15.

[Reserved]

71

5.16.

Affiliates

71

5.17.

Compliance with ERISA

71

5.18.

Payment of Obligations

71

5.19.

Further Assurances

71

5.20.

Amendments to Organizational Agreements

72

5.21.

Changes in Accounting Policies or Reporting Practices

72

ARTICLE VI DEFAULTS

72

6.1.

Representations and Warranties

72

 

v



 

6.2.

Payments

72

6.3.

Specific Covenants

72

6.4.

Other Covenants

72

6.5.

Default on Other Indebtedness and Additional Amounts

72

6.6.

Voluntary Petitions

73

6.7.

Involuntary Bankruptcy or Receivership Proceedings

73

6.8.

Condemnation

73

6.9.

Undischarged Judgments

73

6.10.

ERISA

73

6.11.

Distribution Limitations

73

6.12.

Environmental Investigation

74

6.13.

Change in Control

74

6.14.

Licenses

74

6.15.

Tax Lien

74

6.16.

Enforceability Contest

74

ARTICLE VII REMEDIES

74

7.1.

Remedies

74

7.2.

Application of Funds

75

7.3.

Setoff

76

ARTICLE VIII AGENCY

76

8.1.

Appointment and Authority

76

8.2.

Rights as a Lender

76

8.3.

Exculpatory Provisions

76

8.3.1

No Fiduciary Duties

76

8.3.2

No Liability

77

8.3.3

No Responsibility

77

8.4.

Reliance by Administrative Agent

77

8.5.

Delegation of Duties

78

8.6.

Resignation of Administrative Agent

78

8.6.1

Resignation

78

8.6.2

Removal

79

8.6.3

Successor

79

8.7.

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

79

8.8.

No Other Duties, etc.

79

8.9.

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

80

 

vi



 

ARTICLE IX BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATION

80

9.1.

Successors and Assigns Generally

80

9.2.

Assignments By Lenders

81

9.2.1

Minimum Amounts

81

9.2.2

Proportionate Amounts

81

9.2.3

Required Consents

81

9.2.4

Assignment and Assumption

82

9.2.5

No Assignment to Borrowers, Affiliates or Subsidiaries

82

9.2.6

No Assignment to Natural Persons

82

9.2.7

Certain Additional Payments

82

9.3.

Register

83

9.4.

Participations

83

9.4.1

Participants

83

9.4.2

Entitled to Certain Benefits

84

9.4.3

No Greater Payment

84

9.4.4

Participant Register

84

9.4.5

Withholding

84

9.5.

Disclosure of Confidential Information

84

9.6.

Certain Pledges

85

ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS

85

10.1.

Notices

85

10.1.1

Notices Generally

85

10.1.2

Electronic Communications

85

10.1.3

Change of Address, Etc.

86

10.1.4

Platform

86

10.2.

Renewal, Extension, or Rearrangement

86

10.3.

Amendments and Waivers

87

10.3.1

Required Lenders’ Consent

87

10.3.2

Affected Lenders’ Consent

87

10.3.3

Other Consents

88

10.3.4

Execution of Amendments, etc.

88

10.4.

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

89

10.5.

Electronic Execution of Assignments and Other Documents

89

10.6.

Consent to Jurisdiction

89

10.7.

No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship

89

10.8.

Marshalling; Payments Set Aside

90

 

vii



 

10.9.

Obligations Several; Independent Nature of Lenders’ Rights

90

10.10.

Independence of Covenants

90

10.11.

Resignation As Swingline Lender After Assignment

91

10.12.

Standard of Care: Limitation of Damages

91

10.13.

Incorporation of Schedules

91

10.14.

Indulgence Not Waiver

91

10.15.

Cumulative Remedies

91

10.16.

Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements

91

10.17.

Usury Savings Clause

92

10.18.

Entire Agreement

92

10.19.

Severability

92

10.20.

Time of Essence

92

10.21.

Applicable Law

92

10.22.

Captions Not Controlling

93

10.23.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

93

10.24.

Waiver of Venue

93

10.25.

Termination

93

10.26.

Expenses; Indemnity

94

10.26.1

Costs and Expenses

94

10.26.2

Indemnification by Borrowers

95

10.26.3

Reimbursement by Lenders

95

10.26.4

Payments

95

10.26.5

Survival

95

10.27.

Set Off

96

10.28.

Treatment of Certain Information

96

10.28.1

Confidentiality

96

10.28.2

Information

96

10.29.

Patriot Act

97

10.30.

Agreement Amends and Restates Existing Credit Agreement

97

 

viii



 

List of Exhibits, Schedules and Appendices

 

Exhibit 2.5.2A - Revolving Loan Note

 

Exhibit 2.5.2B — Swingline Note

 

Exhibit 2.19.6 - U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate

 

Exhibit A — Assignment and Assumption

 

Exhibit B — Compliance Certificate

 

Exhibit C — Conversion/Continuation Notice

 

Exhibit D — Funding Notice

 

Exhibit E - Issuance Notice

 

Exhibit F — Additional Permitted Liens

 

 

 

Schedule 4.7 - Litigation

 

Schedule 4.8 - Significant Subsidiaries

 

 

 

Appendix A - Revolving Commitment Amounts and Percentages

 

Appendix B — Addresses

 

 



 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of February 2, 2015 (“this Agreement”) is entered into by and among PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“PLC”), PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a Tennessee corporation (“PLICO”; PLC and PLICO are together referred to as the “Borrowers”), REGIONS BANK, an Alabama banking corporation (“Regions”), and the various lenders identified on the signature pages hereto (collectively, with all other persons that may from time to time hereafter become Lenders hereunder by execution of an Assignment and Acceptance, the “Lenders”), and REGIONS BANK, in its capacity, as the Administrative Agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.            The Borrowers, the lenders party thereto (the “Existing Lenders”), and the Administrative Agent are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of July 17, 2012 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”) pursuant to which the Existing Lenders agreed to make available to the Borrowers a credit facility in the maximum principal amount of $750,000,000.

 

B.            The Borrowers, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent wish to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety, as hereinafter set forth.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, and of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

 

1.1.                Terms Defined in this Agreement.  As used below in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context expressly requires otherwise:

 

Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness” means (i) Consolidated Indebtedness, less (ii) Short-Term Indebtedness for advance fundings of guaranteed investment contracts, annuities and other similar insurance and investment products.

 

Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth” means at any date of determination, Consolidated Net Worth excluding (i) goodwill and intangible assets (other than value of business acquired) and (ii) all unrealized net losses and gains on assets held for sale pursuant to FASB ASC 320 and other accumulated comprehensive income pursuant to FASB ASC 220 or subsequent accounting pronouncements having substantially similar impact as these provisions, to the extent such unrealized net losses and gains have been taken into account in determining Consolidated Net Worth.

 



 

Adjusted LIBOR Rate” means, for any Interest Period for an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, the rate per annum obtained by dividing (i) (a) the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to the LIBOR or a comparable or successor rate, which rate is approved by the Administrative Agent, as published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) for deposits (for delivery on the first day of such period) with a term equivalent to such period in Dollars, determined two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such day, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or if such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on such other page or other service which displays an average settlement rate for deposits (for delivery on the first day of such period) with a term equivalent to such period in Dollars, determined two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such day, or (c) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to quotation rate (or the arithmetic mean of rates) offered to first class banks in the London interbank market for deposits (for delivery on the first day of the relevant Interest Period) in Dollars of amounts in same day funds comparable to the principal amount of the applicable Loan of Regions Bank or any other Lender selected by the Administrative Agent, for which the Adjusted LIBOR Rate is then being determined with maturities comparable to such Interest Period as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such day, by (ii) an amount equal to (a) one, minus (b) the Applicable Reserve Requirement.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Adjusted LIBOR Rate shall not be less than zero.

 

Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan” means Loans bearing interest based on the Adjusted LIBOR Rate.

 

Administrative Agent” means Regions Bank in its capacity as agent for the Lenders pursuant to Article VIII of this Agreement, and not in its individual capacity as a Lender, and any successor Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Article VIII hereof.

 

Administrative Questionnaire” means an administrative questionnaire provided by the Lenders in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

 

Affected Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.17.2.

 

Affected Loans” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.17.2.

 

Affiliate” of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if the controlling Person owns 10% or more of any class of voting securities (or other ownership interests) of the controlled Person or possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of the controlled Person, whether through ownership of stock, by contract or otherwise.

 

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Aggregate Revolving Commitments” means the Revolving Commitments of all the Lenders.  The aggregate principal amount of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments in effect on the Closing Date is One Billion Dollars ($1,000,000,000).

 

Agreement” means this Credit Agreement (including all schedules and exhibits hereto), as it may be further amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

 

Annual Statement” means the annual statutory financial statement of any Insurance Subsidiary required to be filed with the insurance commissioner (or similar authority) of its jurisdiction of incorporation, which statement shall be in the form required by such Insurance Subsidiary’s jurisdiction of incorporation or, if no specific form is so required, in the form of financial statements recommended by the NAIC to be used for filing annual statutory financial statements and shall contain the type of information recommended by the NAIC to be disclosed therein, together with all exhibits or schedules filed therewith.

 

Anti-Terrorism Law” means any Requirement of Law related to money laundering, financing terrorism or economic sanctions related thereto including the Patriot Act, The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 5311-5330 and 12 U.S.C. §§ 1818(s), 1820(b) and 1951-1959) (also known as the “Bank Secrecy Act”), the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.) and Executive Order 13224 (effective September 24, 2001).

 

Applicable Margin” means the rates per annum set forth opposite the appropriate test in the pricing grid below:

 

Applicable Rating of PLC

 

Base Rate
Loans in
Basis Points

 

Adjusted LIBOR
Rate Loans and
Letter of Credit
Fee in Basis Points

 

Facility Fee
Rate in
Basis Points

 

Greater than or equal to A or A2

 

0.0

bps

90.0

bps

10.0

bps

Greater than or equal to A- or A3

 

0.0

bps

100.0

bps

12.5

bps

Greater than or equal to BBB+ or Baa1

 

10.0

bps

110.0

bps

15.0

bps

Greater than or equal to BBB or Baa2

 

30.0

bps

130.0

bps

20.0

bps

Less than BBB and Baa2 or no Applicable Rating

 

45.0

bps

145.0

bps

30.0

bps

 

Upon any change in the Applicable Rating, the Applicable Margin shall be adjusted effective upon the date of any such change in the Applicable Rating.  As of the date of this Agreement, PLC is currently rated A- by S&P and Baa2 by Moody’s and the Applicable LIBOR Rate Margin is therefore 110.0 basis points and the Applicable Facility Fee Rate is therefore 15.0 basis points.

 

Applicable Moody’s Rating” means the highest long-term senior, unsecured, non-credit enhanced, monitored credit rating of PLC that is published by Moody’s.

 

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Applicable Rating” means the Applicable S&P Rating or the Applicable Moody’s Rating; provided that, if PLC has an Applicable S&P Rating and an Applicable Moody’s Rating, the Applicable Rating shall be the higher of the two, unless the two are separated by more than one level, in which case the Applicable Rating shall be that at the level immediately below the higher of the two levels.

 

Applicable Reserve Requirement” means, at any time, for any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, the maximum rate, expressed as a decimal, at which reserves (including any basic marginal, special, supplemental, emergency or other reserves) are required to be maintained with respect thereto against “Eurocurrency liabilities” (as such term is defined in Regulation D of the Board, as in effect from time to time) under regulations issued from time to time by the Board or other applicable banking regulator.  Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, the Applicable Reserve Requirement shall reflect any other reserves required to be maintained by such member banks with respect to (i) any category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the applicable Adjusted LIBOR Rate or any other interest rate of a Loan is to be determined, or (ii) any category of extensions of credit or other assets which include Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans.  An Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan shall be deemed to constitute Eurocurrency liabilities and as such shall be deemed subject to reserve requirements.  The rate of interest on Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the Applicable Reserve Requirement.

 

Applicable S&P Rating” means the highest long-term senior, unsecured, non-credit enhanced, monitored credit rating of PLC that is published by S&P.

 

Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

Article” means an article of this Agreement.

 

Assignment and Assumption” means the assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee with all required consents and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Authorized Officer” means any of the President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer or any Vice President of the Borrowers, acting singly.

 

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time, or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

 

Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (i) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of one percent (0.5%) and (iii) the LIBOR Index Rate in effect on such day plus one percent (1.0%).  Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the LIBOR Index Rate shall be effective on the effective day of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the LIBOR Index Rate, respectively.

 

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Base Rate Loan” means a Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Base Rate.

 

Board” means the Board of Governors of the US Federal Reserve System (or any successor thereto).

 

Borrowers” means collectively, PLC and PLICO.

 

Borrowing” means (a) a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Type of Loan and, in the case of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period, or (b) a borrowing of Swingline Loans, as appropriate.

 

Business Day” means (a) any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day which is a legal holiday under the laws of the State of Alabama or New York or is a day on which banking institutions located in such states are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close, and (b) with respect to all notices, determinations, fundings and payments in connection with the Adjusted LIBOR Rate or any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans (and in the case of determinations, the LIBOR Index Rate), the term “Business Day” means any day which is a Business Day described in subsection (a) and which is also a day for trading by and between banks in Dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

Capitalized Lease” of a Person means any lease of Property by such Person as lessee that would be capitalized on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Capitalized Lease Obligations” of a Person means the amount of the obligations of such Person under Capitalized Leases that would be shown as a liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Cash Collateralize” means, to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or the Lenders, as applicable, as collateral for Letter of Credit Obligations or Swingline Loans, as applicable, or obligations of the Lenders to fund participations in respect thereof, cash or deposit account balances or, if the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank and/or the Swingline Lender, as applicable, shall agree in their sole discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank and/or the Swingline Lender, as applicable.  “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.

 

Cash Management Bank” means any Person that is a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender at the time it provides any Cash Management Services, or that is a Lender or an Affiliate of Lender at any time after it has provided any Cash Management Services.

 

Cash Management Obligations” means obligations owed by any Borrower to any Cash Management Bank in connection with, or in respect of, any Cash Management Services.

 

Cash Management Services” means any one or more of the following types of services or facilities provided to any Borrower by a Cash Management Bank: (a) ACH transactions and

 

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(b) cash management services, including, without limitation, controlled disbursement services, treasury, depository, overdraft, and electronic funds transfer services.

 

Change in Control” means:

 

(a)           Dai-ichi or one of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries shall cease to own and control, of record and beneficially, directly 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of PLC; or

 

(b)           PLC shall cease to own and control, of record and beneficially, directly 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of PLICO.

 

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of: (a) the adoption or effectiveness of any law, rule, regulation, judicial ruling, judgment or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application by any Governmental Authority of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, or (c) the making or issuance by any Governmental Authority of any request, rule, guideline or directive, whether or not having the force of law; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith, (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives concerning capital adequacy promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III and (z) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives issued by a Governmental Authority in connection with a Lender’s submission or re-submission of a capital plan under 12 C.F.R. § 225.8 or a Governmental Authority’s assessment thereof shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

Closing Date” means February 2, 2015.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, reformed or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Commitment” means, with respect to any Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment.

 

Communications” means any notice, demand, communication, document or other material that any Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent in connection with any Credit Document or the transactions contemplated thereby which is distributed to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to Section 10.1, including the Platform.

 

Compliance Certificate” means a Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B.

 

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Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

 

Consolidated Capitalization” means, at any date of determination, the sum of (i) Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth as at such date plus (ii) Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness as at such time.

 

Consolidated Indebtedness” means the Indebtedness of PLC and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income of PLC and the Subsidiaries for such period, as shown on the consolidated financial statements of PLC and the Subsidiaries delivered in accordance with Section 5.1.

 

Consolidated Net Worth” means, at any date of determination, the amount of consolidated common shareholders’ equity of PLC and its Subsidiaries, determined as at such date in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Subsidiary” means, a Subsidiary, the accounts of which are customarily consolidated with those of PLC for the purpose of reporting to stockholders of PLC or, in the case of a recently acquired Subsidiary, the accounts of which would, in accordance with PLC’s regular practice, be so consolidated for that purpose.

 

Consolidated Total Assets” means, at any time, the total assets of PLC and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis, as set forth or reflected on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of PLC and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Conversion/Continuation Date” means the effective date of a continuation or conversion, as the case may be, as set forth in the applicable Conversion/Continuation Notice.

 

Conversion/Continuation Notice” means a Conversion/Continuation Notice substantially in the form of Exhibit C.

 

Credit Date” means the date of a Credit Extension.

 

Credit Documents” means, collectively, each writing delivered at any time by the Borrowers to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent relating to the Loans, the Swingline Loans or the Letters of Credit to evidence or secure any of the Obligations.

 

Credit Extension” means the making of a Loan or the issuing, increase, extension, amendment or renewal of a Letter of Credit.

 

Credit for Reinsurance Letter of Credit” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.1.

 

Dai-ichi” means The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan.

 

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Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code and all other liquidation, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, conservatorship, moratorium, receivership, insolvency, rearrangement, reorganization or similar debtor relief laws of the US or other applicable jurisdictions in effect from time to time.

 

Default” means an event described in Article VI.

 

Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (a) with respect to Obligations other than Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans referencing the LIBOR Index Rate) and the Letter of Credit Fee, the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, if any, applicable to such Loans plus two percent (2%) per annum, (b) with respect to Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, the Adjusted LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin, if any, applicable to Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans plus two percent (2%) per annum and (c) with respect to the Letter of Credit Fee, the Applicable Margin plus two percent (2%) per annum.

 

Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.16.2, any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans) within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrowers, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.  Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a

 

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Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.16.2) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower, each Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and each Lender.

 

Dollars” or “$” means dollars of the United States of America.

 

Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 9.2 subject to any consents and representations as may be required therein.

 

Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.

 

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

 

ERISA Affiliate” means any Person that is a member of PLC’s controlled group, or under common control with PLC, within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code.

 

ERISA Event means (i) a “reportable event” within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder with respect to any Pension Plan (excluding those for which notice to the PBGC has been waived by regulation); (ii) the failure to meet the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Pension Plan (whether or not waived in accordance with Section 412(c) of the Internal Revenue Code), the failure to make by its due date any minimum required contribution or any required installment under Section 430(j) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Pension Plan or the failure to make by its due date any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (iii) the provision by the administrator of any Pension Plan pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA of a notice of intent to terminate such plan in a distress termination described in Section 4041(c) of ERISA; (iv) the withdrawal from any Pension Plan with two (2) or more contributing sponsors or the termination of any such Pension Plan, in either case resulting in material liability pursuant to Section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA; (v) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate any Pension Plan, or the occurrence of any event or condition reasonably likely to constitute grounds under ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (vi) the imposition of liability pursuant to Section 4062(e) or 4069 of ERISA or by reason of the application of Section 4212(c) of ERISA, each case reasonably likely to result in material liability; (vii) the withdrawal of any Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates in a complete or partial withdrawal (within the meaning of Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA) from any Multiemployer Plan if such withdrawal is reasonably likely to result in material liability, or the receipt by any Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their

 

9



 

respective ERISA Affiliates of notice from any Multiemployer Plan that it is in reorganization or insolvency pursuant to Section 4241 or 4245 of ERISA, or that it is in “critical” or “endangered” status within the meaning of Section 103(f)(2)(G) or ERISA, or that it intends to terminate or has terminated under Section 4041A or 4042 of ERISA, if such reorganization, insolvency or termination is reasonably likely to result in material liability; (viii) the imposition of fines, penalties, taxes or related charges under Chapter 43 of the Internal Revenue Code or under Section 409, Section 502(c), (i) or (l), or Section 4071 of ERISA in respect of any Pension Plan if such fines, penalties, taxes or related charges are reasonably likely to result in material liability; (ix) the assertion of a material claim (other than routine claims for benefits and funding obligations in the ordinary course) against any Pension Plan other than a Multiemployer Plan or the assets thereof, or against any Person in connection with any Pension Plan such Person sponsors or maintains reasonably likely to result in material liability; (x) receipt from the Internal Revenue Service of a final written determination of the failure of any Pension Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the failure of any trust forming part of any such plan to qualify for exemption from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code; or (xi) the imposition of a lien pursuant to Section 430(k) of the Internal Revenue Code or pursuant to Section 303(k) or 4068 of ERISA or any violation of Section 436 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 206(g) of ERISA.

 

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on, determined by reference to, or measured by, net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having an office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrowers under Section 2.20.2) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.19, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.19.6 and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Recital A.

 

Facility Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10.1.

 

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not more onerous to comply with) and any regulations or official interpretations thereof.

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate” means for any day, the rate per annum (expressed, as a decimal, rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher one one-hundredth of one percent

 

10



 

(1/100 of 1%)) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided, (i) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (ii) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day shall be the average rate charged to Regions Bank or any other Lender selected by the Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

Fee Letters” means the collective reference to (a) that certain letter from the Administrative Agent to the Borrowers dated October 24, 2014, and (b) that certain letter from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC to the Borrowers dated October 24, 2014, in each case relating to certain fees payable by the Borrowers in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time.

 

Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is not a US Person.

 

Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to any Issuing Bank, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank other than Letter of Credit Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) with respect to the Swingline Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of outstanding Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender other than Swingline Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders.

 

Fund” means any Person (other than a natural Person) that makes, purchases, holds or otherwise invests in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.

 

Funding Notice” means a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit D.

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the financial statements referred to in Section 5.1.

 

Governmental Acts” means any act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future Governmental Authority.

 

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state 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 (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank and any group or body charged with setting financial accounting or

 

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regulatory capital rules or standards (including, without limitation, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Bank for International Settlements or the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or any successor or similar authority to any of the foregoing)).

 

Guaranteed Obligations” of a Person means all guaranties, endorsements, assumptions and other contingent obligations with respect to, or to purchase or to otherwise pay or acquire, Indebtedness of others.

 

Hedge Agreement” means any agreement now existing or hereafter entered into, which provides for an interest rate or commodity swap, cap, floor, collar, forward foreign exchange transaction, currency swap, equity swap, cross-currency rate swap, currency option, or any combination of, or option with respect to, these or similar transactions, for the purpose of hedging any Borrower’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, currency valuations or commodity prices.

 

Hedge Agreement Bank” means (a) any Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time that it becomes a party to a Hedge Agreement with any Borrower and (b) any Lender on the Closing Date or Affiliate of such Lender that is party to a Hedge Agreement with any Borrower in existence on the Closing Date, in each case to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

Indebtedness” of a Person means, without duplication, such Person’s (i) obligations for borrowed money, (ii) obligations representing the deferred purchase price of Property or services (other than accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of such Person’s business payable on terms customary in the trade), (iii) obligations, whether or not assumed, payable out of the proceeds or production from Property now or hereafter owned or acquired by such Persons, (iv) obligations evidenced by notes, acceptances or other similar debt instruments, (v) Capitalized Lease Obligations, (vi) obligations for reimbursement of drafts drawn or available to be drawn under letters of credit, (vii) Synthetic Lease Obligations, and (viii) Guaranteed Obligations.  It is understood and agreed, for the avoidance of doubt, that (a) annuities, guaranteed investment contracts, funding agreements, Federal Home Loan Bank advances and similar instruments and agreements, (b) obligations (including without limitation trust obligations) under reinsurance, coinsurance, modified coinsurance agreements or similar agreements and related trust agreements, and (c) obligations and liabilities arising under insurance products created or entered into in the normal course of business shall not constitute “Indebtedness”.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness of the Borrowers and its Subsidiaries shall not include: (1) the following obligations issued in connection with the funding or financing of statutory reserves and with respect to which the Borrowers have no obligation to repay:  (A) Surplus Notes or other obligations of the Borrowers or any Subsidiaries of the Borrowers (“Reserve Financing Notes”), (B) any securities backed by such Reserve Financing Notes, (C) letters of credit issued for the account of Subsidiaries of the Borrowers that are not issued under this Agreement, (D) any guarantees by the issuers of the obligations described in (A), (B) and (C) above, and (E) any guarantee of a parent of the obligations of a Subsidiary in connection with any such funding or financing of statutory reserves, including guarantees of the obligations described in (A) and (B) above, provided that any such guarantee is either approved or not disapproved, as the case may be, by the applicable Governmental Authority; (2) the sale and issuance of $800 million of senior notes of PLC during the fourth quarter of 2009, the proceeds of which were used to purchase Reserve Financing Notes in

 

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connection with the funding of statutory reserves, including any refinancing thereof from time to time, and any subsequent reserve financing transaction for which the Borrowers will receive approval from the Required Lenders to exclude from this definition of Indebtedness; (3) any Short-Term Indebtedness incurred for the pre-funding of anticipated policy obligations or anticipated investment cash flow; (4) obligations that are not otherwise included in items (i) through (viii) of the definition of Indebtedness, but which would be classified as a liability on the Borrowers’ financial statements only by reason of FASB ASC 810 or a subsequent accounting pronouncement having a substantially similar impact so long as such obligations remain nonrecourse; (5) any indebtedness of a separate account maintained by a Subsidiary for which there is no recourse to the Borrowers; or (6) any indebtedness consisting of Cash Management Obligations.

 

Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by any Borrower under any Credit Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.

 

Insufficiency” means, with respect to any Plan, the amount, if any, of its unfunded benefit liabilities as defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA.

 

Insurance Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is engaged in the insurance business.

 

Interest Rate Determination Date” means the date of determination of the Base Rate (including the determination of the LIBOR Index Rate) or the Adjusted LIBOR Rate, as applicable.

 

Interest Payment Date” means with respect to (a) any Base Rate Loan and any Swingline Loan, the last Business Day of each calendar quarter, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Closing Date and the final maturity date of such Loan; and (b) any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan; provided, in the case of each Interest Period of longer than three (3) months “Interest Payment Date” shall also include each date that is three (3) months, or an integral multiple thereof, after the commencement of such Interest Period.

 

Interest Period” means, in connection with an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, an interest period of one (1), two (2), three (3) or six (6) months, as selected by the Borrowers in the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice, (i) initially, commencing on the Credit Date or Conversion/Continuation Date thereof, as the case may be; and (ii) thereafter, commencing on the day on which the immediately preceding Interest Period expires; provided, (a) if an Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day unless no further Business Day occurs in such month, in which case such Interest Period shall expire on the immediately preceding Business Day; (b) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of a calendar month; and (c) no Interest Period with respect to any portion of the Revolving Loans shall extend beyond the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

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ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance of such Letter of Credit).

 

Issuance Notice” means an Issuance Notice substantially in the form of Exhibit E.

 

Issuing Banks” means Regions Bank and up to three (3) other Lenders designated by the Borrowers from time to time and who have agreed to act as an Issuing Bank hereunder, each in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, together with its permitted successors and assigns in such capacity and “Issuing Bank” means any one of the foregoing.

 

Joint Arrangers” means Regions Capital Markets, a division of Regions Bank, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Morgan Stanley MUFG Loan Partners, LLC, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, in their capacity as joint lead arrangers.

 

Law” or “Laws” means all applicable constitutional provisions, statutes, codes, acts, ordinances, orders, judgments, decrees, injunctions, rules, regulations, and requirements of all Governmental Authorities.

 

Lender” means (a) Regions Bank in its capacity as a Lender and each Person listed on the signature pages hereto and identified as a Lender and (b) each Person that becomes a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption.

 

Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit issued hereunder.

 

Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10.2.

 

Letter of Credit Borrowing” means any Credit Extension resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit that has not been reimbursed or refinanced as a Borrowing of Revolving Loans pursuant to Section 2.3.4.

 

Letter of Credit Obligations” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the maximum amount available to be drawn under Letters of Credit then outstanding, assuming compliance with all requirements for drawings referenced therein, plus (b) the aggregate amount of all drawings under Letters of Credit that have not been reimbursed by the Borrowers, including Letter of Credit Borrowings, minus (c) the Dollar amount of Cash Collateral provided by Borrowers with the proceeds of Revolving Loans in order to Cash Collateralize any Fronting Exposure related to any Letter(s) of Credit pursuant to Section 2.15.  For all purposes of this Agreement, (i) amounts available to be drawn under Letters of Credit will be calculated as provided in Section 1.2.5, and (ii) if a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.

 

Letter of Credit Sublimit” means, as of any date of determination, the lesser of (i) Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000,000) and (ii) the aggregate unused amount of the Revolving Commitments then in effect.

 

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LIBOR” means the London Interbank Offered Rate.

 

LIBOR Index Rate” means, for any interest rate calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, (a) the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to the LIBOR or a comparable or successor rate, which rate is approved by the Administrative Agent, as published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) for deposits (for delivery on the first day of such one month period) with a term of one month commencing that day in Dollars, determined two Business Days prior to such date as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such day, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or if such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on such other page or other service which displays an average settlement rate for deposits (for delivery on the first day of such period) with a term of one month in Dollars, determined two (2) Business Days prior to such date as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such day, or (c) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to quotation rate (or the arithmetic mean of rates) offered to first class banks in the London interbank market for deposits (for delivery on the first day of the relevant one month period) in Dollars of amounts in same day funds comparable to the principal amount of the applicable Base Rate Loan of Regions Bank or any other Lender selected by the Administrative Agent, for which the LIBOR Index Rate is then being determined with maturities comparable to such one month period as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time).  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the LIBOR Index Rate shall not be less than zero.

 

LIBOR Index Rate Loan” means Base Rate Loans bearing interest based on the LIBOR Index Rate.

 

LIBOR Loan” means Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans or LIBOR Index Rate Loans, as applicable.

 

License” means any license, certificate of authority, permit or other authorization required to be obtained from a Governmental Authority in connection with the operation, ownership or transaction of the insurance business.

 

Lien” means any lien (statutory or other), mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance or preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale, Capitalized Lease or other title retention agreement).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Lien shall not include any such agreement or arrangement with respect to:  (1) the following obligations issued in connection with the funding or financing of statutory reserves and with respect to which the Borrowers have no obligation to repay (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Liens in respect of the surplus accounts of any Subsidiaries in connection therewith):  (A) Reserve Financing Notes, (B) any securities backed

 

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by such Reserve Financing Notes, (C) letters of credit issued for the account of Subsidiaries of the Borrowers that are not issued under this Agreement, (D) any guarantees by the issuers of the obligations described in (A), (B) and (C) above, and (E) any guarantee of a parent of the obligations of a Subsidiary in connection with any such funding or financing of statutory reserves, including guarantees of the obligations described in (A) and (B) above, provided that any such guarantee is either approved or not disapproved, as the case may be, by the applicable Governmental Authority; (2) the sale and issuance of $800 million of senior notes of PLC during the fourth quarter of 2009, the proceeds of which were used to purchase Reserve Financing Notes in connection with the funding of statutory reserves, including any refinancing thereof from time to time, and any subsequent reserve financing transaction for which the Borrowers will receive approval from the Required Lenders to exclude from the definition of Indebtedness; (3) any Short-Term Indebtedness incurred for the pre-funding of anticipated policy obligations or anticipated investment cash flow; (4) obligations that are not otherwise included in items (i) through (viii) of the definition of Indebtedness, but which would be classified as a liability on the Borrowers’ financial statements only by reason of FASB ASC 810 or a subsequent accounting pronouncement having a substantially similar impact so long as such obligations remain nonrecourse; (5) any indebtedness of a separate account maintained by a Subsidiary for which there is no recourse to the Borrowers; (6) Cash Management Obligations; and (7) Hedge Agreements.

 

Loan” means any or all of the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans and all extensions and renewals thereof made by any Lender hereunder.

 

Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (i) the business, Property, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (ii) the ability of the Borrowers to perform their obligations under the Credit Documents or (iii) the validity or enforceability of any of the Credit Documents or the rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Lenders thereunder.

 

Maximum Lawful Amount” means the maximum lawful amount of interest, loan charges, Facility Fees or other charges that may be assessed under New York law or, if higher, under applicable federal law.

 

Merger Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 3, 2014 between Dai-ichi, DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. and PLC.

 

Moody’s means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., together with its successors.

 

Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA.

 

Multiple Employer Plan” means a single employer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, that (i) is maintained for employees of PLC or an ERISA Affiliate and at least one Person other than PLC and its ERISA Affiliates or (ii) was so maintained and with respect to which PLC or an ERISA Affiliate could have liability under Section 4064 or 4049 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

 

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NAIC” means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any successor thereto, or in lieu thereof, any other association, agency or other organization performing advisory, coordination or other like functions among insurance departments, insurance commissions and similar Governmental Authorities of the various states of the United States of America toward the promotion of uniformity in the practices of such Governmental Authorities.

 

Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that (a) requires the approval of all affected Lenders pursuant to the terms of Section 10.3.2 and (b) has received the approval of the Required Lenders.

 

Non-Defaulting Lender” at any time, means each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

 

Notes” means any or all of the Revolving Loan Notes and the Swingline Note.

 

Notice” means a Funding Notice, an Issuance Notice or a Conversion/Continuation Notice.

 

Obligations” means, without duplication, the obligation of the Borrowers to the Lenders to repay the Loans, the obligation of the Borrowers to the Swingline Lender to repay the Swingline Loans, the outstanding obligations of the Borrowers to reimburse disbursements made under Letters of Credit, interest thereon and obligations to provide Cash Collateral therefor, interest and any fees and all other obligations of the Borrowers to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and to the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, subject to the limitations regarding PLICO set forth in Section 2.21 of this Agreement.

 

OFAC” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

 

Other Connection Taxes” with respect to any Recipient, means Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing the Tax (other than a connection arising from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or performance under, or receipt of payments under any Credit Document, or from the sale or assignment of an interest in any Loan or Credit Document).

 

Other Taxes” means any and all present or future stamp, court, recording, filing, intangible, documentary or similar Taxes or any other excise or property Taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Credit Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement or registration of, or performance under, or from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under or otherwise with respect to this Agreement or any other Credit Document (other than Excluded Taxes and Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.20.2)).

 

Outstanding Amount” means (a) with respect to Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any Borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit Obligations on any date, the aggregate outstanding amount of such Letter of Credit Obligations on such date after giving effect to any Credit Extension of a Letter of Credit occurring on such date and any

 

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other changes in the amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the Borrowers of any drawing under any Letter of Credit.

 

Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.1.

 

Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.4.

 

Patriot Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, as amended from time to time.

 

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any successor thereto.

 

Pension Plan means any “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA other than a Multiemployer Plan, which is subject to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA and which is sponsored, maintained or contributed to by, or required to be contributed to by, any Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates or with respect to which any Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates previously sponsored, maintained or contributed to, or was required to contribute to, and still has liability.

 

Permitted Liens” means: (i) with respect to the Synthetic Lease Facility, any of the following:

 

(a)                                 rights reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority by the terms of any right, power, franchise, grant, license, permit or provision of law affecting the Synthetic Lease Facility to (1) terminate, or take any other action which has the effect of modifying, such right, power, franchise, grant, license, permit or provision of law; provided that such termination or other action, when taken, shall not have resulted in a loss event and shall not have had a Material Adverse Effect, or (2) purchase, condemn, appropriate or recapture, or designate a purchaser of, the Synthetic Lease Facility;

 

(b)                                 any Liens thereon for impositions or taxes and any Liens of mechanics, materialmen and laborers for work or services performed or materials furnished which (i) are not overdue, or (ii) are being contested in good faith;

 

(c)                                  rights reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of such Property or to use the Synthetic Lease Facility in any manner;

 

(d)                                 in the case of the Site, encumbrances, easements, and other similar rights existing which existence or exercise of which do not have a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(e)                                  any Liens created under the operative documents relating to the Synthetic Lease Facility and any financing statements filed in connection therewith; and

 

(ii)                                 with respect to any other Property, any of the following:

 

(a)                                 Liens existing on the Closing Date of this Agreement securing Indebtedness outstanding on the Closing Date and Liens set forth on Exhibit F;

 

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(b)                                 any Lien existing on any asset of (i) corporation or partnership at the time such corporation or such partnership becomes a consolidated Subsidiary of PLC, or (ii) Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, and in either case not created in contemplation of such event;

 

(c)                                  any Lien on any asset securing Indebtedness incurred for the purposes of financing all or any part of the cost of constructing such asset, provided that such Lien attaches to such asset concurrently with or within 18 months after the completion of construction thereof;

 

(d)                                 any Lien on any asset of any corporation existing at the time such corporation is merged or consolidated with or into the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries and not created in contemplation of such event;

 

(e)                                  any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrowers or another Subsidiary of the Borrowers and not created in contemplation or such acquisition;

 

(f)                                   Liens securing Indebtedness owing by any Subsidiary to the Borrowers;

 

(g)                                  Any Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or refunding of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien permitted by any of the foregoing clauses of this subsection (ii) provided that (i) such Indebtedness is not secured by any additional assets, and (ii) the amount of such Indebtedness secured by any such Lien is not increased;

 

(h)                                 Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries or the ownership of their respective assets which (i) do not secure Indebtedness and (ii) do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of their respective assets or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of their respective businesses;

 

(i)                                     Any Lien on margin stock (as defined in Regulation U);

 

(j)                                    Liens for impositions or taxes either not yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

 

(k)                                 Liens not securing Indebtedness which are created by or relate to any legal proceedings which at the time are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

 

(l)                                     Any other statutory or inchoate Lien securing amounts other than Indebtedness which are not delinquent;

 

(m)                             Liens securing purchase money debt, or Indebtedness arising under Capitalized Leases; provided, however, that in each case any such Lien attaches only to the specific item(s) or property or asset(s) financed with such purchase money debt or Capitalized Lease; and

 

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(n)                                 Liens not otherwise permitted by the foregoing paragraphs of this subsection (ii) securing Indebtedness and other obligations in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed 15% of Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth.

 

Person” (whether or not capitalized) means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government, limited liability company, governmental agency or political subdivision thereof or other governmental authority, or any other form of entity.

 

Plan” means a Single Employer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan.

 

Platform” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.4.

 

PLC” means Protective Life Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its successors and permitted assigns.

 

PLICO” means Protective Life Insurance Company, a Tennessee corporation, and its successors and permitted assigns.

 

Prime Rate” shall be that rate announced by the Administrative Agent from time to time as its Prime Rate and is one of several interest rate bases used by the Administrative Agent.  The Lenders and the Administrative Agent lend at rates both above and below the Administrative Agent’s Prime Rate and the Borrowers acknowledge that the Prime Rate is not represented or intended to be the lowest or most favorable rate of interest offered by any Lender or Administrative Agent.

 

Principal Office” means, for the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank, such Person’s “Principal Office” as set forth on Appendix B, or such other office as it may from time to time designate in writing to the Borrowers and each Lender.

 

Property” of a Person means any and all property, whether real, personal, tangible, intangible, or mixed, of such Person, or other assets owned, leased or operated by such Person.

 

Rating Agencies” means S&P and Moody’s, as applicable.

 

Recipient” means (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Bank, as applicable.

 

Refunded Swingline Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.2(c).

 

Regions” means Regions Bank, an Alabama banking corporation, as a Lender, and its successors and assigns.

 

Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.

 

Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor or other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the extension of credit by banks for the

 

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purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stocks applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

 

Regulatory Change” means on or after the Closing Date, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change in any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof.

 

Reimbursement Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.4.

 

Related Parties” with respect to any Person, means such Person’s Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of it and its Affiliates.

 

Removal Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.2.

 

Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, the Lenders having more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate amount of the unfunded Commitments, the outstanding Loans and the Letter of Credit Obligations, or, if the Commitments have been terminated, Lenders holding in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations (including, in each case, the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in Letter of Credit Obligations and Swingline Loans); provided that the Commitments of, and the portion of the Loans held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

 

Requirement of Law” as to any Person, means the certificate of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any Law, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

Resignation Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.1.

 

Revolving Commitment” means the commitment of a Lender to make or otherwise fund any Revolving Loan and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder.  The amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment is set forth on Appendix A or in the applicable Assignment and Assumption, subject to any increase, adjustment or reduction pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.

 

Revolving Commitment Percentage” means, for each Lender, a fraction (expressed as a percentage carried to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.  The initial Revolving Commitment Percentages are set forth on Appendix A.

 

Revolving Commitment Period” means (i) in the case of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans, the period from and including the Closing Date to the Revolving Commitment Termination Date, and (ii) in the case of the Letters of Credit, the period from and including the

 

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issuance thereof to the earlier of the expiration date thereof and the date that is seven (7) days prior to the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

Revolving Commitment Termination Date” means the earliest to occur of (a) February 2, 2020; (b) the date the Revolving Commitments are permanently reduced to zero pursuant to Section 2.11.2; and (c) the date of the termination of the Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 7.1.

 

Revolving Loan” means a Loan made by a Lender to a Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1.1.

 

Revolving Loan Note” means a promissory note in the form of Exhibit 2.5.2A, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Revolving Obligations” means the Revolving Loans, the Letter of Credit Obligations and the Swingline Loans.

 

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw Hill Corporation, together with its successors.

 

Sanctioned Entity” means (a) a country or territory or a government of a country or territory, (b) an agency of the government of a country or territory, (c) an organization directly or indirectly controlled by a country or territory or its government, or (d) a person or entity resident in or determined to be resident in a country or territory, that is subject to a country sanctions program administered and enforced by OFAC.

 

Sanctioned Person” means a person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals maintained by OFAC or any other similar list maintained by OFAC which is applicable to the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries.

 

SAP” means, with respect to any Insurance Subsidiary, the statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance commissioner (or other similar authority) from time to time in the jurisdiction of incorporation of such Insurance Subsidiary for the preparation of annual statements and other financial reports by insurance companies of the same type as such Insurance Subsidiary.

 

Section” means a numbered section of this Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.

 

Short-Term Indebtedness” means all indebtedness that by its terms matures within one year from and that is not renewable at the option of the obligor to a date later than one year after, the date such indebtedness was incurred.  Any indebtedness which is extended or renewed (other than pursuant to the option of the obligor) shall be deemed to have been incurred at the date of such extension or renewal.

 

Significant Insurance Subsidiary” means any Significant Subsidiary that is an Insurance Subsidiary.

 

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Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which meets or exceeds any of the following conditions:

 

(1)           PLC’s and its other Subsidiaries’ investments in and advances to the Subsidiary exceed 10 percent of the total assets of PLC and its Subsidiaries consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; or

 

(2)           PLC’s and its other Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of the total assets (after intercompany eliminations) of the Subsidiary exceeds 10 percent of the total assets of PLC and its Subsidiaries consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; or

 

(3)           PLC’s and its other Subsidiaries’ equity in the income from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of the Subsidiary exceeds 10 percent of such income of PLC and its Subsidiaries consolidated for the most recently completed fiscal year.

 

Single Employer Plan” means a single employer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, that (i) is maintained for employees of PLC or an ERISA Affiliate and no Person other than PLC and its ERISA Affiliates or (ii) was so maintained and with respect to which PLC or an ERISA Affiliate could have liability under Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.

 

Site” means certain real property located in Birmingham, Alabama which generally comprises a building, related parking deck, and related furniture, equipment, fixtures and other improvements, located at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.

 

Solvent” with respect to any Person as of any date of determination, means that on such date, (a) the present fair salable value of the property and assets of such Person exceeds the debts and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the property and assets of the such Person is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts and other liabilities, including contingent liabilities, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to incur, or believe (nor should it reasonably believe) that it will incur, debts and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, beyond its ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they become absolute and matured, and (d) such Person does not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted.  The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by PLC.  A separate account established pursuant to SAP or any applicable insurance regulatory requirement shall be deemed not to be a Subsidiary.

 

Substantial Portion” means, with respect to the Property of PLC and its Subsidiaries, Property that (i) represents more than 10% of the consolidated assets of PLC and its Subsidiaries

 

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as would be shown in the consolidated financial statements of PLC and its Subsidiaries as at the beginning of the twelve-month period ending with the month in which such determination is made or (ii) is responsible for more than 10% of the consolidated net sales or of the consolidated net income of PLC and its Subsidiaries as reflected in the financial statements referred to in clause (i) above.

 

Surplus Note” means a promissory note executed by an Insurance Subsidiary of the type generally described in the insurance industry as a “surplus note”, the principal amount of which an insurance regulator permits the issuer to record as an addition to capital and surplus rather than as a liability in accordance with SAP.

 

Swingline Lender” means Regions Bank in its capacity as Swingline Lender hereunder, together with its permitted successors and assigns in such capacity.

 

Swingline Loan” means a Loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.2.1.

 

Swingline Note” means a promissory note in the form of Exhibit 2.5.2B, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Swingline Rate” means the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin applicable to Base Rate Loans.

 

Swingline Sublimit” means, at any time of determination, the lesser of (a) Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) and (b) the aggregate unused amount of Revolving Commitments then in effect.

 

Synthetic Lease Facility” means those documents pertaining to the synthetic lease facility for a building, related parking deck and related furniture, equipment, fixtures and other improvements in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama among Wachovia Development Corporation (as assignee of Wachovia Capital Investments, Inc.) as Lessor, Wells Fargo, National Association as successor in interest to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, PLICO as Lessee, and PLC as Guarantor, dated as of December 19, 2013, as amended from time to time.

 

Synthetic Lease Obligations” of a Person means the amount of the obligations of such Person under any lease that would not be shown as a liability, but would be treated as an operating lease, in accordance with GAAP, but which arise under a transaction in which the property subject to such lease is owned by the lessee for the purposes of the Code.  Obligations under the Synthetic Lease Facility are Synthetic Lease Obligations.

 

Taxes” means any and all present or future income, stamp or other taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges, fees or withholdings imposed, levied, withheld or assessed by any Governmental Authority, together with any interest, additions to tax or penalties imposed thereon and with respect thereto.

 

Type” means a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan.

 

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Unmatured Default” means an event that, but for the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a Default.

 

United States” or “U.S.” means the United States of America.

 

US Person” means any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19.6(b)(ii)(3).

 

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” means (i) any Subsidiary all of the outstanding voting securities of which shall at the time be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by PLC or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of PLC, or by PLC and one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of PLC, or (ii) any partnership, association, joint venture or similar business organization 100% of the ownership interests having ordinary voting power of which shall at the time be so owned or controlled.

 

1.2.                Rules of Interpretation.

 

1.2.1             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, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document 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 or in any other Credit Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Credit Document, shall be construed to refer to such Credit Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Credit Document to Sections, Exhibits, Appendices and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Sections of, and Exhibits, Appendices and Schedules to, the Credit Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) 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.

 

1.2.2             Computations of Time Periods.  Unless otherwise expressly indicated, in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”, the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”, and the word “through” means “to and including”.

 

1.2.3             Document Preparation.  This Agreement, the Fee Letters and the other Credit Documents are the result of negotiation among, and have been reviewed by counsel to, among

 

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others, the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers, and are the product of discussions and negotiations among all parties.  Accordingly, this Agreement and the other Credit Documents are not intended to be construed against the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any of the Lenders merely on account of the Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s involvement in the preparation of such documents.

 

1.2.4             Time.  Unless otherwise indicated, all references to a specific time shall be construed to Central Standard Time or Central Daylight Savings Time, as the case may be.  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to dollar amounts and “$” shall mean Dollars.

 

1.2.5             Letter of Credit Calculations.  Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time (after giving effect to any permanent reduction in the stated amount of such Letter of Credit pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit); provided, however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any letter of credit application or other issuer document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.

 

1.3.                Computations: Accounting Principles.  Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense is required to be determined, or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for the purposes of this Agreement, such determination or calculation, to the extent applicable and except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, shall be made in accordance with GAAP or SAP.  If a change in GAAP or SAP after the date of this Agreement would require a change affecting the calculation of any requirement under this Agreement, then the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers shall negotiate in good faith for the amendment of the affected requirements (which amendment shall be subject to the approval of the Required Lenders as provided for in Section 10.3.1); provided, however, until and unless such an amendment is agreed upon, the requirements of this Agreement shall remain as written and compliance therewith shall be determined according to GAAP or SAP, as applicable, in effect prior to the change.

 

ARTICLE II

 

CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

2.1.                Revolving Loans.

 

2.1.1             Making of Revolving Loans.  During the Revolving Commitment Period, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender severally agrees to make revolving loans in Dollars (each such loan, a “Revolving Loan”) to the Borrowers in an aggregate amount up to but not exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment; provided, that after giving effect to the making of any Revolving Loan, in no event shall the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Obligations exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.  Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1.1 may be repaid and reborrowed without premium or penalty (subject to Section

 

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2.17.3) during the Revolving Commitment Period.  The Revolving Loans may consist of Base Rate Loans, Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, or a combination thereof, as the Borrowers may request.  Each Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall expire on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date and all Revolving Loans and all other amounts owed hereunder with respect to the Revolving Loans and the Revolving Commitments shall be paid in full no later than such date.

 

2.1.2             Borrowing Mechanics for Revolving Loans.

 

(a)           Except pursuant to Section 2.2.2(c), all Revolving Loans shall be made in an aggregate minimum amount of $1,000,000 and integral multiples of $500,000 in excess of that amount or, if less, the amount of the unused Aggregate Revolving Commitment.

 

(b)           Whenever the Borrowers desire that the Lenders make a Revolving Loan, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a fully executed and delivered Funding Notice no later than (x) 12:00 p.m. at least three (3) Business Days in advance of the proposed Credit Date in the case of an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan and (y) 12:00 p.m. at least one (1) Business Day in advance of the proposed Credit Date in the case of a Loan that is a Base Rate Loan.  Except as otherwise provided herein, any Funding Notice for any Loans that are Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans shall be irrevocable on and after the related Interest Rate Determination Date, and the Borrowers shall be bound to make a borrowing in accordance therewith.

 

(c)           Notice of receipt of each Funding Notice in respect of each Revolving Loan, together with the amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage thereof, together with the applicable interest rate, shall be provided by the Administrative Agent to each Lender with reasonable promptness, but (provided the Administrative Agent shall have received such Funding Notice by 12:00 p.m.) not later than 3:00 p.m. on the same day as the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such Funding Notice from the Borrower.

 

(d)           Each Lender shall make its Revolving Commitment Percentage of the requested Revolving Loan available to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the applicable Credit Date by wire transfer of same day funds in Dollars, at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office.  Except as provided herein, upon satisfaction or waiver of the applicable conditions precedent specified herein, the Administrative Agent shall make the proceeds of such Revolving Loan available to the Borrowers on the applicable Credit Date by causing an amount of same day funds in Dollars equal to the aggregate amount received by the Administrative Agent from the Lenders in connection with such Revolving Loan to be credited to the account of the Borrowers at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office or such other account as may be designated in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Borrowers.

 

2.1.3             Increase in Aggregate Revolving Commitments.  The Borrowers may, at any time and from time to time, upon prior written notice by the Borrowers to the Administrative

 

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Agent, increase the Aggregate Revolving Commitments (but not the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swingline Sublimit) subject to the following:

 

(a)           the aggregate principal amount of any increases in the Revolving Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.1.3 shall not exceed Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000);

 

(b)           the Borrowers may, at any time and from time to time, upon prior written notice by the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent increase the Aggregate Revolving Commitments (but not the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swingline Sublimit) with additional Revolving Commitments from any existing Lender with a Revolving Commitment or new Revolving Commitments from any other Person selected by the Borrowers and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank; provided that:

 

(i)            any such increase shall be in a minimum principal amount of $10,000,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof;

 

(ii)           no Unmatured Default or Default shall exist before and immediately after giving effect to such increase;

 

(iii)          the Borrowers shall be in compliance, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the incurrence of any such increase in the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, with the financial covenants set forth in Article V, recomputed as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.1;

 

(iv)          no existing Lender shall be under any obligation to increase its Revolving Commitment and any such decision whether to increase its Revolving  Commitment shall be in such Lender’s sole and absolute discretion;

 

(v)           (1) any new Lender providing a Revolving Commitment in connection with any increase in Aggregate Revolving Commitments shall join this Agreement by executing such joinder documents reasonably required by the Administrative Agent and/or (2) any existing Lender electing to increase its Revolving Commitment shall have executed a commitment agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(vi)          any such increase in the Revolving Commitments shall be subject to receipt by the Administrative Agent of a certificate of the Borrowers dated as of the date of such increase signed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrowers (x) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by the Borrowers approving or consenting to such increase, and (y) certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (i) the representations and warranties contained in Article IV and the other Credit Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such increase, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes

 

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of this Section 2.1.3, the representations and warranties contained in Sections 4.4 and 4.5 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to Section 5.1, and (ii) no Unmatured Default or Default exists; and

 

(vii)         to the extent that the joinder or commitment agreements described in subparagraph (v) above provide for an applicable margin of, and/or facility fee for, additional Revolving Commitments greater than the Applicable Margin and/or Facility Fee with respect to the existing Revolving Commitments at such time, the Applicable Margin and/or the Facility Fee (as applicable) for the existing Revolving Commitments shall be increased automatically (without the consent of Required Lenders) such that the Applicable Margin and/or the Facility Fee (as applicable) for such existing Revolving Commitments is not less than the applicable margin and/or the facility fee (as applicable) for such additional Revolving Commitments.

 

The Borrowers shall prepay any Revolving Loans owing under this Agreement on the date of any such increase in the Revolving Commitments to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Revolving Loans ratable with any revised Revolving Commitments arising from any nonratable increase in the Revolving Commitments under this Section.

 

2.2.                Swingline Loans.

 

2.2.1             Making of Swingline Loans and Purchases of Participations Therein.  During the Revolving Commitment Period, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swingline Lender may, in its sole but reasonable discretion, make Swingline Loans to the Borrowers in the aggregate amount up to but not exceeding the Swingline Sublimit; provided, that after giving effect to the making of any Swingline Loan, in no event shall the Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Obligations exceed the Revolving Commitments then in effect.  Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.2.1 may be repaid and reborrowed during the Revolving Commitment Period.  The Swingline Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall expire on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date and all Swingline Loans and all other amounts owed hereunder with respect to the Swingline Loans and the Revolving Commitments shall be paid in full no later than such date.

 

2.2.2             Borrowing Mechanics for Swingline Loans.

 

(a)           Whenever the Borrowers desire that the Swingline Lender make a Swingline Loan, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a Funding Notice no later than 11:00 a.m. on the proposed Credit Date.

 

(b)           The Swingline Lender shall make the amount of its Swingline Loan available to the Administrative Agent not later than 2:00 p.m. on the applicable Credit Date by wire transfer of same day funds in Dollars, at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office.  Except as provided herein, upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent specified herein, the Administrative Agent shall make the proceeds of such Swingline Loans available to the Borrowers on the applicable Credit Date by causing an amount of same day funds in Dollars equal to the amount received by the Administrative

 

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Agent from the Swingline Lender in connection with such Swingline Loan to be credited to the account of the Borrowers at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office, or to such other account as may be designated in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Borrowers.  Each Swingline Loan shall be made in a minimum amount of $100,000.

 

(c)           With respect to any Swingline Loans which have not been voluntarily prepaid by the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.11.1, the Swingline Lender may at any time in its sole and absolute discretion, deliver to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Borrowers), no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day of the proposed Credit Date, a notice (which shall be deemed to be a Funding Notice given by the Borrowers) requesting that each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment make Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans to the Borrowers on such Credit Date in accordance with its respective Revolving Commitment Percentage in an amount equal to all or any portion of the amount of such Swingline Loans (the “Refunded Swingline Loans”) outstanding on the date such notice is given which the Swingline Lender requests the Lenders to prepay.  Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) the proceeds of such Revolving Loans made by the Lenders other than the Swingline Lender shall be immediately delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Swingline Lender (and not to the Borrowers) and applied to repay a corresponding portion of the Refunded Swingline Loans and (2) on the day such Revolving Loans are made, the Swingline Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Refunded Swingline Loans shall be deemed to be paid with the proceeds of a Revolving Loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrowers, and such portion of the Swingline Loans deemed to be so paid shall no longer be outstanding as Swingline Loans and shall no longer be due under the Swingline Note of the Swingline Lender but shall instead constitute part of the Swingline Lender’s outstanding Revolving Loans to the Borrowers and shall be due under the Revolving Loan Note issued by the Borrowers to the Swingline Lender.  The Borrowers hereby authorize the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender to charge the Borrowers’ accounts with the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender (up to the amount available in each such account) in order to immediately pay the Swingline Lender the amount of the Refunded Swingline Loans to the extent of the proceeds of such Revolving Loans made by the Lenders, including the Revolving Loans deemed to be made by the Swingline Lender, are insufficient to repay in full the Refunded Swingline Loans.  If any portion of any such amount paid (or deemed to be paid) to the Swingline Lender should be recovered by or on behalf of the Borrowers from the Swingline Lender in bankruptcy, by assignment for the benefit of creditors or otherwise, the loss of the amount so recovered shall be ratably shared among all Lenders in the manner contemplated by Section 2.14.

 

(d)           If for any reason Revolving Loans are not made pursuant to Section 2.2.2(c) in an amount sufficient to repay any amounts owed to the Swingline Lender in respect of any outstanding Swingline Loans on or before the third Business Day after demand for payment thereof by the Swingline Lender, each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall be deemed to, and hereby agrees to, have purchased a participation in such outstanding Swingline Loans, and in an amount equal to its Revolving Commitment Percentage of the applicable unpaid amount together with accrued interest thereon.  On the Business Day that notice is provided by the Swingline

 

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Lender (or by the 10:00 a.m. on the following Business Day if such notice is provided after 1:00 p.m.), each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall deliver to the Swingline Lender an amount equal to its respective participation in the applicable unpaid amount in same day funds at the Principal Office of the Swingline Lender.  In order to evidence such participation each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment agrees to enter into a participation agreement at the request of the Swingline Lender in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Swingline Lender.  In the event any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment fails to make available to the Swingline Lender the amount of such Lender’s participation as provided in this paragraph, the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon for three (3) Business Days at the rate customarily used by the Swingline Lender for the correction of errors among banks and thereafter at the Base Rate, as applicable.

 

(e)           Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, (i) each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans for the purpose of repaying any Refunded Swingline Loans pursuant to subparagraph (i) above and each Lender’s obligation to purchase a participation in any unpaid Swingline Loans pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (1) any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swingline Lender, any Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (2) the occurrence or continuation of an Unmatured Default or Default; (3) any adverse change in the business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of any Borrower; (4) any breach of this Agreement or any other Credit Document by any party thereto; or (5) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that such obligations of each Lender are subject to the condition that the Swingline Lender had not received prior notice from the Borrowers or the Required Lenders that any of the conditions under Section 3.2 to the making of the applicable Refunded Swingline Loans or other unpaid Swingline Loans were not satisfied at the time such Refunded Swingline Loans or other unpaid Swingline Loans were made; and (ii) the Swingline Lender shall not be obligated to make any Swingline Loans (1) if it has elected not to do so after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Unmatured Default or Default, or (2) it does not in good faith believe that all conditions under Section 3.2 to the making of such Swingline Loan have been satisfied or waived by the Required Lenders.

 

2.3.                Issuances of Letters of Credit and Purchase of Participations Therein.

 

2.3.1             Letters of Credit.  During the Revolving Commitment Period, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Issuing Bank agrees to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries in the aggregate amount up to but not exceeding the Letter of Credit Sublimit; provided, (a) each Letter of Credit shall be denominated in Dollars; (b) the stated amount of each Letter of Credit shall not be less than $50,000 or such lesser amount as is reasonably acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank; (c) after giving effect to such issuance, in no event shall the Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Obligations exceed the Revolving Commitments then in effect; (d) after giving effect to such issuance, in no event shall

 

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the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit then in effect; and (e) in no event shall any Letter of Credit have an expiration date later than the earlier of (i) seven (7) days prior to the Revolving Commitment Termination Date, and (ii) the date which is one (1) year from the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit.  Subject to the foregoing (other than clause (e)) any Issuing Bank may agree that a Letter of Credit will automatically be extended for one or more successive periods not to exceed one (1) year each, unless such Issuing Bank elects not to extend for any such additional period; provided, no Issuing Bank shall be required to extend any such Letter of Credit if it has received written notice that a Default has occurred and is continuing at the time such Issuing Bank must elect to allow such extension; provided, further, in the event that any Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender, unless the applicable Issuing Bank has entered into arrangements satisfactory to such Issuing Bank (in its sole discretion) with the Borrowers or such Defaulting Lender to eliminate such Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender (after giving effect to Section 2.16.1(d) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender), including by Cash Collateralizing such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agents, such Issuing Bank shall not be obligated to issue or extend any Letter of Credit hereunder.  The Issuing Bank may send a Letter of Credit or conduct any communication to or from the beneficiary via the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) message or overnight courier, or any other commercially reasonable means of communicating with a beneficiary.  Each Letter of Credit specified as a “Credit for Reinsurance Letter of Credit” in the Issuance Notice delivered by Borrowers shall be in the Issuing Bank’s standard form for letters of credit qualifying for credit for reinsurance under applicable state insurance laws and regulation, with such changes as mutually agreed by the Issuing Bank and the Borrowers, and shall satisfy the requirements for letters of credit under the credit for reinsurance provisions of the insurance laws and regulations of the jurisdiction of domicile of the beneficiary thereof as to which the Borrowers provide written notice to the Issuing Bank prior to the date of issuance (each such Letter of Credit a “Credit for Reinsurance Letter of Credit”); provided that the Issuing Bank shall not be obligated to verify such satisfaction.

 

2.3.2             Notice of Issuance.  Whenever the Borrowers desire the issuance of a Letter of Credit, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Issuance Notice together with other standard documentation required by the applicable Issuing Bank that, among other things, identifies the Issuing Bank that Borrowers have selected to issue the requested Letter of Credit, no later than 12:00 p.m. at least three (3) Business Days or such shorter period as may be agreed to by such Issuing Bank in any particular instance, in advance of the proposed date of issuance.  Upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 3.2, the selected Issuing Bank shall issue the requested Letter of Credit in accordance with such Issuing Bank’s standard operating procedures.  Upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit or amendment or modification to a Letter of Credit, the applicable Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such issuance, which notice shall be accompanied by a copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment or modification to a Letter of Credit.  Upon receipt of such notice and documentation from such Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent shall promptly forward such notice and documentation to each Lender together with the amount of such Lender’s respective participation in such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.3.5.  Except for Letters of Credit issued for the account of PLICO, PLC shall be the account party for each Letter of Credit, including Letters of

 

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Credit issuable to a beneficiary having a claim or potential claim against a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of PLC.

 

2.3.3             Responsibility of Issuing Banks With Respect to Requests for Drawings and Payments.  In determining whether to honor any drawing under any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, the applicable Issuing Bank shall be responsible only to examine the documents delivered under such Letter of Credit with reasonable care so as to ascertain whether they appear on their face to be in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit.  As between the Borrowers and any Issuing Bank, the Borrowers assume all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, by the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, no Issuing Bank shall be responsible for: (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for and issuance of any such Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) failure of the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit to comply fully with any conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; or (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of such Issuing Bank, including any Governmental Acts; none of the above shall affect or impair, or prevent the vesting of, any Issuing Bank’s rights or powers hereunder.  Without limiting the foregoing and in furtherance thereof, any action taken or omitted by any Issuing Bank under or in connection with the Letters of Credit or any documents and certificates delivered thereunder, if taken or omitted in good faith, shall not give rise to any liability on the part of such Issuing Bank to any Borrower.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.3.3, the Borrowers shall retain any and all rights they may have against any Issuing Bank for any liability arising solely out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Issuing Bank, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order.

 

2.3.4             Reimbursement by the Borrowers of Amounts Drawn or Paid Under Letters of Credit.  In the event an Issuing Bank has determined to honor a drawing under a Letter of Credit, it shall immediately notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, and the Borrowers shall reimburse such Issuing Bank through the Administrative Agent on or before the Business Day immediately following the date on which such drawing is honored (the “Reimbursement Date”) in an amount in Dollars and in same day funds equal to the amount of such honored drawing together with interest as provided for in Section 2.7.6; provided, anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) unless the Borrowers shall have notified the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank prior to 10:00 a.m. on the date such drawing is honored that the Borrowers intend to reimburse such Issuing Bank through the Administrative Agent for the amount of such honored drawing with funds other than the proceeds of Revolving Loans, the

 

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Borrowers shall be deemed to have given a timely Funding Notice to the Administrative Agent requesting the Lenders to make Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans on the Reimbursement Date in an amount in Dollars equal to the amount of such honored drawing, and (b) subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions specified in Section 3.2, the Lenders shall, on the Reimbursement Date, make Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans in the amount of such honored drawing, the proceeds of which shall be applied directly by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank for the amount of such honored drawing; and provided further, if for any reason proceeds of Revolving Loans are not received by the applicable Issuing Bank on the Reimbursement Date in an amount equal to the amount of such honored drawing, the Borrowers shall reimburse such Issuing Bank, on demand, in an amount in same day funds equal to the excess of the amount of such honored drawing over the aggregate amount of such Revolving Loans, if any, which are so received.  Nothing in this Section 2.3.4 shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to make Revolving Loans on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and the Borrowers shall retain any and all rights they may have against any Lender resulting from the failure of such Lender to make such Revolving Loans under this Section 2.3.4.

 

2.3.5             Lenders’ Purchase of Participations in Letters of Credit.  Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender having a Revolving Commitment shall be deemed to have purchased, and hereby agrees to irrevocably purchase, from the applicable Issuing Bank a participation in such Letter of Credit and any drawings honored thereunder in an amount equal to such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage (with respect to the Revolving Commitments) of the maximum amount which is or at any time may become available to be drawn thereunder.  In the event that the Borrowers shall fail for any reason to reimburse an Issuing Bank as provided in Section 2.3.4, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the unreimbursed amount of such honored drawing and of such Lender’s respective participation therein based on such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage.  Each Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank an amount equal to its respective participation, in Dollars and in same day funds, at the Principal Office of the Administrative Agent, not later than 11:00 a.m. on the first Business Day after the date notified by the Administrative Agent.  In the event that any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent on such Business Day the amount of such Lender’s participation in such Letter of Credit as provided in this Section 2.3.5, such Issuing Bank shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon for three (3) Business Days at the rate customarily used by the applicable Issuing Bank for the correction of errors among banks and thereafter at the Base Rate.  Nothing in this Section 2.3.5 shall be deemed to prejudice the right of any Lender to recover from any Issuing Bank any amounts made available by such Lender to such Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section in the event that it is determined that the payment with respect to a Letter of Credit in respect of which payment was made by such Lender constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of such Issuing Bank, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order.  In the event an Issuing Bank shall have been reimbursed by other Lenders pursuant to this Section 2.3.5 through the Administrative Agent for all or any portion of any drawing honored by such Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Bank shall distribute to each Lender which has paid all amounts payable by it under this Section 2.3.5 with respect to such honored drawing such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of all payments subsequently received by the Administrative Agent for the account of

 

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the Issuing Bank from the Borrowers in reimbursement of such honored drawing when such payments are received.  Any such distribution shall be made to a Lender at its primary address set forth below its name on Appendix B or at such other address as such Lender may request.

 

2.3.6             Obligations Absolute.  The obligation of the Borrowers to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank for drawings honored under the Letters of Credit issued by it and to repay any Revolving Loans made by the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.3.4 and the obligations of the Lenders under Section 2.3.5 shall be unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms hereof under all circumstances including any of the following circumstances: (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the Credit Documents or any Letter of Credit; (b) the existence of any claim, set off, defense (other than that such drawing has been repaid) or other right which the Borrowers or any Lender may have at any time against a beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Persons for whom any such transferee may be acting), any Issuing Bank, a Lender or any other Person or, in the case of a Lender, against the Borrowers, whether in connection herewith, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction (including any underlying transaction between the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries and the beneficiary for which any Letter of Credit was procured); (c) any draft or other document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; (d) payment by any Issuing Bank under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document which does not substantially comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; (e) any adverse change in the business, operations, properties, assets, or financial condition of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries; (f) any breach hereof or any other Credit Document by any party thereto; (g) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; or (h) the fact that a Default or an Unmatured Default shall have occurred and be continuing; provided, in each case, that payment by the applicable Issuing Bank under the applicable Letter of Credit shall not have constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Issuing Bank under the circumstances in question, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order.

 

2.3.7             Indemnification.  Without duplication of any obligation of the Borrowers under Section 10.26, in addition to amounts payable as provided herein, each of the Borrowers hereby agrees, on a joint and several basis, to protect, indemnify, pay and save harmless each Issuing Bank from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, expenses and disbursements of counsel) which each Issuing Bank may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect, of (a) the issuance of any Letter of Credit by such Issuing Bank, other than as a result of (i) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Issuing Bank, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order, or (ii) the wrongful dishonor by such Issuing Bank of a proper demand for payment made under any Letter of Credit issued by it, or (b) the failure of such Issuing Bank to honor a drawing under any such Letter of Credit as a result of any Governmental Act.

 

2.3.8             Applicability of ISP and UCP.  Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the applicable Issuing Bank and the Borrowers when a Letter of Credit is issued, (a) the rules of the ISP shall apply to each Letter of Credit and (b) the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for

 

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Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time of issuance shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.

 

2.3.9             Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary of either Borrower, Borrowers shall be obligated to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit subject to the terms of Section 2.21 with respect to PLICO.  Borrowers hereby acknowledge that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of the Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of Borrowers, and that Borrowers’ business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.

 

2.4.                Pro Rata Shares; Availability of Funds.

 

2.4.1             Pro Rata Shares.  All Loans shall be made, and all participations purchased, by the Lenders simultaneously and proportionately to their respective Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Loans, it being understood that no Lender shall be responsible for any default by any other Lender in such other Lender’s obligation to make a Loan requested hereunder or purchase a participation required hereby nor shall any Revolving Commitment, or the portion of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans, of any Lender be increased or decreased as a result of a default by any other Lender in such other Lender’s obligation to make a Loan requested hereunder or purchase a participation required hereby.

 

2.4.2             Availability of Funds.

 

(a)           Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing (or, in the case of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 11:00 a.m. on the date of such Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.1.2 or, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.1.2 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrowers a corresponding amount.  In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrowers severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrowers to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrowers, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans, plus, in either case, any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith.  If the Borrowers and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrowers the amount of such interest paid by the Borrowers for such period.  If such Lender pays its share of the applicable

 

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Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.  Any payment by the Borrowers shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrowers may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

 

(b)           Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrowers prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or any Issuing Bank hereunder that the Borrowers will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or each applicable Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due.  In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or each applicable Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, in immediately available funds 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 the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

Notices given by the Administrative Agent under this Section 2.4.2 shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

2.5.                Evidence of Debt; Register; Lenders’ Books and Records; Notes.

 

2.5.1             Lenders’ Evidence of Debt.  Each Lender shall maintain on its internal records an account or accounts evidencing the Obligations of the Borrowers to such Lender, including the amounts of the Loans made by it and each repayment and prepayment in respect thereof.  Any such recordation shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrowers, absent manifest error; provided, that the failure to make any such recordation, or any error in such recordation, shall not affect any Lender’s Commitment or the Borrowers’ obligations in respect of any applicable Loans; and provided, further, in the event of any inconsistency between the Register and any Lender’s records, the recordations in the Register shall govern in the absence of demonstrable error therein.

 

2.5.2             Notes.  The Borrowers shall execute and deliver to each (i) Lender on the Closing Date, (ii) Person who is a permitted assignee of such Lender pursuant to Section 9.2 and (iii) Person who becomes a Lender in accordance with Section 2.1.3, in each case to the extent requested by such Person, a Note or Notes to evidence such Person’s portion of the Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans, as applicable.

 

2.6.                Scheduled Principal Payments.

 

2.6.1             Revolving Loans.  The principal amount of Revolving Loans is due and payable in full on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

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2.6.2             Swingline Loans.  The principal amount of the Swingline Loans is due and payable in full on the earlier to occur of (i) the date of demand by the Swingline Lender and (ii) the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

2.7.                Interest on Loans.

 

2.7.1             Interest Rate.  Except as otherwise set forth herein, each Loan shall bear interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof from the date made through repayment (whether by acceleration or otherwise) thereof as follows:

 

(a)           in the case of Revolving Loans:

 

(i)            if a Base Rate Loan (including a Base Rate Loan referencing the LIBOR Index Rate), the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin; or

 

(ii)           if an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, the Adjusted LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin; and

 

(b)           in the case of Swingline Loans, at the Swingline Rate.

 

2.7.2             Determination of Interest Rate.  The basis for determining the rate of interest with respect to any Loan (except a Swingline Loan, which may only be made and maintained at the Swingline Rate (unless and until converted into a Revolving Loan pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof), and the Interest Period with respect to any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, shall be selected by the Borrowers and notified to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice, as the case may be.  If on any day a Loan is outstanding with respect to which a Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice has not been delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms hereof specifying the applicable basis for determining the rate of interest, then for that day (a) if such Loan is an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, such Loan shall become a Base Rate Loan and (b) if such Loan is a Base Rate Loan, such Loan shall remain a Base Rate Loan.

 

2.7.3             Failure to Specify Rate.  In connection with Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, there shall be no more than five (5) Interest Periods outstanding at any time.  In the event the Borrowers fail to specify between a Base Rate Loan or an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan in the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice, such Loan (a) if outstanding as an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, will be automatically continued as an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, with an Interest Period of the same duration as the current Interest Period of the Loan being continued, on the last day of the then current Interest Period for such Loan, and (b) if outstanding as a Base Rate Loan will remain as, or (if not then outstanding) will be made as, a Base Rate Loan.  In the event the Borrowers fail to specify an Interest Period for any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan in the applicable Funding Notice, the Borrowers shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one (1) month.  As soon as practicable after 9:00 a.m. on each Interest Rate Determination Date, the Administrative Agent shall determine (which determination shall, absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties) the interest rate that shall apply to each of the LIBOR Loans for which an interest rate is then being determined (and for the applicable Interest Period in the case of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans)

 

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and shall promptly give notice thereof (in writing or by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrowers and each Lender.

 

2.7.4             Calculation of Interest.  Interest payable pursuant to this Section 2.7 shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days for the actual number of days elapsed in the period during which it accrues.  In computing interest on any Loan, the date of the making of such Loan or the first day of an Interest Period applicable to such Loan or, with respect to a Base Rate Loan being converted from a LIBOR Loan, the date of conversion of such LIBOR Loan to such Base Rate Loan, as the case may be, shall be included, and the date of payment of principal or interest on such Loan or the expiration date of an Interest Period applicable to such Loan or, with respect to a Base Rate Loan being converted to a LIBOR Loan, the date of conversion of such Base Rate Loan to such LIBOR Loan, as the case may be, shall be excluded; provided, if the principal amount of a Loan is repaid on the same day on which it is made, one (1) day’s interest shall be paid on that Loan.

 

2.7.5             Interest Payable in Arrears.  Except as otherwise set forth herein, interest on each Loan shall accrue on a daily basis and accrued and unpaid interest shall be payable in arrears (a) on each Interest Payment Date applicable to that Loan; (b) upon any prepayment of that Loan (other than a voluntary prepayment of a Revolving Loan which interest shall be payable in accordance with clause (a) above), to the extent accrued on the amount being prepaid; and (c) at maturity, including final maturity.

 

2.7.6             Interest Due Issuing Banks.  The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, with respect to drawings honored under any Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, interest on the amount paid by the Issuing Bank in respect of each such honored drawing from the date such drawing is honored to but excluding the date such amount is reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrowers at a rate equal to (a) for the period from the date such drawing is honored to but excluding the applicable Reimbursement Date, the rate of interest otherwise payable hereunder with respect to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans, and (b) thereafter, without duplication of any Default Rate interest that may be payable under this Agreement, a rate which is the lesser of (i) 2% per annum in excess of the rate of interest otherwise payable hereunder with respect to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans, and (ii) the Maximum Lawful Rate.

 

2.7.7             Interest Distributed by Issuing Banks.  Interest payable pursuant to Section 2.7.6 shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days, for the actual number of days elapsed in the period during which it accrues, and shall be payable on demand or, if no demand is made, on the Reimbursement Date for the related drawing under a Letter of Credit.  In the event the Issuing Bank shall have been reimbursed by the Lenders through the Administrative Agent for all or any portion of such honored drawing, the Administrative Agent shall distribute to each Lender which has paid all amounts payable by it under Section 2.3.5 with respect to such honored drawing such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of any interest received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Bank in respect of that portion of such honored drawing so reimbursed by the Lenders for the period from the date on which the Issuing Bank was so reimbursed by the Lenders to but excluding the date on which such portion of such honored drawing is reimbursed by the Borrowers.

 

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2.8.                Conversion/Continuation.

 

2.8.1             Options to Convert/Continue.  So long as no Unmatured Default or Default shall have occurred and then be continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrowers shall have the option:

 

(a)           to convert at any time all or any part of any Loan equal to $100,000 and integral multiples of $50,000 in excess of that amount from one Type of Loan to another Type of Loan; provided, an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan may only be converted on the expiration of the Interest Period applicable to such Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan unless the Borrowers shall pay all amounts due under Section 2.17.3 in connection with any such conversion; or

 

(b)           upon the expiration of any Interest Period applicable to any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, to continue all or any portion of such Loan as an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan.

 

2.8.2             Conversion/Continuation Notice.  The Borrowers shall deliver a Conversion/Continuation Notice to the Administrative Agent no later than 12:00 p.m. at least three (3) Business Days in advance of the proposed Conversion/Continuation Date (except for any conversion from an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan, which shall be no later than 12:00 p.m. at least one (1) Business Day in advance of the proposed Conversion/Continuation Date).  Except as otherwise provided herein, a Conversion/Continuation Notice for conversion to, or continuation of, any LIBOR Loans (or telephonic notice in lieu thereof) shall be irrevocable on and after the related Interest Rate Determination Date, and the Borrowers shall be bound to effect a conversion or continuation in accordance therewith.

 

2.9.                Default Rate of Interest.

 

2.9.1             Principal Due.  If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

 

2.9.2             Other Amounts Due.  If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by the Borrowers under any Credit Document is not paid when due (after the expiration of any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then at the request of the Required Lenders, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

 

2.9.3             Bankruptcy Defaults.  During the continuance of a Default under Section 6.6 or Section 6.7, the Borrowers shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

 

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2.9.4           Other Defaults.  During the continuance of a Default other than a Default under Section 6.6 or Section 6.7, the Borrowers shall, at the request of the Required Lenders, pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

 

2.9.5           Past Due Amounts.  Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

 

2.9.6           No Permitted Alternative.  In the case of any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, upon the expiration of the Interest Period in effect at the time the Default Rate is effective, each such Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan shall thereupon become a Base Rate Loan and shall thereafter bear interest at the Default Rate then in effect for Base Rate Loans.  Payment or acceptance of the increased rates of interest provided for in this Section 2.9 is not a permitted alternative to timely payment and shall not constitute a waiver of any Default or otherwise prejudice or limit any rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

 

2.10.           Fees.

 

2.10.1         Facility Fee.  The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Revolving Commitment Percentage, a facility fee (the “Facility Fee”) equal to the applicable Facility Fee Rate (set forth in the definition of the term “Applicable Margin”) of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, subject to adjustments as provided in Section 2.16.  The Facility Fee shall accrue at all times during the Revolving Commitment Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article III is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date; provided that (1) no Facility Fee shall accrue on any of the Revolving Commitment of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender except as otherwise provided in Section 2.16.1(c)(ii)and (2) any Facility Fee accrued with respect to the Revolving Commitment of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender.  The Facility Fee is not refundable or proratable.

 

2.10.2         Letter of Credit Fees.  The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Revolving Commitment Percentage a Letter of Credit fee for each Letter of Credit equal to the applicable Letter of Credit Fee (set forth in the definition of the term “Applicable Margin”) multiplied by the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (the “Letter of Credit Fee”).  For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.2.5.  The Letter of Credit Fee shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears, and shall be due and payable on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the expiration date thereof and thereafter on demand; provided that (i) no Letter of Credit Fee shall accrue in favor of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender except as otherwise provided in Section

 

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2.16.1(c)(ii) and (ii) any Letter of Credit Fee accrued in favor of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrowers so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender.  If there is any change in the Applicable Margin during any quarter, the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Margin separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Margin was in effect.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, during the continuance of a Default under Sections 6.6 and 6.7, the Letter of Credit Fee shall accrue at the Default Rate, and during the continuance of a Default other than a Default under Sections 6.6 or 6.7, then upon the request of the Required Lenders, the Letter of Credit Fee shall accrue at the Default Rate.

 

2.10.3         Fronting Fee and Other Fees Payable to an Issuing Bank.  The Borrowers shall pay directly to each Issuing Bank for its own account a fronting fee at the rate per annum agreed upon by the Borrowers and such Issuing Bank, computed on a basis to be determined by the Borrowers and such Issuing Bank.  Such fronting fee shall be due and payable on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December in respect of the most recently ended quarterly period (or portion thereof, in the case of the first payment), commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on its expiration date and thereafter on demand.  For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.2.5.  In addition, the Borrowers shall pay directly to the Issuing Bank for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the Issuing Bank relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect.  Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.

 

2.10.4         Other Fees.  The Borrowers shall pay to the Joint Arrangers and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letters.  Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever, except to the extent set forth in the Fee Letters.

 

2.11.           Prepayments/Commitment Reductions.

 

2.11.1         Voluntary Prepayments.

 

(a)           Any time and from time to time, the Loans may be repaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty (subject to Section 2.17):

 

(i)            with respect to Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans referencing the LIBOR Index Rate), the Borrowers may prepay any such Loans on any Business Day in whole or in part, in an aggregate minimum amount of $500,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess of that amount, or, if less, the full Outstanding Amount thereof;

 

(ii)           with respect to Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, the Borrowers may prepay any such Loans on any Business Day in whole or in part (together with any amounts due pursuant to Section 2.17.3) in an aggregate minimum amount of

 

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$500,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess of that amount, or, if less, the full Outstanding Amount thereof; and

 

(iii)          with respect to Swingline Loans, the Borrowers may prepay any such Loans on any Business Day in whole or in part in any amount;

 

(b)           All such prepayments shall be made:

 

(i)            upon written or telephonic notice on or before the date of prepayment in the case of Base Rate Loans or Swingline Loans; and

 

(ii)           upon not less than three (3) Business Days’ prior written or telephonic notice in the case of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans;

 

in each case given to the Administrative Agent, or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, by 10:00 a.m. on the date required and, if given by telephone, promptly confirmed in writing to the Administrative Agent (and the Administrative Agent will promptly transmit such telephonic or original notice for a Credit Extension by telefacsimile or telephone to each Lender).  Upon the giving of any such notice, the principal amount of the Loans specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the prepayment date specified therein, unless such notice is cancelled or revoked by Borrowers no later than one Business Day prior to such prepayment date.  Any such voluntary prepayment shall be applied as specified in Section 2.12.1.

 

2.11.2         Voluntary Commitment Reductions.

 

(a)           The Borrowers may, from time to time upon not less than three (3) Business Days’ prior written or telephonic notice confirmed in writing to the Administrative Agent (which original written or telephonic notice the Administrative Agent will promptly transmit by telefacsimile or telephone to each applicable Lender), at any time and from time to time terminate in whole or permanently reduce in part (i) the Revolving Commitments (ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentage); provided, (i) any such partial reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount, (ii) the Borrowers shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the aggregate Outstanding Amount exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitments and (iii) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit and/or the Swingline Sublimit exceed the amount of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit and/or the Swingline Sublimit, as applicable, shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess.

 

(b)           The Borrowers’ notice to the Administrative Agent shall designate the date (which shall be a Business Day) of such termination or reduction and the amount of any partial reduction, and such termination or reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be effective on the date specified in the Borrowers’ notice and shall reduce the Revolving Commitments of each Lender proportionately to its Revolving Commitment

 

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Percentage thereof, unless such notice is cancelled or revoked by Borrowers no later than one Business Day prior to such prepayment date.

 

2.11.3         Mandatory Prepayments.  If at any time the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrowers that (i) the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Obligations shall exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, (ii) the Outstanding Amount of Letter of Credit Obligations shall exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit, or (iii) the Outstanding Amount of Swingline Loans shall exceed the Swingline Sublimit, immediate prepayment will be made on or in respect of the Revolving Obligations in an amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that, except with respect to subparagraph (ii), Letter of Credit Obligations will not be Cash Collateralized hereunder until the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans have been paid in full.

 

2.12.           Application of Prepayments.  Within each Loan, prepayments will be applied first to Base Rate Loans, then to LIBOR Loans in direct order of Interest Period maturities.  In addition:

 

2.12.1         Voluntary Prepayments.  Voluntary prepayments will be applied as specified by the Borrowers.

 

2.12.2         Mandatory Prepayments.  Mandatory prepayments in respect of the Revolving Commitments under Section 2.11.3 above shall be applied to the respective Revolving Obligations as appropriate but without a permanent reduction thereof.

 

2.12.3         Payment to Lenders.  Prepayments on the Obligations will be paid by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective interests therein (except for Defaulting Lenders where their share will be applied as provided in Section 2.16.1 hereof).

 

2.13.           General Provisions Regarding Payments.

 

2.13.1         Auto Debit.  All payments by the Borrowers of principal, interest, fees and other Obligations hereunder or under any other Credit Document shall be made in Dollars in immediately available funds, without defense, recoupment, setoff or counterclaim, free of any restriction or condition.  The Administrative Agent shall, and the Borrowers hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to, debit a deposit account of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries held with the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates and designated for such purpose by the Borrowers or such Subsidiary in order to cause timely payment to be made to the Administrative Agent of all principal, interest and fees due hereunder or under any other Credit Document (subject to sufficient funds being available in its accounts for that purpose).

 

2.13.2         Time for Payments.  In the event that the Administrative Agent is unable to debit a deposit account of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries held with the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in accordance with Section 2.13.1 in order to cause timely payment to be made to the Administrative Agent of all principal, interest and fees due hereunder or any other Credit Document (including because insufficient funds are available in its accounts for that purpose), payments hereunder and under any other Credit Document shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Lenders, not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date due at the Principal Office of the Administrative Agent or via wire transfer of

 

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immediately available funds to an account designated by the Administrative Agent (or at such other location as may be designated in writing by the Administrative Agent from time to time); for purposes of computing interest and fees, funds received by the Administrative Agent after that time on such due date shall be deemed to have been paid by the Borrowers on the next Business Day.

 

2.13.3         Payments Applied to Interest First.  All payments in respect of the principal amount of any Loan (other than voluntary repayments of Revolving Loans) shall be accompanied by payment of accrued interest on the principal amount being repaid or prepaid, and all such payments (and, in any event, any payments in respect of any Loan on a date when interest is due and payable with respect to such Loan) shall be applied to the payment of interest then due and payable before application to principal.

 

2.13.4         Distributions to Lenders.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to each Lender at such address as such Lender shall indicate in writing, such Lender’s applicable pro rata share of all payments and prepayments of principal and interest due to such Lender hereunder, together with all other amounts due with respect thereto, including all fees payable with respect thereto, to the extent received by the Administrative Agent; provided that in the event payments received by the Administrative Agent by 1:00 p.m. at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office with respect to any Loan are not remitted to Lenders by the end of the next Business Day, the Administrative Agent shall pay Lenders the Federal Funds Rate for each day with respect to the amount of such payments not so timely remitted.

 

2.13.5         Affected Lender’s Payments.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions hereof, if any Conversion/Continuation Notice is withdrawn as to any Affected Lender or if any Affected Lender makes Base Rate Loans in lieu of its pro rata share of any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, the Administrative Agent shall give effect thereto in apportioning payments received thereafter.

 

2.13.6         Payment Date Not on Business Day.  Subject to the provisos set forth in the definition of “Interest Period,” whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and such extension of time shall be included in the computation of the payment of interest hereunder or of the Facility Fee hereunder, but such payment shall be deemed to have been made on the date therefor for all other purposes hereunder; provided that there shall be no duplicative accrual of interest on the principal amount of any Obligation.

 

2.13.7         Non-conforming Payments.  The Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, deem any payment by or on behalf of the Borrowers hereunder that is not made in same day funds prior to 1:00 p.m. to be a non conforming payment.  Any such payment shall not be deemed to have been received by the Administrative Agent until the later of (a) the time such funds become available funds, and (b) the applicable next Business Day.  The Administrative Agent shall give prompt telephonic notice to the Borrowers and each applicable Lender (confirmed in writing) if any payment is non conforming.  Any non conforming payment may constitute a Default in accordance with the terms of Section 6.1.  Interest shall continue to accrue on any principal as to which a non conforming payment is made until such funds become available funds (but in no event less than the period from the date of such payment to the next

 

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succeeding applicable Business Day) at the Default Rate (unless otherwise provided by the Required Lenders) from the date such amount was due and payable until the date such amount is paid in full.

 

2.14.           Sharing of Payments by Lenders.  If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or other obligations hereunder resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans and accrued interest thereon or other such obligations greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and such other obligations of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, 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 other amounts owing them; 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 Section shall not be construed to apply to (1) any payment made by the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), (2) any amounts applied by the Swingline Lender to outstanding Swingline Loans, (3) any amounts applied to Letter of Credit Obligations by the Issuing Bank or Swingline Loans by the Swingline Lender, as appropriate, from Cash Collateral provided under Section 2.15 or Section 2.16, or (4) 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 Letter of Credit Obligations, Swingline Loans or other obligations hereunder to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrowers or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

 

Each of the Borrowers 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 such Borrower rights of setoff 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.

 

2.15.           Cash Collateral.  At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, within one (1) Business Day following the written request of the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) the Borrowers shall Cash Collateralize each applicable Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure related to Letters of Credit with respect to such Defaulting Lender in an amount sufficient to cover the applicable Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.16.1(d) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).  The Borrowers may use the proceeds of Revolving Loans to satisfy the obligation in this Section 2.15 to Cash Collateralize any Fronting Exposure related to any Letter of Credit.

 

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2.15.1         Grant of Security Interest.  The Borrowers, and to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender, hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Banks, and agrees to maintain, a perfected first priority security interest in all such Cash Collateral as security for the Defaulting Lenders’ obligation to fund participations in respect of Letter of Credit Obligations, to be applied pursuant to Section 2.15.2 below.  If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks as herein provided (other than the Permitted Liens), or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the applicable Fronting Exposure, the Borrowers will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency (after giving effect to any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

 

2.15.2         Application.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under this Section 2.15 or Section 2.16 in respect of Letters of Credit shall be applied to the satisfaction of the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of Letter of Credit Obligations (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.

 

2.15.3         Termination of Requirement.  Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce any Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure shall no longer be required to be held as Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.15 and shall be released to the Borrowers (or Defaulting Lender, if applicable) following (a) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender), or (b) the determination by the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided, however, (i) that Cash Collateral furnished by or on behalf of a Borrower shall not be released during the continuance of an Unmatured Default or Default (and following application as provided in this Section 2.15 may be otherwise applied in accordance with Section 7.2) but shall be released upon the cure, termination or waiver of such Unmatured Default or Default in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) the Person providing Cash Collateral and any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as applicable, may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.

 

2.16.           Defaulting Lenders.

 

2.16.1         Defaulting Lender Adjustments.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:

 

(a)           Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 10.3.1(c).

 

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(b)           Any payment of principal, interest, Letter of Credit Fees, Facility Fees or other amount (other than fees which any Defaulting Lender is not entitled to receive pursuant to Section 2.16.1(c)) received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VII or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 10.27), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, to be held as Cash Collateral for future funding obligations of that Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swingline Loan or Letter of Credit; fourth, as the Borrowers may request (so long as no Unmatured Default or Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Unmatured Default or Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrowers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrowers against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided, that, if (i) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or Letter of Credit Borrowings in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (ii) such Loans or Letter of Credit Borrowings were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and Letter of Credit Borrowings owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or Letter of Credit Borrowings owed to, that Defaulting Lender.  Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.16.1(b) shall be deemed paid to (and the underlying obligations satisfied to the extent of such payment) and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

(c)           (i)            Such Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any Facility Fee or Letter of Credit Fees with respect to Letters of Credit (except as provided in subparagraph (ii) below) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrowers shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).

 

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(ii)               Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive Facility Fees and Letter of Credit Fees for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Revolving Commitment Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 2.15.

 

(iii)              With respect to any fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to subparagraph (i) or (ii) above, the Borrowers shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit Obligations or Swingline Loans that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.16.1(d) below, (y) pay to the Swingline Lender the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to the Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.

 

(d)              All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit Obligations and Swingline Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment) but only to the extent that (x) the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 are satisfied at the time of such reallocation (and, unless the Borrowers shall have otherwise notified the Administrative Agent at such time, the Borrowers shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such conditions are satisfied at such time), and (y) such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loans of such Lender together with such Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit Obligations and Swingline Loans at such time to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment.  No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

 

(e)               If the reallocation described in Section 2.16.1(d) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrowers shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to them hereunder or under law, (x) first, prepay Swingline Loans in an amount equal to the Swingline Lenders’ Fronting Exposure and (y) second, Cash Collateralize each Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.15.

 

2.16.2         Defaulting Lender Cure.  If the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank agree in good faith in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans to be held pro rata by the Lenders in accordance with the Revolving Commitment Percentages (without giving

 

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effect to Section 2.16.1(d)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrowers while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

2.16.3         New Letters of Credit.  So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, extend, renew or increase any Letter of Credit unless it is reasonably satisfied that the participations in the Letter of Credit Obligations related to any existing Letters of Credit as well as the new, extended, renewed or increased Letter of Credit has been or will be fully allocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.16.1(d) above and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein except to the extent such Defaulting Lender’s participation has been or will be fully Cash Collateralized in accordance with Section 2.15.

 

2.16.4         Qualified Counterparties.  So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, such Lender shall not be a Hedge Agreement Bank with respect to any Hedge Agreement entered into while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender.

 

2.17.           Making or Maintaining LIBOR Loans.

 

2.17.1         Inability to Determine Applicable Interest Rate.  In the event that the Administrative Agent shall have determined in good faith (which determination shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto), on any Interest Rate Determination Date with respect to any LIBOR Loans, that by reason of circumstances affecting the London interbank market adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the interest rate applicable to such LIBOR Loans on the basis provided for in the definition of Adjusted LIBOR Rate or LIBOR Index Rate, as applicable, the Administrative Agent shall on such date give notice (by telefacsimile or by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrowers and each Lender of such determination, whereupon (a) no Loans may be made as, or converted to, LIBOR Loans until such time as the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrowers and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, provided that there shall be no affect on the availability of Base Rate Loans, which shall continue to be available but without reference to the LIBOR Index Rate component of the Base Rate, and (b) any Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice given by the Borrowers with respect to the Loans in respect of which such determination was made shall be deemed to be rescinded by the Borrowers and such Loans shall be automatically made or continued as, or converted to, as applicable, Base Rate Loans without reference to the LIBOR Index Rate component of the Base Rate.

 

2.17.2         Illegality or Impracticability of LIBOR Loans.  In the event that on any date any Lender shall have determined in good faith (which determination shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto but shall be made only after consultation with the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent) that the making, maintaining or continuation of its LIBOR Loans (a) has become unlawful as a result of compliance by such Lender in good faith with any Law (or would conflict with any treaty, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order not having the force of Law even though the failure to comply therewith would not be

 

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unlawful), or (b) has become impracticable, as a result of contingencies occurring after the date hereof which materially and adversely affect the London interbank market or the position of such Lender in that market, then, and in any such event, such Lender shall be an “Affected Lender” and it shall on that day give notice (by telefacsimile or by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent of such determination (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each other Lender).  Thereafter (i) the obligation of the Affected Lender to make Loans as, or to convert Loans to, LIBOR Loans shall be suspended until such notice shall be withdrawn by the Affected Lender, (ii) to the extent such determination by the Affected Lender relates to a LIBOR Loan then being requested by the Borrowers pursuant to a Funding Notice or a Conversion/Continuation Notice, the Affected Lender shall make such Loan as (or continue such Loan as or convert such Loan to, as the case may be) a Base Rate Loan without reference to the LIBOR Index Rate component of the Base Rate, (iii) the Affected Lender’s obligation to maintain its outstanding LIBOR Loans (the “Affected Loans”) shall be terminated at the earlier to occur of the expiration of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the Affected Loans or when required by law, and (iv) the Affected Loans shall automatically convert into Base Rate Loans without reference to the LIBOR Index Rate component of the Base Rate on the date of such termination.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent a determination by an Affected Lender as described above relates to a LIBOR Loan then being requested by the Borrowers pursuant to a Funding Notice or a Conversion/Continuation Notice, the Borrowers shall have the option, subject to the provisions of Section 2.17.1, to rescind such Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice as to all Lenders by giving notice (by telefacsimile or by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Administrative Agent of such rescission on the date on which the Affected Lender gives notice of its determination as described above (which notice of rescission the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each other Lender).  Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, nothing in this Section 2.17.2 shall affect the obligation of any Lender other than an Affected Lender to make or maintain Loans as, or to convert Loans to, LIBOR Loans in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

2.17.3         Compensation for Breakage or Non Commencement of Interest Periods.  The Borrowers shall compensate each Lender, upon written request by such Lender (which request shall set forth the basis for requesting such amounts), for all reasonable out-of-pocket losses, expenses and liabilities (including any interest paid or calculated to be due and payable by such Lender to lenders of funds borrowed by it to make or carry its Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans and any loss, expense or liability sustained by such Lender in connection with the liquidation or re employment of such funds but excluding loss of anticipated profits) which such Lender sustains:  (a) if for any reason (other than a default by such Lender) a borrowing of any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans does not occur on a date specified therefor in a Funding Notice or a telephonic request for borrowing, or a conversion to or continuation of any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans does not occur on a date specified therefor in a Conversion/Continuation Notice or a telephonic request for conversion or continuation; (b) if any prepayment or other principal payment of, or any conversion of, any of its Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans occurs on any day other than the last day of an Interest Period applicable to that Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise), including as a result of an assignment in connection with the replacement of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.20.2; or (c) if any prepayment of any of its Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans is not made on any date specified in a notice of prepayment given by the Borrowers.

 

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2.17.4         Booking of LIBOR Loans.  Any Lender may make, carry or transfer LIBOR Loans at, to, or for the account of any of its branch offices or the office of an Affiliate of such Lender; provided that any such action does not result in any increased costs to the Borrowers under this Section 2.17 or otherwise.

 

2.17.5         Assumptions Concerning Funding of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans.  Calculation of the maximum amounts payable to a Lender under this Section 2.17 and under Section 2.18 shall be made as though such Lender had actually funded each of its relevant Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans through the purchase of a LIBOR deposit bearing interest at the rate obtained pursuant to clause (i) of the definition of Adjusted LIBOR Rate in an amount equal to the amount of such Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans and having a maturity comparable to the relevant Interest Period and through the transfer of such LIBOR deposit from an offshore office of such Lender to a domestic office of such Lender in the United States; provided, however, each Lender may fund each of its Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans in any manner it sees fit and the foregoing assumptions shall be utilized only for the purposes of calculating the maximum amounts payable under this Section 2.17 and under Section 2.18.

 

2.17.6         Certificates for Reimbursement.  A certificate of a Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender, as specified in Section 2.17.3 and the circumstances giving rise thereto shall be delivered to the Borrowers and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  In the absence of any such manifest error, the Borrowers shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

2.17.7         Delay in Requests.  The Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any such amounts incurred more than six (6) months prior to the date that such Lender delivers to the Borrowers the certificate referenced in Section 2.17.6.

 

2.18.           Increased Costs.

 

2.18.1         Increased Costs Generally.  If any Change in Law shall:

 

(a)           impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBOR Rate) or any Issuing Bank;

 

(b)           subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (i) Indemnified Taxes, (ii) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (iii) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

 

(c)           impose on any Lender or any Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

 

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and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan, or to increase the cost to such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient, the Borrowers will pay to such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered; provided that each Lender, Issuing Bank and other Recipient shall only exercise its rights under this Section 2.18.1 if and to the extent that it exercises any similar rights it may have under other similar transactions to which it is a party.

 

2.18.2         Capital Requirements.  If any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender (for purposes of this Section 2.18.2, may be referred to collectively as “the Lenders” or a “Lender”) determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any lending office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity ratios or requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the commitments of such Lender hereunder or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered; provided that each Lender shall only exercise its rights under this Section 2.18.2 if and to the extent that it exercises any similar rights it may have under other similar transactions to which it is a party.

 

2.18.3         Certificates for Reimbursement.  A certificate of a Lender or an Issuing Bank setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in Section 2.18.1 and 2.18.2 and the circumstances giving rise thereto shall be delivered to the Borrowers and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  In the absence of any such manifest error, the Borrowers shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

2.18.4         Delay in Requests.  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.18 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than six (6) months prior to the date that such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, delivers to the Borrowers the certificate referenced in Section 2.18.3 and notifies the Borrowers of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law

 

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giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the six-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

2.19.           Taxes.

 

2.19.1         Issuing Bank.  For purposes of this Section 2.19, the term “Lender” shall include any Issuing Bank.

 

2.19.2         Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes.  (a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Borrower hereunder or under any other Credit Document shall to the extent permitted by applicable Law be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Taxes.  If, however, applicable Law requires any Borrower or the Administrative Agent to withhold or deduct any Tax, such Tax shall be withheld or deducted in accordance with such law as determined by such Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, upon the basis of information and documentation to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.19.5 below.

 

(b)           If any Borrower or the Administrative Agent shall be required by the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes, including both United States Federal backup withholding and withholding taxes, from any payment, then (A) the Administrative Agent shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by the Administrative Agent to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) the Administrative Agent shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, the sum payable by such Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent or Lender, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

 

2.19.3         Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrowers.  Without limiting the provisions of Section 2.19.2 above, each of the Borrowers shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law.

 

2.19.4         Tax Indemnification.  (a)  Without limiting the provisions of Section 2.19.2 or 2.19.3 above, each of the Borrowers shall, and does hereby, indemnify each Recipient, and shall make payment in respect thereof within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, 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.  Each of the Borrowers shall also, and does hereby, indemnify the Administrative Agent and shall make payment in respect thereof within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor, for any amount which a Lender for any reason

 

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fails to pay indefeasibly to the Administrative Agent as required by subparagraph (b) of this Section.  A certificate as to the amount of any such payment or liability delivered to such Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(b)           Without limiting the provisions of Section 2.19.2 or 2.19.3, each Lender shall, and does hereby, indemnify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor, against any and all Taxes and any and all related losses, claims, liabilities, penalties, interest and expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent) of or asserted against the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent by any Governmental Authority as a result of the failure of such Lender to deliver or as a result of the inaccuracy, inadequacy or deficiency of, any documentation required to be delivered by such Lender to the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.19.6.  Each Lender hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, under this Agreement or any other Credit Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this subparagraph (b).  The agreements in this subparagraph (b) shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of, a Lender, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the commitments hereunder and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.

 

2.19.5         Evidence of Payments.  Upon request by any Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, after any payment of Taxes by such Borrower or the Administrative Agent to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section, such Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, or the Administrative Agent shall deliver to such Borrower, as the case may be, the original or a certified copy of any receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by law to report such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to such Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.

 

2.19.6         Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation.  (a) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Credit Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in subparagraphs (b)(i), (b)(ii) and (b)(iv) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the

 

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legal or commercial position of such Lender, unless (x) the Borrowers are required by applicable Law to provide such documentation to the applicable Governmental Authority or (y) such documentation or any information contained therein is reasonable necessary for the Borrowers to comply with obligations imposed by applicable Law (including without limitation reporting and filing obligations).

 

(b)           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,

 

(i)            any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

 

(ii)           any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the Recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

(1)           in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (A) with respect to payments of interest under any Credit Document, executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN-E establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (B) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Credit Document, IRS Form W-8BEN-E establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

 

(2)           executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

(3)           in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (A) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.19.6 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrowers within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (B) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN-E; or

 

(4)           to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such

 

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Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

 

(iii)          any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the Recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

(iv)          if a payment made to a Lender under any Credit Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment.  Solely for purposes of this subparagraph (iv), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

 

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

2.19.7         Treatment of Certain Refunds.  Unless required by applicable Law, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender.  If any Recipient determines that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Borrower or with respect to which any Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by any Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Recipient and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that each of the Borrowers, upon the request of the Recipient, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Recipient in the event the Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its

 

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tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to any Borrower or any other Person.

 

2.19.8         Survival.  Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.19 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Credit Document.

 

2.20.           Mitigation Obligations; Designation of a Different Lending Office.

 

2.20.1         Designation of a Different Lending Office.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.18, or requires the Borrowers to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.19, then such Lender shall (at the request of the Borrowers) 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 2.18 or 2.19, 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.  The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

2.20.2         Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.18, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.19 and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 2.20.1, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender or any Lender gives notice of an inability to fund LIBOR Loans under Section 2.17.2, then the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 9.2), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.18 or Section 2.19) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Credit Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

 

(a)           the Borrowers shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee (if any) specified in Article 9;

 

(b)           such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in Letter of Credit Borrowings, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Credit Documents (including any amounts under Section 2.17) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts);

 

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(c)           in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.18 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.19, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;

 

(d)           such assignment does not conflict with applicable Law; and

 

(e)           in the case of any assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent.

 

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

 

2.21.             Maximum PLICO Liability Amount.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth elsewhere in this Agreement or any Credit Document, the liability of PLICO to the Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks and Lenders under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents shall be several and not joint with the liability of PLC under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Loans (including principal, interest, fees and expenses) borrowed by, or the portion of Letters of Credit issued for the account of PLICO in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.1 (in the case of Revolving Credit Loans), Section 2.3 (in the case of Letters of Credit) or Section 2.2 (in the case of Swingline Loans); provided, however PLC shall be liable for the full amount of the Obligations (including those portions of Loans borrowed by PLICO and the portion of Letters of Credit issued for the account of PLICO) without limitation.  If there is any doubt or uncertainty as to the Borrower for whose benefit a Loan has been received or used, such Loan shall be deemed to have been received by and used by or for the benefit of PLC.  If there is any doubt or uncertainty as to the Borrower for whose benefit a Letter of Credit has been issued, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to have been issued for the account of PLC and such Letter of Credit Obligations attributable to such Letter of Credit shall be attributed to PLC.

 

ARTICLE III

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

3.1.                Initial Advance.  The Lenders shall not be required to make the initial Advance hereunder and the Issuing Banks shall not issue any Letters of Credit unless the Borrowers have furnished to the Administrative Agent, with sufficient copies for the Lenders:

 

3.1.1             Credit Documents.  This Agreement, the Notes made by the Borrowers payable to the order of the respective Lenders in the maximum principal amounts of the Lenders’ respective Commitments, the Swingline Note and the remaining Credit Documents.

 

3.1.2             Charter Documents.  Copies of articles of incorporation, certificate of organization or formation, or other like document for each of the Borrowers certified as of a recent date by the appropriate Governmental Authority.

 

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3.1.3             Organizational Documents Certificate.  (i) Copies of bylaws, operating agreement, partnership agreement or like document, (ii) copies of resolutions approving the transactions contemplated in connection with the financing and authorizing execution and delivery of the Credit Documents, and (iii) incumbency certificates, for each of the Borrowers, in each case certified by an Authorized Officer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

3.1.4             Certificates of Good Standing.  Within 60 days prior to the Closing Date, certificates of good standing or existence, as applicable, issued as to the Borrowers by the Secretaries of State for the states of their incorporation.

 

3.1.5             Foreign Qualification.  Within 60 days prior to the Closing Date, Certificates of Qualification issued by the Secretary of State for the state of Alabama.

 

3.1.6             Closing Certificate.  A certificate from an Authorized Officer of the Borrowers, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, confirming, among other things, (A) all consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations, or filings required to be made or obtained by the Borrowers, if any, in connection with this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein have been obtained and are in full force and effect, (B) no investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority regarding this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein is ongoing, (C) since the date of the most-recent annual audited financial statements for the Borrowers, there has been no event or circumstance which could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (D) the most-recent annual audited financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, except as noted therein, and fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results from operations of the Borrowers and its Subsidiaries, and (E) the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are Solvent after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby and the incurrence of Indebtedness related thereto.

 

3.1.7             UCC Searches.  Within 60 days prior to the Closing Date, UCC search reports on the Borrowers from such jurisdictions and filing offices as the Lenders and the Administrative Agent may reasonably require.

 

3.1.8             Funding of Fees/Expenses.  Payment of all expenses and fees due in connection with the closing of the Loans in immediately available funds.

 

3.1.9             Financial Information.  Copies of (A) the unaudited, internally prepared quarterly financial statements of each Borrower  (GAAP basis for PLC and its Subsidiaries on a combined basis and SAP basis for PLICO) for the fiscal quarter ending on September 30, 2014, (B) the audited financial statements of each Borrower (GAAP basis for PLC and its Subsidiaries on a combined basis and SAP basis for PLICO) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 and (C) such other financial information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

 

3.1.10           No Default.  A certificate, signed by the Chief Financial Officer or the Chief Accounting Officer of the Borrowers, stating that on the date of the initial Borrowing no Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

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3.1.11           Opinion.  A written opinion of the Borrowers’ counsel, addressed to the Lenders in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

3.1.12           Compliance Certificate.  A duly completed Compliance Certificate as of September 30, 2014.

 

3.1.13           Funding Notice; Funds Disbursement Instructions.  The Administrative Agent shall have received (a) a duly executed Funding Notice with respect to the Credit Extension to occur on the Closing Date and (b) duly executed disbursement instructions (with wiring instructions and account information) for all disbursements to be made on the Closing Date.

 

3.1.14           Consummation of Merger.  Closing of the transactions provided for in the Merger Agreement.

 

3.1.15           Other Documents.  Such other documents as any Lender or its counsel may have reasonably requested.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 3.1, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

3.2.                Each Credit Extension.  The Lenders shall not be required to make or continue any Loan or the Issuing Banks shall not be required to issue, increase, amend, extend or renew any Letter of Credit, unless on the applicable borrowing date or date of continuation or date of issuance:

 

3.2.1             No Default.  There exists no Default or Unmatured Default and no Default or Unmatured Default would result therefrom.

 

3.2.2             Warranties.  The representations and warranties contained in Article IV (other than Section 4.5) are true and correct as of such borrowing date or date of continuation, except for (i) those representations and warranties that were made as of a specified earlier date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct as of such earlier specified date, and (ii) changes in facts or circumstances that have previously been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and do not constitute a Default or Unmatured Default that has not otherwise been waived or cured pursuant to the requirements set forth in this Agreement.

 

3.2.3             Covenants.  All covenants made in the Credit Documents must have been complied with and shall have been complied with taking into account the funding of the requested Loan or the issuance of the requested Letter of Credit, except for any non-compliance that does not constitute a Default or Unmatured Default that has not otherwise been waived or cured pursuant to the requirements set forth in this Agreement.

 

3.2.4             Funding Notice.  The Administrative Agent shall have received a fully executed and delivered Funding Notice, together with the documentation and certifications

 

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required therein with respect to each Credit Extension.  Any Lender may require a duly completed Compliance Certificate as a condition to making or continuing a Loan or the issuance, increase, amendment, extension or renewal of any Letter of Credit by any Issuing Bank.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

The Borrowers represent and warrant to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent that:

 

4.1.                Corporate Existence and Standing.  Each of the Borrowers and its Significant Subsidiaries is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted.

 

4.2.                Authorization and Validity.  The Borrowers have the corporate power and authority and legal right to execute and deliver the Credit Documents and to perform their obligations thereunder.  The execution and delivery by the Borrowers of the Credit Documents and the performance of their obligations thereunder have been duly authorized by proper corporate proceedings, and the Credit Documents constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrowers enforceable against the Borrowers in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.

 

4.3.                No Conflict; Government Consent.  Neither the execution and delivery by the Borrowers of the Credit Documents, nor the consummation of the transactions provided for therein, nor compliance with the provisions thereof, will violate any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree or award binding on the Borrowers or any of their Significant Subsidiaries or the Borrowers’ or any of their Significant Subsidiaries’ certificate or articles of incorporation or by-laws or the provisions of any indenture, instrument or agreement to which the Borrowers or any of their Significant Subsidiaries are parties or are subject, or by which they, or their Property, are bound, or conflict with or constitute a default thereunder, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien in, of or on the Property of the Borrowers or any of their Significant Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, instrument or agreement, other than such violations, conflicts or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No order, consent, notice, approval, license, authorization, or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, or exemption by, any Governmental Authority is required to authorize, or is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of, or the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of, any of the Credit Documents, except such as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

4.4.                Financial Statements.  The December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements of PLC and its Subsidiaries heretofore delivered to the Lenders were prepared in accordance with GAAP in effect on the date such statements were prepared and fairly present the consolidated financial condition and operations of PLC and its Subsidiaries at such date and the consolidated results of their operations for the period then ended.  The December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements of PLICO and its Subsidiaries heretofore delivered to the

 

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Lenders were prepared in accordance with GAAP in effect on the date such statements were prepared and fairly present the consolidated financial condition and operations of PLICO and its Subsidiaries at such date and the consolidated results of the operations of PLICO and its Subsidiaries for the period then ended.

 

4.5.                Material Adverse Change.  Since December 31, 2013, there has been no change in the business, Property, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Borrowers and their Significant Subsidiaries which would have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

4.6.                Taxes.  The Borrowers and their Significant Subsidiaries have filed all United States federal tax returns and all other tax returns required to be filed and have paid all taxes due pursuant to said returns or pursuant to any assessment received by the Borrowers or any of their Significant Subsidiaries, except with respect to such tax returns or such taxes, if any, as are not material or are being contested in good faith and as to which, in the good faith judgment of the Borrowers, adequate reserves have been provided.  The United States income tax returns of the Borrowers and their Significant Subsidiaries have been audited by the Internal Revenue Service through the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.  To the best knowledge of the Borrowers, no tax liens have been filed with respect to any such taxes.  The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Borrowers and their Significant Subsidiaries with respect to any taxes or other governmental charges are adequate in the good faith judgment of the Borrowers.

 

4.7.                Litigation and Guaranteed Obligations Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.7 hereto, there is no litigation, arbitration, governmental investigation, proceeding or inquiry pending or, to the knowledge of any of their officers, threatened in writing against or affecting the Borrowers or any of their Significant Subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Borrowers have no material Guaranteed Obligations not provided for or disclosed in the financial statements referred to in Section 4.4.

 

4.8.                List of Significant Subsidiaries.  Schedule 4.8 hereto contains an accurate list of all of the now existing Significant Subsidiaries of the Borrowers, setting forth their respective jurisdictions of incorporation and the percentage of their respective capital stock owned by the Borrowers or other Subsidiaries.  All the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of such Significant Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

4.9.                ERISA.  Each Plan complies in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law and regulations, and no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan.  No Insufficiency exists with respect to any Plan.  Neither PLC nor any ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute to or has ever had a liability to a Multiemployer Plan.

 

4.10.             Accuracy of Information.  No information, exhibit or report furnished by the Borrowers or any of their Significant Subsidiaries to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of, or compliance with, the Credit Documents contained any material misstatement of fact or purposely omitted to state a material fact.

 

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4.11.             Regulation U.  No Borrower or Significant Subsidiary is engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the Board).  No proceeds of any Loan will be used to purchase or carry any margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the Board) in violation of applicable Law, including, without limitation, Regulation U issued by the Board.

 

4.12.             Material Agreements.  Neither the Borrowers nor any Significant Subsidiary is a party to any agreement or instrument or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Borrowers nor any Significant Subsidiary is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in any agreement to which it is a party, which default could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Borrowers nor any Significant Subsidiary is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the material obligations, covenants or conditions contained in any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Indebtedness.

 

4.13.             Compliance With Laws.  The Borrowers and their Significant Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, orders and restrictions of any Governmental Authority, having jurisdiction over the conduct of their respective businesses or the ownership of their respective Property, except where the failure so to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Borrowers nor any Significant Subsidiary has received any notice to the effect that its operations are not in material compliance with any of the requirements of applicable federal, state and local environmental, health and safety statutes and regulations or the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating whether any remedial action is needed to respond to a release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment, which non-compliance or remedial action could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

4.14.             Investment Company Act.  Neither the Borrowers nor any Significant Subsidiary thereof is subject to regulation as an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company”, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

4.15.             Solvency.  Each Borrower and Significant Subsidiary is Solvent as of the date hereof and will remain Solvent upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

4.16.             Insurance Licenses.  Each Significant Insurance Subsidiary holds active Licenses, and is authorized to transact insurance business, in each jurisdiction wherein it transacts any insurance business except where failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No such License is the subject of a proceeding for suspension or revocation, there is no sustainable basis for such suspension or revocation, and to the Borrowers’ knowledge no such suspension or revocation has been threatened by any Governmental Authority except where any such suspension or revocation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

4.17.             Ownership of Properties.  On the Closing Date, the Borrowers and their Significant Subsidiaries have beneficial ownership of the property and assets reflected in the

 

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financial statements referred to in Section 4.4 as owned by them, free of all Liens other than Permitted Liens.

 

4.18.             Anti-Terrorism Laws.

 

(a)           No Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “enemy” or an “ally of the enemy” within the meaning of Section 2 of the Trading with the Enemy Act of the United States of America (50 U.S.C. App. §§ 1 et seq.), as amended.  To its knowledge, no Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of (a) the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, (b) any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto or (c) the Patriot Act.  No Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) is a blocked person described in Section 1 of Executive Order 13224 or (ii) to the best of its knowledge, engages in any dealings or transactions, or is otherwise associated, with any such blocked person.

 

(b)           None of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of the Borrowers based upon due diligence and personal background inquiries that are customarily performed by the Borrowers in the ordinary course of business, any Affiliates that are owned indirectly or directly by the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries is in violation of and shall not violate any of the country or list based economic and trade sanctions administered and enforced by OFAC that are described or referenced at http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/ or as otherwise published from time to time.

 

(c)           None of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of the Borrowers based upon due diligence and personal background inquiries that are customarily performed by the Borrowers in the ordinary course of business, any Affiliates that are owned indirectly or directly by the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries (i) is a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity, (ii) has any of its assets located in Sanctioned Entities, or (iii) derives any of its operating income from investments in, or transactions with Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Entities.  The proceeds of any Loan will not be used and have not been used to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity.

 

(d)           Each Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq., and any foreign counterpart thereto.  None of the Borrowers or their respective Subsidiaries has made a payment, offering, or promise to pay, or authorized the payment of, money or anything of value (a) in order to assist in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any foreign official, foreign political party, party official or candidate for foreign political office, (b) to a foreign official, foreign political party or party official or any candidate for foreign political office, and (c) with the intent to induce the recipient to misuse his or her official position to direct business wrongfully to such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or to any other Person, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq.

 

(e)           To the extent applicable, each Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the Patriot Act.

 

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4.19.             Default.  No Unmatured Default or Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

ARTICLE V

 

COVENANTS

 

Each Borrower covenants and agrees that until the Obligations shall have been paid in full in cash or otherwise satisfied, and the Commitments hereunder shall have expired or been terminated, such Borrower shall perform, and, where specifically required, shall cause each of its Subsidiaries (or specified type of Subsidiary) to perform, the covenants as set forth in this Article V.

 

5.1.                Financial Reporting.  PLC will maintain, for itself and each Consolidated Subsidiary, a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP and (where applicable) SAP, and furnish to the Lenders:

 

(i)                                     Within the later of (x) 95 days after the close of each of its fiscal years or (y) 5 days after the date such information is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other relevant Governmental Authority, an unqualified audit report certified by independent certified public accountants, acceptable to the Lenders, prepared in accordance with GAAP (or, where applicable, SAP) on a consolidated and consolidating basis (consolidating statements need not be certified by such accountants) for itself and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, including balance sheets as of the end of such period, related profit and loss and reconciliation of surplus statements, and a statement of cash flows (solely with respect to the consolidated statements), accompanied by a certificate of said accountants that, in the course of their examination necessary for their certification of the foregoing, they have obtained no knowledge of any Default or Unmatured Default, or if, in the opinion of such accountants, any Default or Unmatured Default shall exist, stating the nature and status thereof.

 

(ii)                                  Within 50 days after the close of each quarterly period of each of its fiscal years, for itself and the Consolidated Subsidiaries, consolidated and consolidating unaudited balance sheets as at the close of each such period and consolidated and consolidating profit and loss statements and a consolidated statement of cash flows for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year to the end of such quarter, all certified by the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Accounting Officer, any Senior Vice President or Executive Vice President in the finance or accounting department.

 

(iii)                               Together with the financial statements required hereunder, a Compliance Certificate in substantially the form attached hereto at Exhibit B signed by the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Accounting Officer, any Senior Vice President or Executive Vice President in the finance or accounting department of PLC showing the calculations necessary to determine compliance with this Agreement and stating that no Default or Unmatured Default exists, or if any Default or Unmatured Default exists, stating the nature and status thereof.

 

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(iv)                              In the event an Insufficiency exists, within 270 days after the close of each fiscal year, a statement of the Insufficiency with respect to each Plan, certified as correct by an actuary enrolled under ERISA.

 

(v)                                 Promptly upon the request of any of the Lenders, copies of all the most recent material reports and notices in connection with Plans that PLC or any Significant Subsidiary is required to file under ERISA with the Internal Revenue Service or the PBGC or the U.S. Department of Labor, or which PLC or any Significant Subsidiary receives from such Governmental Authorities.

 

(vi)                              As soon as possible and in any event within 10 days after receipt by the Borrowers, a copy of (a) any notice or claim to the effect that the Borrowers or any of their Significant Subsidiaries are or may be liable to any Person as a result of the release by the Borrowers, any of their Significant Subsidiaries or any other Person of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment, and (b) any notice alleging any violation of any federal, state or local environmental, health or safety law or regulation by the Borrowers or any of their Significant Subsidiaries, which, in either case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(vii)                           Upon the earlier of (a) 15 days after the regulatory filing date or (b) 90 days after the close of each fiscal year of each Significant Insurance Subsidiary copies of the Annual Statement of each of the Significant Insurance Subsidiaries prepared on the NAIC annual statement blanks (or such other form as shall be required by the jurisdiction of incorporation of each such Significant Insurance Subsidiary), all such statements to be prepared in accordance with SAP consistently applied throughout the periods reflected therein with such prescribed or permitted practices as authorized by state regulatory authorities; and within 15 days after the regulatory filing date, copies of such Annual Statements certified by independent certified public accountants reasonably acceptable to the Lenders if such certification is so required by any Governmental Authority.

 

(viii)                        Promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all Forms 10-Q and 10-K (other than earnings press releases or filings made with respect to guaranteed investment contracts, funding agreements and similar instruments and agreements) that PLC or any Significant Subsidiary files with the Securities and Exchange Commission and, upon request, any Forms A and B that any Significant Insurance Subsidiary files with any insurance commission or department or analogous Governmental Authority.

 

(ix)                              Promptly upon the Borrowers’ receipt thereof, copies of reports, notices, or claims prepared by or on behalf of any Governmental Authority with respect to any adverse action or event that has resulted in the reduction by 10% or more in the capital and surplus of any Significant Insurance Subsidiary.

 

(x)                                 Promptly and in any event within 10 days after learning thereof, notification of any change after the Closing Date of any rating given (a) by S&P or Moody’s

 

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with respect to PLC or any Significant Subsidiary or (b) by A.M. Best & Co. with respect to any Significant Insurance Subsidiary.

 

(xi)                              Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of any issuance of equity by PLC, incurrence of Indebtedness in an amount in excess of $50,000,000, or disposition of tangible Property with a value in excess of $150,000,000.

 

(xii)                           Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of any material change in accounting or financial reporting practices (which may be accomplished by providing the information required in clauses (vii) and (viii) of this Section or otherwise).

 

(xiii)                        Such other information (including, without limitation, non-financial information) as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

 

5.2.                Use of Proceeds.  The Borrowers will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, use the proceeds of any Credit Extension and to request the issuance of Letters of Credit (i) for general corporate and working capital purposes, (ii) to refinance simultaneously with the closing of this Agreement certain existing Indebtedness that the Borrowers incurred for working capital or general corporate purposes, and/or (iii) to pay transaction fees, costs and expenses related to credit facilities established pursuant to this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, in each case not in contravention of applicable Laws or of any Credit Document.  The Borrowers will not, nor will they permit any Subsidiary to, (i) use any of the proceeds of any Credit Extension to purchase or carry any “margin stock” (as defined in Regulation U) in violation of applicable Law, (ii) finance or refinance any (A) commercial paper issued by the Borrowers or (B) any other Indebtedness, except for Indebtedness that the Borrowers incurred for general corporate or working capital purposes or (iii) use any of the proceeds of any Credit Extension in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

5.3.                Notice of Default.  The Borrowers will give prompt notice in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of (i) the occurrence of any Default or Unmatured Default, ERISA Event and of any other development, financial or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the receipt of any notice from any Governmental Authority of the expiration without renewal, revocation or suspension of, or the institution of any proceedings to revoke or suspend, any License now or hereafter held by any Significant Insurance Subsidiary which is required to conduct insurance business in compliance with all applicable Laws and regulations, other than such expiration, revocation or suspension or institution of such proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (iii) the receipt of any notice from any Governmental Authority of the institution of any disciplinary proceedings against or with respect to any Significant Insurance Subsidiary, or the issuance of any order, the taking of any action or any request for an extraordinary audit for cause by any Governmental Authority which is reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (iv) any judicial or administrative order limiting or controlling the insurance business of any Significant Insurance Subsidiary (and

 

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not the insurance industry generally) which has been issued or adopted and which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.4.                Conduct of Business.  The Borrowers will, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to, do all things necessary to remain duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing as a domestic corporation in its jurisdiction of incorporation and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted except where such failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Borrowers will cause each Significant Insurance Subsidiary to (i) carry on or otherwise be associated with the business of a licensed insurance carrier and (ii) do all things necessary to renew, extend and continue in effect all Licenses that may at any time and from time to time be necessary for such Significant Insurance Subsidiary to operate its insurance business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations; provided, however, that any such Significant Insurance Subsidiary may withdraw from one or more states as an admitted insurer or change the state of its domicile, if such withdrawal or change is in the best interests of the Borrowers and such Significant Insurance Subsidiary.

 

5.5.                Taxes.  The Borrowers will, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to, pay when due all taxes, assessments and governmental charges and levies upon it or its income, profits or Property, except where the failure to file has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, and except those that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside.

 

5.6.                Insurance.  The Borrowers will, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to, maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance on all or substantially all of its Property in such amounts and covering such risks, and with such risk retention or self-insurance, as is consistent with sound business practice for Persons in substantially the same industry as the Borrowers or such Significant Subsidiary, and the Borrowers will furnish to any Lender upon request full information as to the insurance carried and any applicable risk retention or self-insurance.

 

5.7.                Compliance with Laws.  The Borrowers will, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations, orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, decrees or awards to which it may be subject, except where the failure to so comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Borrowers will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to promote compliance by the Borrowers, their Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (in each case, acting in their capacities as such) with Anti-Terrorism Laws.

 

5.8.                Maintenance of Properties.  The Borrowers will, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to, do all things necessary to maintain, preserve, protect and keep its Property in good repair, working order and condition and make all necessary and proper repairs, renewals and replacements so that its business carried on in connection therewith may be properly conducted at all times, except where the failure to so maintain, preserve, protect and repair could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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5.9.                Inspection.  The Borrowers will, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to, permit the Lenders, by their respective representatives and agents, upon reasonable notice to the Borrowers to make a reasonable inspection of any of the Property, corporate books and financial records of the Borrowers and each Significant Subsidiary, to examine and make copies of the books or accounts and other financial records of the Borrowers and each Significant Subsidiary, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrowers and each Significant Subsidiary with, and to be advised as to the same by, their respective officers at such reasonable times and intervals as the Lenders may designate, provided that the Lenders agree to keep this and all such information provided under this Agreement confidential.  The Borrowers shall maintain current books of record and account as Borrowers ordinarily maintain in the conduct of their respective businesses.

 

5.10.             Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets.  The Borrowers will not, nor will they permit any Significant Subsidiary to, merge or consolidate with or into, or sell, lease or otherwise transfer all or any Substantial Portion of its assets to any other Person, except that (a) either Borrower or a Significant Subsidiary may merge with another Person if (i) such Person was organized under the laws of the United States of America or one of its states, (ii) either Borrower or a Significant Subsidiary is the corporation surviving such merger (provided that in a merger of either Borrower and a Significant Subsidiary, such Borrower shall be the corporation surviving such merger) and (iii) immediately after giving effect to such merger, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (b) Subsidiaries (other than PLICO) may merge with one another or into either Borrower.  The foregoing limitation on merger and consolidation and the sale, lease or other transfer of assets shall not prohibit (i) sales of investment assets in the ordinary course of business and (ii) during any fiscal quarter, a merger, consolidation or any transfer of assets (in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) unless the aggregate assets that are the subject of such merger or consolidation or to be so transferred, when combined with all other assets transferred (including as the result of a merger or consolidation) during such fiscal quarter and the immediately preceding 3 fiscal quarters, constituted more than 15% of Consolidated Total Assets at the end of the most recent fiscal year.

 

5.11.             Liens.  PLC will not, nor will it permit any Significant Subsidiary to, create, incur or suffer to exist any Lien in, of or on any Property of PLC or a Significant Subsidiary, except for Permitted Liens.

 

5.12.             Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth.  PLC will maintain at all times Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth equal to not less than the sum of (i) 80% of PLC’s Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth as of March 31, 2015 (but in no event less than $2,600,000,000) plus (ii) 25% of its Consolidated Net Income (if positive) earned after March 31, 2015 minus (iii) PLC’s consolidated allowance for potential future losses on investments at the end of such fiscal quarter not otherwise included for unrealized net gains and losses on assets held for sale pursuant to FASB ASC 320 and accumulated other comprehensive income pursuant to FASB ASC 220 at the end of such fiscal quarter.

 

5.13.             Ratio of Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Capitalization.  PLC will maintain at all times a ratio of Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Capitalization of not more than 0.4 to 1.0.  Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness shall be calculated without giving effect to any election under Accounting Standards Codification

 

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825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein; it being understood that the carrying value of indebtedness outstanding at the effective time of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall be adjusted commensurate with Accounting Standard Codification 805-10-25 with the resulting adjusted carrying value to be included in the calculation of Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness.

 

5.14.             [Reserved].

 

5.15.             [Reserved].

 

5.16.             Affiliates.  PLC will not, and will not permit any Significant Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction (including, without limitation, the purchase or sale of any Property or service) with, or make payments or transfer to, any Affiliate (other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) except (i) any such transactions, payments or transfers with or to such Affiliates as are made in the ordinary course of business and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of  PLC’s or such Significant Subsidiary’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to PLC’s or such Significant Subsidiary than PLC or such Significant Subsidiary would obtain in a comparable arms-length transaction and (ii) any such other transactions, payments or transfers with or to such Affiliates as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.17.             Compliance with ERISA.  The Borrowers will not (i) terminate, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to terminate, any Plan so as to result in any material (in the opinion of the Lenders) liability of the Borrowers or an ERISA Affiliate to the PBGC; (ii) permit to exist any occurrence of any Reportable Event (as defined in Title IV of ERISA), or any other event or condition, that presents a material (in the opinion of the Lenders) risk of such a termination by the PBGC of any Plan so as to result in any material (in the opinion of the Lenders) liability of the Borrowers or any ERISA Affiliate to the PBGC; (iii) be an “employer” (as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA), or permit any ERISA Affiliate to be an “employer”, required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan; or (iv) fail to comply in all material respects with any laws or regulations applicable to any Plan.

 

5.18.             Payment of Obligations.  The Borrowers shall pay all amounts owed under the Obligations when due.

 

5.19.             Further Assurances.  The Borrowers shall cooperate with the Administrative Agent and the other parties to the Credit Documents to promptly cure any defects in the creation, issuance, or delivery of the Credit Documents.  The Borrowers at their expense will execute (or cause to be executed) and deliver to the Administrative Agent upon reasonable request all such other and further documents, agreements, and instruments in compliance with or accomplishment of the covenants and agreements applicable to them in the Credit Documents, or to correct any omissions in the Credit Documents, or to state more fully the Obligations and agreements set out in any of the Credit Documents, to file any notices, or to obtain any consents, all as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection therewith.

 

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5.20.             Amendments to Organizational Agreements.  No Borrower shall, nor shall it cause any of its Subsidiaries to, amend or permit any amendments to its organizational documents if such amendment could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.21.             Changes in Accounting Policies or Reporting Practices.  No Borrower shall change its accounting policies or reporting practices, unless in the case of PLC, such change is permitted by GAAP and in the case of PLICO, such change is permitted by SAP, and provided such change does not have the effect of curing or preventing what would otherwise be an Unmatured Default or a Default had such change not taken place.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

DEFAULTS

 

The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a Default:

 

6.1.                Representations and Warranties.  Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent under or in connection with this Agreement, any Loan or any certificate or written information delivered in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document shall be incorrect in any material respect on the date as of which made.

 

6.2.                Payments.  Nonpayment of principal of any Loan when due, or nonpayment of interest upon any Loan, the Facility Fees, amounts due under the Fee Letters, or any other Obligation under any of the Credit Documents, and the continuance of such breach for a period of three (3) Business Days after.

 

6.3.                Specific Covenants.  The breach by the Borrowers of any of the terms or provisions of Section 5.2, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12 or 5.13.

 

6.4.                Other Covenants.  The breach by the Borrowers (other than a breach that constitutes a Default under Section 6.1, 6.2 or 6.3) of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement, and the continuance of such breach for a period of thirty (30) days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Borrowers by the Administrative Agent a written notice specifying such breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “notice of default” hereunder.

 

6.5.                Default on Other Indebtedness and Additional Amounts.  Failure of the Borrowers or, if such Indebtedness or the obligations described in clauses (2), (3) and (6) set forth in the last sentence of the definition of Indebtedness (collectively, the “Additional Amounts”) is recourse to the Borrowers, any of their Subsidiaries, to pay when due or within any applicable cure periods any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) or the Additional Amounts, if the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness and Additional Amounts involved exceeds $50,000,000; or if any event or condition shall occur that results in any Indebtedness and Additional Amounts of the Borrowers or, if such Indebtedness and Additional Amounts is recourse to the Borrowers, any Subsidiary, in each case other than the Obligations, being declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled payment or a payment made in the ordinary course of business and pursuant to a contractual

 

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obligation) prior to the stated maturity thereof, if the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness and Additional Amounts involved exceeds $50,000,000; or the Borrowers or, if such Indebtedness and Additional Amounts is recourse to the Borrowers, any of PLC’s Subsidiaries shall not pay, or admit in writing their inability to pay, their debts generally as they become due.

 

6.6.                Voluntary Petitions.  Any Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall (i) have an order for relief entered with respect to them under the Federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect, (ii) make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iii) apply for, seek, consent to, or acquiesce in, the appointment of a receiver, custodian, trustee, examiner, liquidator or similar official for them or any Substantial Portion of their Property, (iv) institute any proceeding seeking an order for relief under the Federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect or seeking to adjudicate them bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of them or their debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or fail to file an answer or other pleading denying the material allegations of any such proceeding, filed against them, (v) take any corporate action to authorize or effect any of the foregoing actions set forth in this Section 6.6 or (vi) fail to contest in good faith any appointment or proceeding described in Section 6.7.

 

6.7.                Involuntary Bankruptcy or Receivership Proceedings.  Without the application, approval or consent of any Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, a receiver, trustee, examiner, liquidator or similar official shall be appointed for such Borrower or any of PLC’s Significant Subsidiaries or any Substantial Portion of its Property, or a proceeding described in Section 6.6(iv) shall be instituted against any Borrower or any of PLC’s Significant Subsidiaries, and such appointment continues undischarged or such proceeding continues undismissed or unstayed for a period of 30 consecutive days.

 

6.8.                Condemnation.  Any Governmental Authority shall condemn, seize or otherwise appropriate, or take custody or control of (each a “Condemnation”), all or any portion of the Property of the Borrowers or any of PLC’s Significant Subsidiaries which, when taken together with all other Property of the Borrowers and PLC’s Significant Subsidiaries so condemned, seized, appropriated or taken custody or control of, during the twelve-month period ending with the month in which any such Condemnation occurs, constitutes a Substantial Portion.

 

6.9.                Undischarged Judgments.  The Borrowers, or if any such judgments are recourse to the Borrowers, any of PLC’s Subsidiaries, shall fail within 45 days to pay, bond or otherwise discharge any judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of $50,000,000 which is not stayed on appeal or otherwise being appropriately contested in good faith.

 

6.10.             ERISA.  (i) Any ERISA Event shall have occurred or (ii) the sum of the aggregate Insufficiencies of all Plans shall exceed $30,000,000.

 

6.11.             Distribution Limitations.  Any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction shall prohibit or further limit the payment or distribution by PLICO or any other Significant Insurance Subsidiary to PLC of dividends, principal or interest payments or management fees, if

 

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such prohibition or further limitation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.12.             Environmental Investigation.  The Borrowers or any of PLC’s Subsidiaries shall be the subject of any proceedings or investigation of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment, or any violation of any federal, state or local environmental, health or safety law or regulation, which, in either case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.13.             Change in Control.  Any Change in Control shall occur.

 

6.14.             Licenses.  Any License of any Significant Insurance Subsidiary held by such Insurance Subsidiary on the Closing Date or acquired by such Significant Insurance Subsidiary thereafter, the loss of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (i) shall be revoked by a final non-appealable order by the state that issued such License, or any action (whether administrative or judicial) to revoke such License shall have been commenced against such Insurance Subsidiary which shall not have been dismissed or contested in good faith within 30 days of the commencement thereof, (ii) shall be suspended by such state for a period in excess of 30 days or (iii) shall not be reissued or renewed by such state upon the expiration thereof following application for such reissuance or renewal by such Insurance Subsidiary.

 

6.15.             Tax Lien.  A federal tax lien shall attach against the Borrowers or any Subsidiary under Section 6323 of the Code or a lien of the PBGC shall be filed against the Borrowers or any Subsidiary under Section 4068 of ERISA in an amount that would have, in the reasonable judgment of the Lenders, a Material Adverse Effect and in either case such lien shall remain undischarged for a period of 60 days after the attachment or filing, as the case may be.

 

6.16.             Enforceability Contest.  Any Borrower or Subsidiary shall contest the validity or enforceability of any Credit Document or either Borrower shall deny it has any further liability or obligation under this Agreement or any other Credit Document.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

REMEDIES

 

7.1.                Remedies.  Upon the occurrence of any Default described in Section 6.6 or Section 6.7, automatically, and upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any other Default, at the request of (or with the consent of) the Required Lenders, upon notice to the Borrowers by the Administrative Agent, (a) the Revolving Commitments, if any, of each Lender having such Revolving Commitments and the obligation of any Issuing Bank to issue, increase, amend, extend or renew any Letter of Credit shall immediately terminate; (b) each of the following shall immediately become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other requirements of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each of the Borrowers:  (i) the unpaid principal amount of and accrued interest on the Loans and Letter of Credit Borrowings, and (ii) all other Obligations; provided, the foregoing shall not affect in any way the obligations of the Lenders under Section 2.2.2(c) or Section 2.3.5; and (c) the Administrative Agent shall direct the Borrowers to pay (and the Borrowers hereby agree

 

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upon receipt of such notice, or upon the occurrence of any Default specified in Section 6.6 and Section 6.7 to pay) to the Administrative Agent Cash Collateral, to be held as security for such Borrowers’ reimbursement obligations for an Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure in respect of Letters of Credit then outstanding under arrangements acceptable to the Administrative Agent, equal to the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations at such time.  Notwithstanding anything herein or otherwise to the contrary, any Default occurring hereunder shall continue to exist (and shall be deemed to be continuing) until such time as such Default has been cured to the satisfaction of the Required Lenders or waived in writing in accordance with the terms of Section 10.3.

 

7.2.                Application of Funds.  After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 7.1 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

 

First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal, interest, Facility Fees and Letter of Credit Fees but including without limitation all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel and amounts payable under Section 2.17, Section 2.18 and Section 2.19) payable to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender;

 

Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest, Facility Fees and Letter of Credit Fees) payable to the Lenders including without limitation all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel and amounts payable under Section 2.17, Section 2.18 and Section 2.19), ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

 

Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees, Facility Fees and interest on the Loans, on the Letter of Credit Borrowings and on other Obligations ratably among such parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them; and

 

Fourth, to (a) payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and Letter of Credit Borrowings, (b) payment of breakage, termination or other amounts owing in respect of any Hedge Agreement between the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries and any Lender, to the extent such Hedge Agreement is permitted hereunder, (c) payments of amounts due under any Cash Management Agreement between the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries and any Hedge Agreement Bank, and (d) the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Banks, to Cash Collateralize that portion of the Letter of Credit Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit, ratably among such parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth payable to them; and

 

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Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrowers or as otherwise required by applicable Laws.

 

Subject to Section 2.3, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fourth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur.  If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after such Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above.

 

7.3.                Setoff.  Any Lender may exercise its lien upon and right of setoff against any monies, items, credits, deposits, or instruments that such Lender may have in its possession and which belong to any Borrower liable for the payment of any or all of the Obligations.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

AGENCY

 

8.1.                Appointment and Authority.  Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints Regions Bank to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Credit Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The provisions of this Section are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and no Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.  It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Credit Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law.  Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

 

8.2.                Rights as a Lender.  The Person serving as the Administrative 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 the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity.  Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrowers or any Subsidiary of the Borrowers or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

8.3.                Exculpatory Provisions.

 

8.3.1             No Fiduciary Duties.  The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Credit Documents, and its

 

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duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

 

(a)           shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(b)           shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Credit Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Credit Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Credit Document or applicable law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and

 

(c)           shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Credit Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrowers or any of their Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

 

8.3.2             No Liability.  The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 7.1 and 10.3) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment.  The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Unmatured Default unless and until notice describing such Unmatured Default is given to the Administrative Agent in writing by the Borrowers, a Lender or an Issuing Bank.

 

8.3.3             No Responsibility.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (a) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document, (b) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (c) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Unmatured Default, (d) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Credit Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (e) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article III or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

8.4.                Reliance by Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate,

 

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consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person.  The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon.  In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance, extension, renewal or increase of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or such Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or such Issuing Bank prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit.  The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries), independent accountants and other experts selected by it with respect to all matters pertaining to this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and its duties hereunder and thereunder, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in good faith in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

8.5.                Delegation of Duties.  The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Credit Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent; provided that the Administrative Agent’s delegation of duties to any sub-agent shall not relieve the Administrative Agent of any of its obligations under this Agreement.  The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties.  The exculpatory provisions of this Section shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and 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 Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non-appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

 

8.6.                Resignation of Administrative Agent.

 

8.6.1             Resignation.  The Administrative Agent may at any time give no less than sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrowers.  Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, with the consent of the Borrowers, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above.  Such Resignation Effective Date shall not occur until the appointment of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this Agreement.

 

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8.6.2             Removal.  If the Person servicing as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law by notice in writing to the Borrowers and such Person remove such Person as the Administrative Agent and, with the consent of the Borrowers, appoint a successor.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders (the “Removal Effective Date”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.

 

8.6.3             Successor.  With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (1) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks under any of the Credit Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and each Issuing Bank directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section.  Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Credit Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section).  The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor.  After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Credit Documents, the provisions of this Article VIII and Section 10.26 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative 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 the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

8.7.                Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders.  Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties 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 of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties 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 Credit Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

8.8.                No Other Duties, etc.  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Joint Book Managers, Joint Lead Arrangers, Co-Documentation Agents, Co-Syndication Agents or Senior Managing Agents listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties

 

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or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or an Issuing Bank hereunder.

 

8.9.                Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.  In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Borrower, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or Letter of Credit Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrowers) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(a)           to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, Letter of Credit Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent under Section 2.10 and Section 10.26) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(b)           to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and each Issuing Bank to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Section 2.10 and Section 10.26).

 

ARTICLE IX

 

BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATION

 

9.1.                Successors and Assigns Generally.  Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements made by or on behalf of the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Lenders that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns, except that neither the Borrowers nor any other Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.2, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.4 or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 9.6 (and any

 

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other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void).  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 9.4 and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

9.2.                Assignments By Lenders.  Any Lender may at any time 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 Commitments, Loans and obligations hereunder at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

9.2.1             Minimum Amounts.

 

(a)           in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s commitments and the loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

 

(b)           in any case not described in Section 9.2.1(a), the aggregate amount of the commitment (which for this purpose includes loans and obligations in respect thereof outstanding thereunder) or, if the commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $5,000,000 (and in $1,000,000 increments thereafter), unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers otherwise consent (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

9.2.2             Proportionate Amounts.  Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Commitments and Loans assigned.

 

9.2.3             Required Consents.  No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by Section 9.2.1(b) and, in addition:

 

(a)           the consent of the Borrowers (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (i) a Default shall have occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (ii) such assignment is to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrowers shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof;

 

(b)           the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments in respect of the Revolving Commitments if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender with a

 

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Revolving Commitment or an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender;

 

(c)           the consent of the Issuing Bank (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment in respect of any Revolving Commitment under which letters of credit are issued by it; and

 

(d)           the consent of the Swingline Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment in respect of any Revolving Commitment under which Swingline Loans are made by it.

 

9.2.4             Assignment and Assumption.  The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500, unless waived, in whole or in part by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.  The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

 

9.2.5             No Assignment to Borrowers, Affiliates or Subsidiaries.  No such assignment shall be made to the Borrowers or any of the Borrowers’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

 

9.2.6             No Assignment to Natural Persons.  No such assignment shall be made to a natural person.

 

9.2.7             Certain Additional Payments.  In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (a) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank, each Swingline Lender and each other Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon), and (b) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans in accordance with its Revolving Commitment Percentage.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

 

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.3, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such

 

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Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.16, 2.20.2 and 10.26 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment.  The Borrowers will execute and deliver on request, at their own expense, Notes to the assignee evidencing the interests taken by way of assignment hereunder.  Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 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 Section 9.4.

 

9.3.                Register.  The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at its office at the address set forth in Section 10.1.1 a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders shall 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.  The Register shall be available for inspection by each of the Borrowers and any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

9.4.                Participations.

 

9.4.1             Participants.  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrowers, the Issuing Banks, the Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person or the Borrowers or any of the Borrowers’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged and such Lender shall not be relieved of its obligations under the Credit Documents as a result of such participation, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note for all purposes of this Agreement, and (iv) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, 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.  For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 10.26.3 with respect to any payments made by such Lender to its Participants.

 

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in Section 10.3.2 and Section 10.3.3 that affects such Participant.

 

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9.4.2             Entitled to Certain Benefits.  The Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.17, 2.18 and 2.19 (subject to the requirements and limitations of those Sections (it being understood that the documentation required to be delivered under Section 2.19.6 shall be delivered to such Lender that has sold the participation)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 9.2; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 2.20.2 as if it were an assignee under Section 9.2.  To the extent permitted by Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.26 as though it were a Lender; provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.14 as though it were a Lender.

 

9.4.3             No Greater Payment.  A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.18 or 2.19 than the participating Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant.  Each Lender that sells a participation to a Participant agrees to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrowers, at the Borrowers’ request and expense, to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.20.2 with respect to such Participant; provided that Borrowers shall not be required to pay, and the applicable Lender shall pay, any fee or other negotiated amount which such Lender had agreed to pay to such Participant.

 

9.4.4             Participant Register.  Any Lender that sells a participation, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain a register for the recordation of the name and address of each Participant, and the principal amount (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have an obligation to disclose the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Credit Document) to any Person except in connection with claims for benefits under Sections 2.17, 2.18 or 2.19 or to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement are in registered form for tax purposes under United States Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c).  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Lender maintaining the Participant Register shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent, in its capacity as such, shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

9.4.5             Withholding.  Each Lender that sells a participation shall (i) withhold or deduct from each payment to the holder of such participation the amount of any tax required under applicable Laws to be withheld or deducted from such payment and not withheld or deducted therefrom by the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent, (ii) pay the tax so withheld or deducted by it to the appropriate taxing authority in accordance with applicable Law and (iii) indemnify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent for any losses, cost and expenses that they may incur as a result of any failure to so withhold or deduct and pay any such tax.

 

9.5.                Disclosure of Confidential Information.  Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to Section 9.2 or 9.4, disclose to such assignee or participant any information relating to the Borrowers

 

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furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrowers; provided, however, that, prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant shall agree to preserve the confidentiality of any Information received by it from such Lender.

 

9.6.                Certain Pledges.  Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender without the consent of any Person, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or any other central bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

ARTICLE X

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

10.1.             Notices.

 

10.1.1           Notices Generally.  Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in Section 10.1.2), 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 telecopier or electronic mail as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

 

(a)           if to the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers or any other Borrower, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in Appendix B:

 

(b)           if to any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number in its Administrative Questionnaire on file with the Administrative Agent.

 

Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient).  Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in Section 10.1.2 below, shall be effective as provided in Section 10.1.2.

 

10.1.2           Electronic Communications.  Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or any Issuing Bank pursuant to Article II if such Lender or such Issuing Bank has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication.  The Administrative Agent or the Borrowers may, in their discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications

 

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pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

 

10.1.3           Change of Address, Etc.  Any party hereto may change its address or telecopier number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

10.1.4           Platform.

 

(i)            Each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Communications (as defined below) available to the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders by posting the Communications on Debt Domain, Intralinks, Syndtrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “Platform”).

 

(ii)           The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.”  The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the adequacy of the Platform and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the Communications.  No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent Party in connection with the Communications or the Platform.  In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to the Borrowers or the other Borrowers, any Lender or any other Person or entity for damages of any kind, including, without limitation, direct or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrowers’ or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of communications through the Platform.  “Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Borrower pursuant to any Credit Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through the Platform.

 

10.2.             Renewal, Extension, or Rearrangement.  All provisions of this Agreement relating to Obligations shall apply with equal force and effect to each and all promissory notes executed hereafter which in whole or in part represent a renewal, extension for any period, increase, or rearrangement of any part of the Obligations originally represented by any part of such other Obligations.

 

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10.3.                                        Amendments and Waivers.

 

10.3.1                                 Required Lenders’ Consent.  Subject to Section 10.3.2 and Section 10.3.3, no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of the Credit Documents, or consent to any departure by any Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective without the written concurrence of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders; provided that (a) the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrowers only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency, so long as such amendment, modification or supplement does not adversely affect the rights of any Lender or any Issuing Bank, (b) the Fee Letters may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto, (c) no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitments, Loans and/or Letter of Credit Obligations of such Lender may not be increased, reduced or extended without the consent of such Lender, (d) each Lender is entitled to vote as such Lender sees fit on any bankruptcy reorganization plan that affects the Loans, and each Lender acknowledges that the provisions of Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States supersedes the unanimous consent provisions set forth herein and (e) the Required Lenders shall determine whether or not to allow any Borrower to use cash collateral in the context of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding and such determination shall be binding on all of the Lenders.

 

10.3.2                                 Affected Lenders’ Consent.  Without the written consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender except as provided in Section 10.3.1(c) above) that would be affected thereby, no amendment, modification, termination, or consent shall be effective if the effect thereof would:

 

(a)                                 extend the Revolving Commitment Termination Date;

 

(b)                                 waive, reduce or postpone any scheduled repayment (but not prepayment) or alter the required application of any prepayment pursuant to Section 2.12 or the application of funds pursuant to Section 7.2, as applicable;

 

(c)                                  extend the stated expiration date of any Letter of Credit, beyond the Revolving Commitment Termination Date;

 

(d)                                 reduce the principal of or the rate of interest on any Loan (other than any waiver of the imposition of the Default Rate pursuant to Section 2.9) or any fee or premium payable hereunder; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrowers to pay interest at the Default Rate or (ii) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the rate of interest on any Loan or to reduce any fee payable hereunder;

 

(e)                                  extend the time for payment of any such interest or fees;

 

(f)                                   reduce the principal amount of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any Letter of Credit, including Letter of Credit Borrowings;

 

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(g)                                  amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of this Section 10.3.2 or Section 10.3.3 or any other provision of this Agreement that expressly provides that the consent of all Lenders is required;

 

(h)                                 change the percentage of the outstanding principal amount of Loans that is required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder or amend the definition of “Required Lenders” or “Revolving Commitment Percentage” or modify the amount of the Commitment of any Lender;

 

(i)                                     release any Borrower from its obligations hereunder;

 

(j)                                    consent to the assignment or transfer by the Borrowers of any of their rights and obligations under any Credit Document (except pursuant to a transaction permitted hereunder); or

 

(k)                                 alter the reduction of Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 2.11.2 in a manner other than as specified therein.

 

10.3.3                                 Other Consents.  No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of the Credit Documents, or consent to any departure by the Borrowers therefrom, shall:

 

(a)                                 increase any Revolving Commitment of any Lender over the amount thereof then in effect without the consent of such Lender; provided, no amendment, modification or waiver of any condition precedent, covenant, Unmatured Default or Default shall constitute an increase in any Revolving Commitment of any Lender;

 

(b)                                 amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision hereof relating to the Swingline Sublimit or the Swingline Loans without the consent of the Swingline Lender;

 

(c)                                  amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision hereof affecting the rights or duties of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement without the consent of such Issuing Bank;

 

(d)                                 amend, modify, terminate or waive any obligation of Lenders relating to the purchase of participations in Letters of Credit as provided in Section 2.3.5 without the written consent of the Administrative Agent and of each Issuing Bank; or

 

(e)                                  amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of this Section 10.3 as the same applies to the Administrative Agent, or any other provision hereof as the same applies to the rights or obligations of the Administrative Agent, without the consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

10.3.4                                 Execution of Amendments, etc.  The Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, with the concurrence of any Lender, execute amendments, modifications, waivers or consents on behalf of such Lender.  Any waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.  No notice to or demand on any Borrower in any case shall entitle any Borrower to any other or further notice or demand

 

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in similar or other circumstances.  Except for actions expressly permitted to be taken by the Administrative Agent, no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, or any consent to any departure by any Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers, and by the Required Lenders or all affected Lenders, as applicable.

 

10.4.                                        Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in 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 Credit Documents and the Fee Letters, 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 Article III, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or .pdf file shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

10.5.                                        Electronic Execution of Assignments and Other Documents.  The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption or in any amendment, waiver, modification or consent relating hereto shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable Laws.

 

10.6.                                        Consent to Jurisdiction.  Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, New York 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 this Agreement or any other Credit Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto 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 court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable 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 in any other Credit Document shall affect any right that any party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document against any Borrower or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

10.7.                                        No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship.  In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Credit Document), each of the Borrowers acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (a)(i) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent and each Joint Arranger, are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrowers, on the one hand,

 

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and the Administrative Agent and each Joint Arranger, on the other hand, (ii) the Borrowers have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (iii) each of the Borrowers is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Credit Documents; (b)(i) each of the Administrative Agent, the Joint Arrangers and the Lenders is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary, for any Borrower or any of its Affiliates or any other Person and (ii) each of the Administrative Agent, the Joint Arrangers and the Lenders does not have any obligation to any Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Credit Documents; and (c) each of the Administrative Agent, the Joint Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrowers and their Affiliates, and each of the Administrative Agent, the Joint Arrangers and the Lenders does not have any obligation to disclose any of such interests to any Borrower or its Affiliates.  To the fullest extent permitted by Law, each of the Borrowers hereby waives and releases, any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent, the Joint Arrangers and the Lenders with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

 

10.8.                                        Marshalling; Payments Set Aside.  Neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Borrower or any other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Obligations.  To the extent that any Borrower makes a payment or payments to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Swingline Lender or the Lenders (or to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Issuing Banks or Lenders), or the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Lenders enforce any security interests or exercise their rights of setoff, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or setoff or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any Debtor Relief Law, any other state or federal law, common law or any equitable cause, then, to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights and remedies therefor or related thereto, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment or payments had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.

 

10.9.                                        Obligations Several; Independent Nature of Lenders’ Rights.  The obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and no Lender shall be responsible for the obligations or Revolving Commitment of any other Lender hereunder.  Nothing contained herein or in any other Credit Document, and no action taken by the Lenders pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Lenders as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity.  The amounts payable at any time hereunder to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt, and each Lender shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights arising under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and it shall not be necessary for any other Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.

 

10.10.                                 Independence of Covenants.  All covenants hereunder shall be given independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted by any of such

 

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covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to, or would otherwise be within the limitations of, another covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of an Unmatured Default or Default if such action is taken or condition exists.

 

10.11.                                 Resignation As Swingline Lender After Assignment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Regions assigns all of its Commitments and Loans pursuant to Section 9.2, Regions may, upon 30 days’ notice to the Borrowers, resign as the Swingline Lender.  In the event of any such resignation as the Swingline Lender, the Borrowers shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor Swingline Lender hereunder; provided, however, that no failure by the Borrowers to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Regions as the Swingline Lender.  If a Swingline Lender resigns as the Swingline Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swingline Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swingline Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swingline Loans pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

10.12.                                 Standard of Care: Limitation of Damages.  The Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent shall be liable to the Borrowers only for matters arising from this Agreement or otherwise related to the Obligations resulting from such Lender’s or the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction and not subject to any appeal or by settlement tantamount to such judgment, and liability for all other matters is hereby waived.  The Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent shall not in any event be liable to the Borrowers for special, punitive or consequential damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising from this Agreement or otherwise related to the Obligations.

 

10.13.                                 Incorporation of Schedules.  All Schedules and Exhibits referred to in this Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference.

 

10.14.                                 Indulgence Not Waiver.  The Lenders’, the Issuing Banks’ or the Administrative Agent’s indulgence in the existence of a default hereunder or any other departure from the terms of this Agreement shall not prejudice the Lenders’, the Issuing Banks’ or the Administrative Agent’s rights to declare a default or otherwise demand strict compliance with this Agreement.

 

10.15.                                 Cumulative Remedies.  The remedies provided the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent in this Agreement are not exclusive of any other remedies that may be available to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent under any other document or at law or equity.

 

10.16.                                 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.  All representations, warranties and agreements made herein shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and the making of any Credit Extension.  Notwithstanding anything herein or implied by law to the contrary, the agreements of each Borrower set forth in Section 2.17.3, Section 2.18, Section 2.19, Section 10.26, Section 10.27, and Section 10.19 and the agreements of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent set forth in Section 2.14, Section 8.3 and Section 10.26.3 shall survive the

 

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payment of the Loans, the cancellation, expiration or cash collateralization of the Letters of Credit, and the termination hereof.

 

10.17.                                 Usury Savings Clause.  Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the aggregate interest rate charged or agreed to be paid with respect to any of the Obligations, including all charges or fees in connection therewith deemed in the nature of interest under applicable Laws shall not exceed the Maximum Lawful Rate.  If the rate of interest (determined without regard to the preceding sentence) under this Agreement at any time exceeds the Maximum Lawful Rate, the aggregate outstanding amount of the Loans made hereunder shall bear interest at the Maximum Lawful Rate until the total amount of interest due hereunder equals the amount of interest which would have been due hereunder if the stated rates of interest set forth in this Agreement had at all times been in effect.  In addition, if when the Loans made hereunder are repaid in full the total interest due hereunder (taking into account the increase provided for above) is less than the total amount of interest which would have been due hereunder if the stated rates of interest set forth in this Agreement had at all times been in effect, then to the extent permitted by law, the Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to the difference between the amount of interest paid and the amount of interest which would have been paid if the Maximum Lawful Rate had at all times been in effect.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the intention of the Lenders and each of the Borrowers to conform strictly to any applicable usury laws.  Accordingly, if any Lender contracts for, charges, or receives any consideration which constitutes interest in excess of the Maximum Lawful Rate, then any such excess shall be cancelled automatically and, if previously paid, shall at such Lender’s option be applied to the aggregate outstanding amount of the Loans made hereunder or be refunded to each of the applicable Borrowers.  In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Lawful Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest, throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

 

10.18.                                 Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the other written agreements among the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent represent the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof, and all oral discussions and prior agreements are merged herein. Provided, if there is a conflict between this Agreement and any other document executed contemporaneously herewith with respect to the Obligations, the provisions in this Agreement shall control.

 

10.19.                                 Severability.  Should any provision of this Agreement be declared invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full effect.

 

10.20.                                 Time of Essence.  Time is of the essence of this Agreement, and all dates and time periods specified herein shall be strictly observed.

 

10.21.                                 Applicable Law.  The validity, construction and enforcement of this Agreement and all other documents executed with respect to the Obligations shall be determined according to the laws of New York, without giving effect to its principles or rules of conflict of

 

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laws to the extent such principles or rules are not mandatorily applicable by statute and would require or permit the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

 

10.22.                                 Captions Not Controlling.  Captions and headings have been included in this Agreement for the convenience of the parties, and shall not be construed as affecting the content of the respective Sections.

 

10.23.                                 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY 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 OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON 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 AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

10.24.                                 Waiver of Venue.  Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document in any court referred to in Section 10.6.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

10.25.                                 Termination.  The termination of this Agreement shall not affect any rights of the Borrowers, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the Administrative Agent or any obligation of the Borrowers, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the Administrative Agent, arising prior to the effective date of such termination, and the provisions hereof shall continue to be fully operative until all transactions entered into or rights created or obligations incurred prior to such termination have been fully disposed of, concluded or liquidated and the Obligations arising prior to or after such termination have been irrevocably paid in full.  The rights granted to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder and under the other Credit Documents shall continue in full force and effect, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement, until all of the Obligations have been paid in full after the termination hereof or the Borrowers have furnished the Lenders with an indemnification satisfactory to the Lenders with respect thereto.  All representations, warranties, covenants, waivers and agreements contained herein shall survive termination hereof until payment in full of the Obligations unless otherwise provided herein.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after receipt of any payment of all or any part of the Obligations, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Lenders are for any reason compelled to surrender such payment to any Person because such payment is determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, a diversion of trust funds or for any other reason, this Agreement shall

 

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continue in full force and the Borrowers shall be liable to, and shall indemnify and hold the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders harmless for, the amount of such payment surrendered until the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders shall have been finally and irrevocably paid in full.  The provisions of the foregoing sentence shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Lenders in reliance upon such payment, and any such contrary action so taken shall be without prejudice to the Administrative Agent’s, the Issuing Banks’ or the Lenders’ rights under this Agreement and shall be deemed to have been conditioned upon such payment having become final and irrevocable.  If on any date on which the Borrowers wish to pay the Obligations in full and terminate this Agreement, there are any outstanding Letters of Credit, the Borrowers shall, unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, make a cash prepayment to the Administrative Agent on such date in an amount equal to the then outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations, and the Administrative Agent shall hold such prepayment in an interest bearing cash collateral account in the name and under the sole control of the Administrative Agent (which account shall bear interest at the Administrative Agent’s then current rate for such accounts) as security for the Letter of Credit Obligations.  To the extent allowed by Law, such account shall not constitute an asset of the Borrowers, or any of them, subject to their rights therein under this Section 10.25.  The Administrative Agent shall from time to time debit such account for the payment of the Letter of Credit Obligations as the same become due and payable and shall promptly refund any excess funds (including interest) held in said account to the Borrowers if and when no Letter of Credit Obligations remain outstanding hereunder and all of the Obligations have been paid in full.  The Borrowers shall remain liable for any Obligations in excess of the amounts paid from such account.

 

10.26.                                 Expenses; Indemnity.

 

10.26.1                          Costs and Expenses.  The Borrowers shall pay, without duplication of any other amounts otherwise payable hereunder, (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent) in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank (including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank) in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Loans made 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 or Letters of Credit.

 

94



 

10.26.2                          Indemnification by Borrowers.  The Borrowers shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Joint Arrangers 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 reasonable and documented 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 this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or the use of the proceeds therefrom, including any of the foregoing relating to any actual or alleged presence or release of hazardous waste, substance or materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrowers or its Subsidiaries, or any environmental liability or violation of any federal, state or local environmental, health or safety law or regulation related in any way to the Borrowers or its Subsidiaries, or (iii) 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 whether or not any such claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding is brought by the Borrowers, their equity holders, their Affiliates or any other Person; provided that the Borrowers shall have no obligation hereunder to any Indemnitee with respect to such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or its Related Parties as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment or disputes that are solely between Indemnitees where the corresponding losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses do not directly relate to an act or omission by any Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

 

10.26.3                          Reimbursement by Lenders.  To the extent that the Borrowers for any reason fail to pay any amount required under Section 10.26.1 and 10.26.2 to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), any Issuing Bank or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the applicable Issuing Bank or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (in each case, 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 the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Issuing Bank in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Issuing Bank in connection with such capacity.  The obligations of the Lenders under this Section 10.26.3 are subject to the provisions of this Agreement that provide that their obligations are several in nature, and not joint and several.

 

10.26.4                          Payments.  All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days after written demand therefor (including delivery of copies of applicable invoices).

 

10.26.5                          Survival.  The provisions of this Section shall survive resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any Lender, termination of the commitments hereunder and repayment, satisfaction and discharge of the loans and obligations hereunder.

 

95



 

10.27.                                 Set Off.  If a Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank, and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrowers against any and all of the obligations of the Borrowers now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Credit Document to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or such Issuing Bank shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Credit Document and although such obligations of the Borrowers may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or such Issuing Bank different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness.  The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have.  Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks agrees to notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

10.28.                                 Treatment of Certain Information.

 

10.28.1                          Confidentiality.  Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its Related Parties on a “need to know” basis (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 required or requested by any Governmental Authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners); (c) to the extent required by applicable Law or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Credit Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Credit 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 (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement, or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to the Borrowers and their obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder; (g) with the consent of the Borrowers; or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section, or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrowers.

 

10.28.2                          Information.  For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries relating to the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank on a

 

96



 

nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries.  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.

 

10.29.                                 Patriot Act.  Each Lender and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies each Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each Borrower which information includes the name of each Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify such Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act, and each Borrower agrees to provide such information from time to time to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, as applicable.

 

10.30.                                 Agreement Amends and Restates Existing Credit Agreement.  Effective as of the Closing Date, the Existing Credit Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety by this Agreement.  The proceeds of the Loans made on the Closing Date under this Agreement shall repay any Loans outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement.  The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (a) this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, whether executed and delivered in connection herewith or otherwise, do not constitute a novation or termination of the “Obligations” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) under the Existing Credit Agreement as in effect immediately prior to the Closing Date and which remain outstanding; and (b) the “Obligations” (as amended and restated hereby and which are hereinafter subject to the terms herein) are in all respects continuing.  The promissory notes held by the Lenders to evidence the indebtedness owing by the Borrowers to the Lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement shall be retained by the Lenders in their files until this Agreement is terminated.  Amounts in respect of interest, fees and other amounts payable to or for the account of Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender, Issuing Banks and Lenders shall be calculated (i) in accordance with the provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement with respect to any period (or a portion of any period) ending prior to the Closing Date (and such amounts shall be payable to the applicable Persons a party to the Existing Credit Agreement in accordance with the Existing Credit Agreement) and (ii) in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement with respect to any period (or a portion of any period) commencing on or after the Closing Date.  On the Closing Date, each Lender shall settle with Administrative Agent so that, after giving effect to such settlement, each Lender holds its pro rata share of the outstanding Loans and of all participation interests in all Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit.

 

[signatures on following pages]

 

97



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent have executed this Agreement.

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

REGIONS BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

MIZUHO BANK, LTD.,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

MORGAN STANLEY BANK, N.A.,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

BARCLAYS BANK PLC,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

COMPASS BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

SUNTRUST BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

CADENCE BANK, N.A.,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

SYNOVUS BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

ATLANTIC CAPITAL BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

BRYANT BANK,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD.,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

 

REGIONS BANK,

 

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

(Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (the “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between the Assignor identified below (the “Assignor”) and the Assignee identified below (the “Assignee”).  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee.  The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement (including without limitation any Letters of Credit, guarantees, and Swingline Loans), and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable Law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by the Assignor to the Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the “Assigned Interest”).  Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.

 

Assignors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Assignor [is] [is not] a Defaulting Lender]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

Assignees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[for Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [identify Lender]

 

 

 

 

 

3.

 

Borrower(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

4.

 

Administrative Agent:

 

Regions Bank, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

5.

 

Credit Agreement:

 

The $1,000,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 2, 2015 among Protective Life Corporation, Protective Life Insurance Company, the Lenders parties thereto, Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, and the other agents parties thereto

 

 

 

 

 

6.

 

Assigned Interest[s]:

 

 

 

Aggregate Amount of 
Commitment/Loans
for all Lenders

 

Amount of 
Commitment/Loans
Assigned

 

Percentage
Assigned of
Commitment/Loans

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

[7.

Trade Date:

]

 

[Page break]

 



 

Effective Date:                                   , 20       [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

 

ASSIGNOR

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNEE

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 

 

[Consented to and]  Accepted:

 

[NAME OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT], as

 

 Administrative Agent

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 

 

[Consented to:]

 

 

 

[NAME OF RELEVANT PARTY]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 



 

ANNEX 1

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.                                      Representations and Warranties.

 

1.1                               Assignor[s].  The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) it is [not] a Defaulting Lender; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrowers, any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Credit Document, or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrowers, any of the Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Credit Document.

 

1.2.                            Assignee[s].  The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an Eligible Assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 



 

2.                                      Payments.  From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments of interest, fees or other amounts paid or payable in kind from and after the Effective Date to the Assignee.

 

3.                                      General Provisions.  This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption.  This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

To:                             The Lenders named in the

Credit Agreement described below

 

This Compliance Certificate is furnished pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated February 2, 2015 (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time to time, the “Agreement”) between Protective Life Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“PLC”) and Protective Life Insurance Company, a Tennessee corporation (“PLICO”; PLC and PLICO are sometimes together referred to as the “Borrowers”), the Lenders named therein and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.  Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.

 

THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES ON BEHALF OF THE BORROWERS THAT:

 

1.                                      I am the duly elected                                                                                                   of PLC.

 

2.                                      I have reviewed the terms of the Agreement and have made, or have caused to be made under my supervision, a detailed review of the transactions and conditions of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements.

 

3.                                      The examinations described in paragraph 2 did not disclose, and I have no knowledge of, the existence of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or Unmatured Default during or at the end of the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements or as of the date of this Certificate, except as set forth below.

 

4.                                      Schedule I attached hereto sets forth financial data and computations evidencing the Borrowers’ compliance with certain covenants of the Agreement, all of which data and computations are true, complete and correct.

 

Described below are the exceptions, if any, to paragraph 3 listing, in detail, the nature of the condition or event, the period during which it has existed and the action the Borrower has taken, is taking or proposes to take with respect to each such condition or event:

 

 

 



 

 

The foregoing certifications, together with the computations set forth in Schedule I hereto and the financial statements delivered with this Certificate in support hereof, are made and delivered this                    day of                       , 20        .

 

 

 

 

 

of Protective Life Corporation

 


 


 

SCHEDULE I TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Schedule of Compliance as of [Insert date of end of fiscal quarter]

with provisions of 5.12 and 5.13 of the Agreement

 

1.

Section 5.12 - Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.

Consolidated Net Worth

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.

Adjustments, if any, for (i) goodwill or intangible assets (other than value of business acquired) and (ii) unrealized net gains and losses on assets held for sale pursuant to FASB ASC 320 and other accumulated comprehensive income pursuant to FASB ASC 220

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.

Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth (A excluding B)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.

80% of PLC’s Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth as of March 31, 2015 (but in no event less than $2,600,000,000)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.

Consolidated Net Income earned after March 31, 2015 (if positive)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.

25% of E

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.

PLC’s consolidated allowance for potential future losses on investments in its investment portfolio not otherwise included for unrealized net gains and losses on assets held for sale pursuant to FASB ASC 320 and accumulated other comprehensive income pursuant to FASB ASC 220 (through the date of determination of the amount identified in E)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.

D plus F minus G

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.

C minus H

 

 

 

 

(Must be greater than or equal to 0)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complies                                                                   Does not comply                       

 

 

 



 

2.

Section 5.13 - Ratio of Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Capitalization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.

Consolidated Indebtedness

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Borrowed money, obligations secured by Liens and obligations evidenced by notes, etc.

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Deferred purchase of property or services (other than accounts payable in the ordinary course of business)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Capitalized Lease Obligations

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Letters of Credit

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Synthetic Lease Obligations

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Guaranteed Obligations

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.

Short-Term Indebtedness for advance fundings of guaranteed investment contracts, annuities and other similar insurance and investment products

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.

Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness (A minus B)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.

Consolidated Capitalization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Adjusted Consolidated Indebtedness (C)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Sum of (i) and (ii)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.

Ratio of C to D

 

:1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.

Permitted Ratio

No more than 0.4:1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complies                                     Does not comply                 

 

 

 



 

EXHIBIT C

 

CONVERSION/CONTINUATION NOTICE

 

TO:

 

Regions Bank, Administrative Agent

 

 

 

LENDERS:

 

Lenders who are parties to the Credit Agreement described below

 

 

 

DATE:

 

                        , 20       

 

 

 

BORROWER:

 

Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”) and Protective Life Insurance Company (“PLICO”; together with PLC referred to herein as the “Borrowers”)

 

This notice is delivered under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) dated February 2, 2015, between Borrowers, the Lenders named therein and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement have the same meanings when used — unless otherwise defined — in this request.

 

Borrower requests a [conversion][continuation] of a Loan under the Credit Agreement as follows:

 

Credit Date(1)

 

                 ,         

Amount of Borrowing

 

 

Portion of Borrowing to be borrowed by PLICO

 

 

Type of Borrowing(2)

 

 

For conversion to or continuation of Adjusted LIBOR

 

 

Rate Loans, the Interest Period(3)

 

months

 

Select one:

 

o                                    The proceeds of the requested Adjusted LIBOR Loan shall be applied to the payment of Borrower’s existing Base Rate Loan, this new Loan being a conversion of a Base Rate Loan to an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan.

 

 

Date:

 

 

Amount:

 

 


(1)  Next Business Day for Base Rate Loans, third following Business Day for Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans.

(2)  Adjusted LIBOR Rate or Base Rate Loan.

(3)  1, 2, 3 or 6 months.

 



 

o                                    The proceeds of the requested Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan shall be applied to the payment of the following Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, subject to all requirements of the Credit Agreement, this new Loan being a continuation of an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan as a new Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan:

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Amount:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Period:

 

 

o                                    The proceeds of the requested Base Rate Loan shall be applied to the payment of the following Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, subject to all requirements of the Credit Agreement, this new Loan being a conversion of an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan:

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Amount:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Period:

 

 

Borrower certifies that on the date hereof and on the date of the above Credit Date, after giving effect to the requested Loan, (a) all of the representations and warranties in the Credit Documents (other than Section 4.5) will be true and correct in all material respects, except for (i) those representations and warranties that were made as of a specified earlier date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct as of such earlier specified date, and (ii) changes in facts or circumstances that have previously been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and do not constitute a Default or Unmatured Default that has not otherwise been waived or cured pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Credit Agreement, (b) no Default or Unmatured Default will exist, and (c) all conditions to Borrower’s right to receive the requested Loan under the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 



 

EXHIBIT D

 

FUNDING NOTICE

 

TO:

 

Regions Bank, Administrative Agent

 

 

 

LENDERS:

 

Lenders who are parties to the Credit Agreement described below

 

 

 

DATE:

 

               , 20       

 

 

 

BORROWER:

 

Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”) and Protective Life Insurance Company (“PLICO”; together with PLC referred to herein as the “Borrower”)

 

This notice is delivered under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) dated February 2, 2015, between Borrower, the Lenders named therein and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement have the same meanings when used — unless otherwise defined — in this request.

 

Borrower requests a Loan under the Credit Agreement as follows:

 

Credit Date(1)

 

                   ,         

Amount of Borrowing

 

 

Portion of Borrowing to be borrowed by PLICO

 

 

Type of Borrowing(2)

 

 

For Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, the Interest Period(3)

 

months

 

The proceeds of the requested Revolving Loan shall be disbursed to Borrower as provided in the Credit Agreement.

 


(1)  Next Business Day for Base Rate Loans, third following Business Day for Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans.

(2)  Adjusted LIBOR Rate or Base Rate Loan.

(3)  1, 2, 3 or 6 months.

 



 

Borrower certifies that on the date hereof and on the date of the above Credit Date, after giving effect to the requested Loan, (a) all of the representations and warranties in the Credit Documents (other than Section 4.5) will be true and correct in all material respects, except for (i) those representations and warranties that were made as of a specified earlier date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct as of such earlier specified date, and (ii) changes in facts or circumstances that have previously been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and do not constitute a Default or Unmatured Default that has not otherwise been waived or cured pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Credit Agreement, (b) no Default or Unmatured Default will exist, and (c) all conditions to Borrower’s right to receive the requested Loan under the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 



 

EXHIBIT E

 

ISSUANCE NOTICE

 

Date:                      , 20         

 

To: Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent

 

Re: Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 2, 2015 (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) between Protective Life Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“PLC”), Protective Life Insurance Company, a Tennessee corporation (“PLICO”; PLC and PLICO are sometimes referred to as the “Borrower”) the Lenders named therein and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Pursuant to Section 2.3.2 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby desires a Letter of Credit to be issued by                            (the “Issuing Bank”) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement on                            , 20       (the “Credit Date”) in an aggregate face amount of $                    .  The portion of the Letter of Credit to be issued for the account of PLICO is $                    .

 

Attached hereto for each such Letter of Credit is a Letter of Credit Application.

 

The undersigned Borrower hereby represents and warrants that after issuing such Letter of Credit requested on the Credit Date, in no event shall (x) the Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Obligations exceed the Revolving Commitments then in effect, nor (y) the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit then in effect.

 

The undersigned Borrower hereby represents and warrants that each of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 3.2 of the Credit Agreement has been satisfied on and as of the date of such issuance of such Letter of Credit on the Credit Date.

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 


 


 

EXHIBIT F

 

ADDITIONAL PERMITTED LIENS

 

1.                                      Lien in favor of U.S. Bank National Association, successor in interest to Bank of America, N.A. (successor by merger to LaSalle Bank National Association), as Trustee for the registered holders of Protective Finance Corporation REMIC, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-PL, Protective Finance Corporation or either of their successors and assigns, as described in that certain UCC Financing Statement filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State on March 21, 2013 bearing filing number 113-012809, including all attachments and addenda thereto, and all continuations, extensions and renewals thereof.

 



 

EXHIBIT 2.5.2A

 

REVOLVING LOAN NOTE

 

$

 

Birmingham, Alabama

 

 

 

February 2, 2015

 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“PLC”) and PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a Tennessee corporation (“PLICO”; PLC and PLICO are sometimes together referred to as “Borrower”), hereby promise to pay, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.21 of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) with respect to PLICO, to the order of                                                (“Payee”), the sum of                                            Dollars ($                        ),or as much thereof as may be outstanding from time to time, together with interest thereon as provided in that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement of even date herewith executed by and among Borrower, Payee and the several lenders from time to time party thereto and Regions Bank, as administrative agent, as it may be amended or restated from time to time (the “Credit Agreement”).  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to those terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

This Note evidences the “Revolving Loans,” as defined in the Credit Agreement. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for the terms of payment of principal and interest hereunder, for a description of the rights of the “Administrative Agent” as defined in the Credit Agreement, to enforce this Note, and for additional provisions regarding additional payments, prepayment, draws and other terms and conditions applicable to the indebtedness evidenced by this Note.  As provided in the Credit Agreement, all remaining principal, interest and expenses outstanding hereunder or under the Credit Agreement shall become finally due on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

As provided in the Credit Agreement, interest hereunder shall be calculated based upon a 360-day year and actual days elapsed.  As also provided further in the Credit Agreement, the interest rate required hereby shall not exceed the maximum rate permissible under applicable Law, and any amounts paid in excess of such rate shall be applied to reduce the principal amount hereof or shall be refunded to the Borrower, at the option of the holder of this Note.

 

Subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow amounts hereunder from time to time, provided that Borrower is not in default hereunder or under the Credit Agreement (unless such default is waived) and provided that all conditions to Payee’s obligation to fund advances as set forth in the Credit Agreement are satisfied.  Payee shall have no liability for its refusal to advance funds hereunder following a determination that any condition precedent to the making of an advance has not been satisfied.

 

Payee’s records of the amounts advanced hereunder shall be conclusive proof thereof, absent manifest error.

 



 

All amounts due under this Note are payable in lawful money of the United States of America, at the principal place of business of the Administrative Agent in Atlanta, Georgia, or at such other address as the Administrative Agent may direct.

 

To the extent permitted by applicable Law, Borrower shall pay to the holder hereof (“Holder”) a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of any payment which is past due for a period of twelve (12) or more days, in order to cover the additional expenses incident to the handling and processing of delinquent payments.

 

The occurrence of a Default under the Credit Agreement shall constitute a Default under this Note.

 

Upon the occurrence of a Default, the Holder may, at its option and without notice (except as provided in the Credit Agreement), acting through the Administrative Agent as provided in the Credit Agreement, declare all Obligations to be presently due and payable, and Holder may enforce any remedies available to Holder under any Credit Document.  Holder may waive any default before or after it occurs and may restore this Note in full effect without impairing the right to declare it due for a subsequent default, this right being a continuing one.  Upon Default, the remaining unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced hereby and all expenses due Holder shall bear interest at the Default Rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

 

All amounts received for payment of this Note shall be applied in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

 

Borrower and all sureties, guarantors, endorsers and other parties to this Note hereby consent to any and all renewals, waivers, modifications, or extensions of time (of any duration) that may be granted by Holder with respect to this Note and severally waive demand, presentment, protest, notice of dishonor, and all other notices that might otherwise be required by law, except as set forth in the Credit Agreement.  All parties hereto waive the defense of impairment of collateral and all other defenses of suretyship, if applicable.

 

Borrower and all sureties, guarantors, endorsers and other parties hereto agree to pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and all court and other costs that Holder may incur in the course of efforts to collect the debt evidenced hereby, to the extent permitted by the Credit Agreement.

 

The validity and construction of this Note shall be determined according to the laws of New York applicable to contracts executed and performed within that state and applicable federal law.  If any provision of this Note should for any reason be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full effect.

 



 

Words used herein indicating gender or number shall be read as context may require.

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxpayer Identification Number: 95-2492236

 

 

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

Taxpayer Identification Number: 63-0169720

 



 

EXHIBIT 2.5.2B

 

SWINGLINE NOTE

 

$50,000,000

 

Birmingham, Alabama

 

 

 

February 2, 2015

 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“PLC”) and PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a Tennessee corporation (“PLICO”; PLC and PLICO are sometimes together referred to as “Borrower”), hereby promise to pay, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.21 of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) with respect to PLICO, to the order of REGIONS BANK, an Alabama banking corporation (“Payee”), the sum of Fifty Million and No/100 Dollars ($50,000,000.00), or as much thereof as may be outstanding from time to time, together with interest thereon as provided in that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement of even date herewith executed by and among Borrower, Payee and the other several lenders from time to time party thereto and Regions Bank, as administrative agent, as it may be amended or restated from time to time (the “Credit Agreement”).  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to those terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

This Note evidences the “Swingline Loans,” as defined in the Credit Agreement.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for the terms of payment of principal and interest hereunder, for a description of the rights of the “Administrative Agent” as defined in the Credit Agreement, to enforce this Note, and for additional provisions regarding additional payments, prepayment, draws and other terms and conditions applicable to the indebtedness evidenced by this Note.  As provided in the Credit Agreement, (i) all remaining principal, interest and expenses outstanding hereunder or under the Credit Agreement shall become finally due on the Termination Date, and (ii) the sum of the outstanding principal balance hereunder and under the Revolving Credit Loan may not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments at any time.

 

As provided in the Credit Agreement, interest hereunder shall be calculated based upon a 360-day year and actual days elapsed. As also provided further in the Credit Agreement, the interest rate required hereby shall not exceed the maximum rate permissible under applicable Law, and any amounts paid in excess of such rate shall be applied to reduce the principal amount hereof or shall be refunded to the Borrower, at the option of the holder of this Note.

 

Subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow amounts hereunder from time to time, provided that Borrower is not in default hereunder or under the Credit Agreement (unless such default is waived) and provided that all conditions to Payee’s obligation to fund advances as set forth in the Credit Agreement are satisfied.  Payee shall have no liability for its refusal to advance funds hereunder following a determination that any condition precedent to the making of an advance has not been satisfied.

 

Payee’s records of the amounts advanced hereunder shall be conclusive proof thereof, absent manifest error.

 



 

All amounts due under this Note are payable in lawful money of the United States of America, at the principal place of business of the Administrative Agent in Atlanta, Georgia, or at such other address as the Administrative Agent may direct.

 

To the extent permitted by applicable Law, Borrower shall pay to the holder hereof (“Holder”) a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of any payment which is past due for a period of twelve (12) or more days, in order to cover the additional expenses incident to the handling and processing of delinquent payments.

 

The occurrence of a Default under the Credit Agreement shall constitute a Default under this Note.

 

Upon the occurrence of a Default, the Holder may, at its option and without notice (except as provided in the Credit Agreement), acting through the Administrative Agent as provided in the Credit Agreement, declare all Obligations to be presently due and payable, and Holder may enforce any remedies available to Holder under any Credit Document.  Holder may waive any default before or after it occurs and may restore this Note in full effect without impairing the right to declare it due for a subsequent default, this right being a continuing one.  Upon Default, the remaining unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced hereby and all expenses due Holder shall bear interest at the Default Rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

 

All amounts received for payment of this Note shall be applied in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

 

Borrower and all sureties, guarantors, endorsers and other parties to this Note hereby consent to any and all renewals, waivers, modifications, or extensions of time (of any duration) that may be granted by Holder with respect to this Note and severally waive demand, presentment, protest, notice of dishonor, and all other notices that might otherwise be required by law, except as set forth in the Credit Agreement.  All parties hereto waive the defense of impairment of collateral and all other defenses of suretyship, if applicable.

 

Borrower and all sureties, guarantors, endorsers and other parties hereto agree to pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and all court and other costs that Holder may incur in the course of efforts to collect the debt evidenced hereby, to the extent permitted by the Credit Agreement.

 

The validity and construction of this Note shall be determined according to the laws of New York applicable to contracts executed and performed within that state and applicable federal law. If any provision of this Note should for any reason be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full effect.

 



 

Words used herein indicating gender or number shall be read as context may require.

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Richard J. Bielen

 

Title:

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Taxpayer Identification Number: 95-2492236

 

 

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Richard J. Bielen

 

Title:

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Taxpayer Identification Number: 63-0169720

 



 

EXHIBIT 2.19.6

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 2, 2015 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company, as Borrowers, Regions Bank and the several lenders from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.19 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrowers within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrowers as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN-E in connection with claiming the portfolio interest exemption.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Date:                      , 20[ ]

 

 



 

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 2, 2015 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company, as Borrowers, Regions Bank and the several lenders from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.19 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrowers within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrowers as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code].

 

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN-E in connection with claiming the portfolio interest exemption.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Date:                      , 20[ ]

 



 

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 2, 2015 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company, as Borrowers, Regions Bank and the several lenders from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.19 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrowers within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrowers as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN-E from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Date:                      , 20[  ]

 



 

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 2, 2015 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company, as Borrowers, Regions Bank and the several lenders from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.19 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrowers within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrowers as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN-E from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Date:                      , 20[  ]

 



 

SCHEDULE 4.7

 

A number of judgments have been returned against insurers, broker-dealers, and other providers of financial services involving, among other things, sales, underwriting practices, product design, product disclosure, product administration, denial or delay of benefits, charging excessive or impermissible fees, recommending unsuitable products to customers, breaching fiduciary or other duties to customers, refund or claims practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or other persons with whom the company does business, payment of sales or other contingent commissions, and other matters.  Often these legal proceedings have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive non-economic compensatory damages.  In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages, which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given legal proceeding.  Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review.  In addition, in some legal proceedings, companies have made material settlement payments.  In some instances, substantial judgments may be the result of a party’s perceived ability to satisfy such judgments as opposed to the facts and circumstances regarding the claims.

 

Group health coverage issued through associations and credit insurance coverages have received some negative publicity in the media as well as increased regulatory consideration and review and litigation.  The Company has a small closed block of group health insurance coverage that was issued to members of an association. A number of lawsuits and investigations regarding the method of paying claims have been initiated against life insurers.  The Company offers payment methods that may be similar to those that have been the subject of such lawsuits and investigations.

 

The Company, like other financial services companies in the ordinary course of business, is involved in legal proceedings and regulatory actions.  The occurrence of such matters may become more frequent and/or severe when general economic conditions have deteriorated.  The Company may be unable to predict the outcome of such matters and may be unable to provide a reasonable range of potential losses.  Given the inherent difficulty in predicting the outcome of such matters, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain such matters could be material to the Company’s results for any particular reporting period.

 

The financial services and insurance industries are sometimes the target of law enforcement and regulatory investigations relating to the numerous laws and regulations that govern such companies.  Some companies have been the subject of law enforcement or other actions resulting from such investigations.  Resulting publicity about one company may generate inquiries into or litigation against other financial service providers, even those who do not engage in the business lines or practices at issue in the original action.  It is impossible to predict the outcome of such investigations or actions, whether they will expand into other areas not yet contemplated, whether they will result in changes in regulation, whether activities currently thought to be lawful will be characterized as unlawful, or the impact, if any, of such scrutiny on the financial services and insurance industry or the Company.  From time to time, the Company

 



 

receives subpoenas, requests, or other inquires and responds to them in the ordinary course of business.

 

On June 3, 2014, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (“Dai-ichi”) and DL Investment (Delaware), Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi which provides for the merger of DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi.

 

Since the entry into the Merger Agreement on June 3, 2014, four lawsuits have been filed against the Company, our directors, Dai-ichi and DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. on behalf of alleged Company shareowners.  On June 11, 2014, a putative class action lawsuit styled Edelman, et al. v. Protective Life Corporation, et al., Civil Action No. 01-CV-2014-902474.00, was filed in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.  On July 30, 2014, the plaintiff in Edelman filed an amended complaint.  Three putative class action lawsuits were filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, Martin, et al. v. Protective Life Corporation, et al., Civil Action No. 9794-CB, filed June 19, 2014, Leyendecker, et al. v. Protective Life Corporation, et al., Civil Action No. 9931-CB, filed July 22, 2014 and Hilburn, et al. v. Protective Life Corporation, et al., Civil Action No. 9937-CB, filed July 23, 2014.  The Delaware Court of Chancery consolidated the Martin, Leyendecker, and Hilburn actions under the caption In re Protective Life Corp. Stockholders Litigation, Consolidated Civil Action No. 9794-CB, designated the Hilburn complaint as the operative consolidated complaint (the “Delaware Action”) and appointed Charlotte Martin, Samuel J. Leyendecker, Jr., and Deborah J. Hilburn to serve as co-lead plaintiffs.  These lawsuits allege that our Board of Directors breached its fiduciary duties to our shareowners, that the Merger involves an unfair price, an inadequate sales process, and unreasonable deal protection devices that purportedly preclude competing offers, and that the preliminary proxy statement filed with the SEC on July 10, 2014 failed to disclose purportedly material information.  The complaints also alleged that the Company, Dai-ichi and DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. aided and abetted those alleged breaches of fiduciary duties.  The complaints seek injunctive relief, including enjoining or rescinding the Merger, and attorneys’ and other fees and costs, in addition to other relief.  The Delaware Action also seeks an award of unspecified damages.

 

With respect to the Edelman lawsuit, on September 5, 2014, the court held a hearing to address motions to dismiss the lawsuit filed on behalf of the Company, the members of the Company’s Board, and DL Investment (Delaware), Inc.  On September 19, 2014, the court granted those motions and dismissed the Edelman lawsuit in its entirety and with prejudice, pending a possible appeal by the plaintiff.  With respect to the Delaware Action, on September 24, 2014, the Company, each of the members of the Company’s Board, Dai-ichi, and DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) with the plaintiffs in that case, which sets forth the parties’ agreement in principle for a settlement of the Delaware Action.  As set forth in the MOU, the Company, the members of the Company’s Board, Dai-ichi, and DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. agreed to the settlement solely to eliminate the burden, expense, distraction, and uncertainties inherent in further litigation, and without admitting any liability or wrongdoing.  The MOU contemplates that the parties will seek

 



 

to enter into a stipulation of settlement providing for the certification of a mandatory non opt-out class, for settlement purposes only, to include any and all record and beneficial owners of shares (excluding the members of the Company’s Board and their immediate family members, any entity in which any member of the Company’s Board has a controlling interest, and any successors in interest thereto) that held shares at any time during the period beginning on June 3, 2014, through the date of consummation or termination of the proposed Merger, including any and all of their respective successors in interest, successors, predecessors in interest, representatives, trustees, executors, administrators, heirs, assigns, or transferees, immediate and remote, and any person or entity acting for or on behalf of, or claiming under, any of them, together with their predecessors, successors and assigns, and a global release of claims relating to the Merger as set forth in the MOU.  As part of the settlement, the Company agreed to make certain additional disclosures related to the Merger which are set forth in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2014 and which supplement the information contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on August 25, 2014, as amended on August 27, 2014.  Nothing in the Form 8-K or any stipulation of settlement shall be deemed an admission of the legal necessity or materiality of any of the disclosures set forth in the Form 8-K.  The claims in the Delaware Action will not be released until the stipulation of settlement is approved by the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.  The settlement will not affect the consideration to be received by the Company stockholders in connection with the Merger.  There can be no assurance that the parties to the Delaware Action will ultimately enter into a stipulation of settlement or that the court will approve such settlement even if the parties were to enter into such stipulation, or the extent to which attorneys’ fees and expenses will be awarded to the plaintiffs’ counsel.  The Company cannot provide assurances as to the ultimate settlement of the Delaware Action or with respect to any lawsuits regarding the Merger that may be filed in the future.

 

For the purposes of this Schedule the “Company” refers to Protective Life Corporation and/or its subsidiaries, as context requires.

 



 

SCHEDULE 4.8

 

SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES

 

Name of Significant
Subsidiary

 

State of
Incorporation

 

Percentage Stock
Owned by Borrower
or Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protective Life Insurance Company

 

Tennessee

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Coast Life Insurance Company

 

Nebraska

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONY Life Insurance Company

 

New York

 

100

%

 



 

APPENDIX A

 

Revolving Commitment Amounts and Percentages

 

Institution Name

 

Revolving 
Commitment

 

Revolving 
Commitment
Percentage

 

Regions Bank

 

$

90,000,000

 

9.00

%

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

85,000,000

 

8.50

%

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

 

85,000,000

 

8.50

%

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.

 

66,000,000

 

6.60

%

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

 

80,000,000

 

8.00

%

Barclays Bank PLC

 

65,000,000

 

6.50

%

U.S. Bank National Association

 

65,000,000

 

6.50

%

Compass Bank

 

50,000,000

 

5.00

%

Fifth Third Bank

 

50,000,000

 

5.00

%

PNC Bank, National Association

 

50,000,000

 

5.00

%

The Bank of New York Mellon

 

40,000,000

 

4.00

%

Branch Banking and Trust Company

 

40,000,000

 

4.00

%

KeyBank National Association

 

40,000,000

 

4.00

%

SunTrust Bank

 

40,000,000

 

4.00

%

Cadence Bank, N.A.

 

30,000,000

 

3.00

%

Citibank, N.A.

 

30,000,000

 

3.00

%

The Northern Trust Company

 

30,000,000

 

3.00

%

Synovus Bank

 

30,000,000

 

3.00

%

Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.

 

14,000,000

 

1.40

%

Atlantic Capital Bank

 

10,000,000

 

1.00

%

Bryant Bank

 

10,000,000

 

1.00

%

TOTAL

 

$

1,000,000,000

 

100

%

 



 

APPENDIX B

 

Addresses

 

Administrative Agent’s Principal Office

 

Regions Bank

Attention:  David A. Simmons

1900 5th Avenue North

Upper Lobby, Regions Center

Birmingham, AL 35203

 

Tel:  205.326.5924

Fax:  205.325.5170

Email:  david.simmons@regions.com

 

Syndicate Services

Attention:  Kelli Jones

1180 West Peachtree Street NW

Suite 1400

Atlanta, GA 30309

 

Tel:  404.279.7477

Fax:  404.995.7665

Email:  kelli.jones@regions.com

 

Lenders’ Principal Offices

 

Atlantic Capital Bank

Preston McDonald

3280 Peachtree Road NE

Suite 1600

Atlanta, GA 30305

 

Tel:  404.995.5845

Fax:  404.995.6070

Email:  preston.mcdonald@atlcapbank.com

 



 

The Bank of New York Mellon

Adim Offurum

The Bank of New York Mellon

One Wall Street

New York, New York 10286

 

Tel:  212.635.6208

Fax:  212.635.8541

Email:  adim.offurum@bnymellon.com

 

Back-up Contact:

Lizanne Eberle

 

Tel:  212.635.6475

Fax:  212.635.8541

Email:  lizanne.eberle@bnymellon.com

 

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.

Tsuyoshi Yoshida

1251 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

 

Tel:  212.782.4133

Fax:  212.782.6437

Email:  tsyoshida@us.mufg.jp

 

Barclays Bank PLC

Alicia Borys

745 Seventh Avenue

27th Floor

New York, NY 10019

 

Tel:  202.526.4291

Fax:  212.526.5115

Email:  alicia.borys@barclays.com

 

Branch Banking and Trust Company

BJ Wilson

271 17th Street NW, Suite 700

Atlanta, GA 30363

 

Tel:  404.214.3373

Fax:  404.442.5213

Email:  bwilson@bbandt.com

 



 

Bryant Bank

Jeremy Tuggle

2700 Cahaba Village Plaza

Birmingham, AL 35243

 

Tel:  205.968.3354

Fax:  205.969.5805

Email:  jeremy.tuggle@bryantbank.com

 

Cadence Bank, N.A.

Caldwell Marks

17 North 20th Street

Birmingham, AL  35203

 

Tel:  205.327.3461

Fax:  205.488.3320

Email:  caldwell.marks@cadencebank.com

 

Citibank, N.A.

Robert Chesley

388 Greenwich Street, 35th Floor

New York, NY 10013

 

Tel:  212.816.5706

Fax:  646.495.9200

Email:  robert.chesley@citi.com

 

Compass Bank

Mark Taylor

16 South 20th Street

Suite 201

Birmingham, AL 35233

 

Tel:  205.297.1446

Fax:  205.524.0385

Email:  mark.taylor@bbva.com

 

Fifth Third Bank

Amanda Johnston

2501 Blue Ridge Rd. Ste. 190

Raleigh, NC 27607

 

Tel:  919.573.1902

Fax:  513.358.3480

Email:  amanda.johnston@53.com

 



 

KeyBank National Association

James Cribbet

127 Public Square

Cleveland, OH 44114

 

Tel:  216.689.4926

Fax:  216.370.5997

Email:  james_cribbet@keybank.com

 

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

Diane Ferguson

1251 Avenue of Americas

New York, NY 10020

 

Tel:  212.282.3449

Fax:  212.282.4488

Email:  diane.ferguson@mizuhocbus.com

 

Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.

Harry Comninellis

750 Seventh Avenue

11th Floor

New York, NY  10019

 

Tel:  212.761.3489

Fax:   212.507.3203

Email:  harry.comninellis@morganstanley.com

 

The Northern Trust Company

Peter Hallan

50 South LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL  60603

 

Tel:  312.444.2434

Fax:  312.444.4906

Email:  ph48@ntrs.com

 

PNC Bank, National Association

Nicole Limberg

1 N. Franklin

Chicago, IL 60606

 

Tel:  312.384.4650

Fax:  877.735.7312

Email:  nicole.limberg@pnc.com

 



 

Regions Bank

David A. Simmons

1900 5th Avenue North

Upper Lobby, Regions Center

Birmingham, AL 35203

 

Tel:  205.326.5924

Fax:  205.325.5170

Email:  david.simmons@regions.com

 

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Toshiyasu Wakasaki

277 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10172

 

Tel:  212.224.4185

Fax:  212.593.9514

Email:  toshiyasu.wakasaki@smbcgroup.com

 

SunTrust Bank

Paula Mueller

3333 Peachtree Street NE

7th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30326

 

Tel:  404.439.9611

Fax:  404.989.9589

Email:  paula.mueller@suntrust.com

 

Synovus Bank

Anne Lovette

800 Shades Creek Parkway

Birmingham, Alabama 35209

 

Tel:  205.868.4806

Fax:  205.868.4749

Email:  annelovette@synovus.com

 

U.S. Bank National Association

Frank Ahlborn
214 N. Tryon Street

26th Floor

Charlotte, NC 28202

 

Tel:  612.344.8228

Fax:  920.237.7993
Email:  frank.ahlborn@usbank.com

 



 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Karen Hanke

301 South College Street

Charlotte, NC 28288

 

Tel:  704.715.9840

Fax:  303.863.2729

Email:  karen.hanke@wellsfargo.com

 

Borrower’s Principal Office

 

Protective Life Corporation

2801 Highway 280 South

Birmingham, Alabama 35223

 

Tel:  205.268.5511

Fax:  205.268.3642

Email:  lance.black@protective.com

 

Protective Life Insurance Company

2801 Highway 280 South

Birmingham, Alabama 35223

 

Tel:  205.268.5511

Fax:  205.268.3642

Email:  lance.black@protective.com

 




Exhibit 99.1

 

Protective Announces Completion of Acquisition By Dai-ichi Life

 

Release Date:

Sunday, February 1, 2015 4:01 pm EST

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Protective Life Corporation (NYSE: PL) (“Protective”) today announced the completion of the acquisition of Protective by The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited (“Dai-ichi Life”) in accordance with the terms of the previously announced Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 3, 2014, among Protective, Dai-ichi Life and DL Investment (Delaware), Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life. As a result of the merger, each outstanding share of common stock of Protective was converted into the right to receive $70 per share in cash, and Protective has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life. Protective common stock has ceased trading, and will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Stockholders can visit www.protective.com for further information, including information regarding the payment of merger consideration.

 

ABOUT DAI-ICHI LIFE

 

The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited (TSE:8750) is the second largest private life insurance company in Japan as measured by total assets as of March 31, 2014.

 

Founded on September 15, 1902, Dai-ichi Life was the oldest mutual insurance company in Japan until it was demutualized and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on April 1, 2010.

 

As of March 31, 2014, total assets were ¥37.7 trillion (USD$366.3 billion) on a consolidated basis. Based in Tokyo, Dai-ichi Life has approximately 67,000 employees and 1,345 sales offices throughout Japan. It also has overseas life insurance businesses in Vietnam, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and India as well as offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

 

For more information about Dai-ichi Life, please visit: http://www.dai-ichi-life.co.jp/english/.

 

ABOUT PROTECTIVE

 

Protective Life Corporation is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PL. The Company provides financial services through the production, distribution and administration of insurance and investment products throughout the U.S. It has annual revenues of approximately $4.0 billion and as of December 31, 2013 had assets of approximately $68.8 billion.

 

For more information on Protective, please visit www.protective.com.

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

Statements in this press release that relate to future results and events are forward-looking statements based on the Company’s current expectations. Actual results and events in future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements because of a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements.

 



 

Actual events may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements represent the Company’s views as of the date on which such statements were made. Subsequent events and developments could cause the Company’s views to change. Although the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. Additional factors that may cause events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2014, under the heading “Item 1A—Risk Factors and Cautionary Factors that May Affect Future Results,” and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K filed with the SEC by the Company.

 

Contact:

The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited
Investor Relations Center
Corporate Planning Department
+81 50 3780 6930
or
Protective Life Corporation
Eva Robertson, 205-268-3912
Vice President, Investor Relations

 


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